How to Stop Hair Loss (15 Surefire Methods for Men and Women)

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more

Hair loss is the sad reality of aging. The extent of hair loss varies, but one thing is constant – many men and women in the US experience hair loss before they clock forty. And though the causes of baldness are mostly without our control, there are methods, procedures, and treatments that help in slowing down the process and triggering hair growth.

In this piece, we shall share a host of surefire solutions for hair loss. But before that, it’s important to understand hair loss at the primary level, including its causes.

Reasons Why Men and Women Lose Hair

If you are experiencing hair loss, you are probably wondering why it is happening to you. And before your self-esteem goes out the window, there are lots of reasons why your hairline is shying away. And unfortunately, you do not have control over most of these causes.

MPB (Male Pattern Baldness)

This is a dreaded terminology among men. Scientists call it androgenetic alopecia, and it describes how men lose hair as they age. Some of the common causes of MPB include aging, hormones, and genetics (as we pointed out, factors that are entire without your control).

• Genetics – if your father or grandfather (from either side) had male pattern baldness, there is a high chance you will experience it as well. The genes you carry are passed down from generation to generation. So while your father’s side may not have a gene for MPB, your mother’s side might have it, and hence you will experience hair loss.
• Hormones – hormones do a lot of work to keep our bodies functioning normally and reacting to different stimuli as expected. However, there’s one particular hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which plays a massive role in MPB. Every man who experiences hair loss has hair follicles that are super sensitive to DHT. When the body converts testosterone to DHT, the hair follicles shrink. As a result, hair grows thinner and ultimately stops growing.
• Note: at this point, we should make one thing clear. Having DHT doesn’t mean that your blood is flooded with testosterone (hence manlier) than other men. It only means that your hair is more sensitive to hormones than that of other men.
• Age – this doesn’t come as a shock for many men. As humans grow older, their body begins to function below optimum levels. Even those who take excellent care of their bodies notice some change with time. For men, one of the changes is hair loss.
• Lifestyle factors – some factors including alcohol abuse, stress smoking, medication, and nutrition can increase the risk of hair loss. Some medicines like antidepressants, high-blood pressure medication, cholesterol-lowering drugs, non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication, and weight loss drugs can cause hair thinning.

Women and Hair Loss

Women experience hair loss the same way that men do. This means that hair loss is also caused by DHT as well. Yes, women have it too, though at low levels. Because of this, some women experience baldness with age.

For most women baldness kicks in when they hit menopause. When this happens, their estrogen levels reduce, and their hormones are thrown out of balance leading to higher levels of DHT. But aside from this, other factors including; anemia, stress, pregnancy, poor nutrition, an over-active immune system, and Polycystic Ovarian syndrome can contribute to hair loss in women.

Though both men and women experience hair loss, it’s more common in men than women. Actually, according to experts, women are 30% less likely to experience hair loss because of the reduced levels of DHT. Also, hair loss in women is less pronounced than in men.

But regardless of the extent of hair loss, women too want to know how they can put a stop to hair loss. So without further ado, below is a list of options you can explore to treat hair loss.

15 Methods to Use against Hair Loss

1. Use Minoxidil to Regrow Hair

Sure, there are many forms of treatments for hair loss, but there’s no list that is complete without Minoxidil. It also goes by the name Rogaine. Over the years, it has worked for many men by stimulating hair growth. And the fact that it is FDA-approved makes it the first choice for most.

But it did not get to this top position by mistake. Minoxidil was first developed in the early 1950s. At the time, it was medicine for high blood pressure. But it was discovered that alongside treating high blood pressure, it also stimulated hair growth on the scalp and all over the body.

Generally, it is believed to improve blood flow to the hair follicles which means they get more nutrients and oxygen necessary for healthy growth. But though experts aren’t 100% that this is what happens behind the scenes, some studies show it is a legitimate hair loss treatment in men and women.

As the leading and most common hair loss treatment, we should stress that it was among the first drugs to be approved by the FDA in its category. Also, you don’t need a prescription to get it. But you should ensure you get the right kind because it comes with varying strengths depending on gender (or men it’s much stronger).

If you would love to try Minoxidil treatment for your hair loss, you should consider Men’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam for Hair Loss and Regrowth and Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam for Hair Loss and Thinning.

2. Lipogaine

Lipogaine is yet another treatment that helps in slowing down hair loss in both men and women. It comes with 5% Minoxidil. Though you might think it is a small percentage, it’s the industry standard, and it’s a strong dose. In addition to stopping hair loss, it helps in stimulating hair regrowth and blocks DHT.

Below are some Lipogaine products we love.

Lipogaine for Men

In addition to the 5% Minoxidil, Lipogaine for Men also contains a blend of special herbs which block DHT and stimulate hair growth. These ingredients include Biotin, saw palmetto extract, niacin, linolenic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12. All of these ingredients serve a purpose against hair loss. For instance, Biotin stimulates the growth of healthy hair while niacin improves blood flow to the hair follicles and linolenic acid is a fatty acid that compliments Biotin in stimulating hair growth.

Because Lipogaine includes vitamins, you do not have to purchase additional supplements to help with hair loss.

Lipogaine for Women

This product version works just like that for men but with slight alterations. To help prevent hair loss and hair thinning, Lipogaine for women comes with 5% Minoxidil, saw palmetto, and Ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is important because it inhibits DHT and also fights against the fungus that prevents hair growth. Moreover, it features linolenic and oleic acids.

