Alopecia / Hair loss

Article on Techniques for Preventing & Treating Alopecia

There are many effective ways to slow hair loss, strengthen existing hair, and in some cases stimulate regrowth. Treatment works best when multiple approaches are combined and followed consistently over time. Hair loss treatment requires consistency and patience. Most therapies take 3–6 months before noticeable improvement, and ongoing maintenance is usually required to sustain results.

1. Foundational Treatments (Most Important)

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

  • Required for almost all patients

  • Use 5–7% foam or serum, once or twice daily as directed

  • Helps slow hair loss and support regrowth

  • Must be used long-term to maintain results

Biotin

  • Take Biotin 5,000 mcg daily

  • Supports hair strength and quality

  • Biotin = Vitamin B7; sometimes listed as B7 or B8

2. In-Clinic Scalp Treatments

These treatments work best when combined with micro-needling:

Growth-Enhancing Injections / Topicals

  • Exosomes (Derive) – advanced regenerative treatment

  • NCTF (nutrient cocktail) – vitamins, amino acids, minerals

  • Can be applied:

    • After micro-needling

    • With mesotherapy needles

    • With MicronJet intradermal needles

PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin)

  • Only effective if hair follicles are still present

  • Typically 3–4 sessions, spaced 3–4 weeks apart

  • Improvement is gradual

3. Micro-needling

  • Depth: 0.5–1.5 mm

  • No heat-based devices (radio-frequency heat can damage hair follicles)

  • Can be combined with:

4. Shampoos & Scalp Care (Long-Term Use Required)

These help reduce DHT, a hormone that contributes to hair thinning.

Recommended Ingredients:

  • Ketoconazole (Nizoral 2%) shampoo

    • Leave on scalp 2 minutes before rinsing

    • Use 2–3 times per week (or as directed)

  • Saw Palmetto (found in some shampoos)

  • Plant-based/mineral shampoos (e.g., Routine Wellness)

Avoid:

  • Sulfates

  • Parabens

5. Scalp Oils (Supportive, Not Standalone)

These can improve scalp health and circulation:

  • Lavender oil promotes hair growth

  • Rosemary oil improves scalp circulation

  • Pumpkin seed oil helps reduce DHT production

  • Tea tree oil reduces fungal overgrowth and scalp irritation

6. Red Light Therapy (LED)

  • Red light does work, but only with consistent, long-term use

  • Results will fade if treatment is stopped

  • Options:

7. Retinoids

  • Retinoids applied up to the hairline may help stimulate growth in some patients

  • Should be used carefully and as directed

8. Oral Medication for Women: Spironolactone

For androgenic (hormonal) hair loss only

What it does:

  • Helps prevent further hair loss

  • Does not typically cause dramatic regrowth

  • Works best when combined with Minoxidil

Dosing:

  • Start at 25 mg nightly

  • Can increase to 100–200 mg nightly, if tolerated

  • Improvement may take up to 6 months

Who it’s for:

  • Androgenic hair loss

  • PCOS-related hair loss

  • Menopausal hair loss

Not effective for:

  • Stress-related hair loss

  • Chemotherapy-related hair loss

  • Nutritional deficiency hair loss

Possible Side Effects:

  • Fatigue or drowsiness

  • Increased urination

  • Lower blood pressure

  • Requires monitoring of kidney function and electrolytes

9. Bloodwork (To Identify Contributing Causes)

Recommended labs may include:

  • CBC, Iron, Ferritin

  • Electrolytes, Liver function tests

  • Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T4, T3)

  • Vitamin B12

  • Vitamin D

  • Inflammatory markers (ANA, ESR)

  • PSA (when indicated)

10. Foods to Limit or Avoid:

  • Junk food

  • Sugar and high-glycemic foods

  • Diet soda

  • Alcohol

  • Fish high in mercury

  • Raw egg whites

A balanced, nutrient-dense diet supports healthier hair growth.

11. New Medication for Alopecia Areata

  • Deuruxolitinib (Lequseli)

  • Oral medication for alopecia areata

  • 8 mg once daily appears more effective than higher single doses

  • Must be prescribed and monitored by a physician