3. Propecia for Stimulating Hair Growth and Blocking DHT

Propecia is also called Dutasteride or Finasteride in some pharmacies. It is a good solution for hair loss in men. This product works its magic by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT. According to some studies, Propecia is 70% effective in this.

But like Minoxidil, it did not start as a hair loss treatment. It was first used for prostate problems. Now, before settling on this product, we should point out that it has some side effects in 1% of all men that use it. It might cause reduced libido or erectile dysfunction. But with the chances being 1%, you’ve got nothing to worry about.

Note: this product is only for men. For pregnant women, it can result in birth defects.

4. Transplants

Hair transplants have been around for quite some time. Though you might not know anyone who has undergone the process, you’ve seen it on TV shows. Whichever the case, a hair transplant is an effective but expensive treatment for hair loss. The process involves relocating healthy patches of skin from sections of the scalp that have healthy hair follicles to areas with blocked hair follicles.

With this treatment, things get worse before they start getting better. Picture this, after the transplant; the hair falls off after a couple of weeks only for the relocated hair follicles to sprout new hair several months down the line.

Currently, there are two types of hair transplant procedures you can consider. They include;

• Follicular unit extraction (FUE) – this method involves transplanting individual hair follicles and results in less scarring
• Follicular unit transplantation (FUT)

5. Caffeine for Hair Loss

For most people, caffeine is perfect for every morning. It kicks starts your day and helps your stay alert throughout the day. But caffeine is so much more than that – it also helps in alleviating hair loss.

If you are a skeptic, some studies back these claims. According to experts, when you apply caffeine to your scalp, you improve the life of the hair follicles and encourage the growth of healthy hair.

At this point, we should point out that we are not talking of caffeine in your morning cup of coffee, but caffeine compounds created for topical application for scalp nourishment. And though there are several products marketed as the ‘best’, the one we found to be most effective is the Ultrax Labs Hair Surge Caffeine Hair Loss and Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo. It is great for both men and women. Aside from caffeine, it also comes with saw palmetto and Ketoconazole, which are powerful ingredients that aid in treating hair loss.

This shampoo is presented as a complete hair loss prevention product. It delivers nourishment to hair follicles and ensures that they remain in place for healthy hair growth. You can opt to use the shampoo in place of your regular shampoo or alongside your regular shampoo. Whichever the case, you should use it at least five days a week.

6. Nizoral A-D

Having hair is a good thing. However, there is the possibility of having dandruff. Dandruff can be aggravating and quite honestly embarrassing. It is caused by several factors including oily and irritated skin, not using enough shampoo, dry skin, and some medical conditions, including psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

But the good news is that dandruff aside from being embarrassing, can not cause hair loss. Moreover, it’s easy to treat dandruff, and the market is flooded with great shampoos designed to achieve this. Among some of the best shampoos in the industry include Nizoral’s A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. This product not only helps against dandruff but also helps in stimulating hair growth and preventing hair loss courtesy of Ketoconazole.

If you suffer from thinning hair and dandruff, Nizoral A-D will help you fight off both problems. However, it is not advisable to use it daily. The instructions recommend using it twice every week for two months to see results.

7. Vitamins

Being a part of your body, your hair needs the same nutrients other body cells need to survive and thrive. There are lots of studies that show the link between vitamin deficiencies, hair loss, and poor hair growth. It is because of this link that there are many hair growth supplements on the market.

HairAnew is one such supplement that is effective against hair loss. It is a capsule that stimulates hair growth and also helps improve skin and nail health in the process. In this piece, we shall focus our sights on its role in hair loss.

• First and foremost, HairAnew is a vegan product. It doesn’t contain animal products and lacks collagen. Additionally, it is free of soy and gluten.
• The list of ingredients in HairAnew includes vitamins necessary for hair stimulation and growth, including Biotin. This vitamin helps in the growth of healthy hair as well as regulating blood sugars.
• HairAnew also contains Vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and zinc. These ingredients collectively work to support the growth of healthy hair.
• With the combination of ingredients listed above, HairAnew addresses all nutritional deficiencies that plague men and women as a result of their lifestyle.
  HairAnew delivers great results. The manufacturers believe in it so much that they offer a money-back guarantee if you do not get results within 30 days. To experience the said results, you should take about two capsules a day.

8. Blocking DHT with Supplements

It’s difficult to talk about men’s hair loss without touching on DHT. Though it sounds like a simple acronym, it is a hormone with a long scientific name and with an even greater role in hair loss.
DHT stands for dihydrotestosterone. It is the hormone in men responsible for their manly features, including facial hair, high muscle mass, and a deep voice. DHT also plays a vital role in the development of the male reproductive organs, including the penis and testicles during fetal development.

But besides this, DHT is still the culprit for male pattern baldness in men. It causes the hair follicles to shrink in time and eventually causes hair loss. According to some studies, more than 50% of men in the US experience hair loss as a result of DHT.

So how do you solve this? Simple, using DHT blocker products like Advanced Trichology DHT Blocker with Immune Support. Just like HairAnew, this DHT Blocker is more of a dietary supplement packaged as a capsule.

And aside from addressing hair loss caused by DHT, the blocker also helps in preventing other problems including fungus, bacteria, poor nutrition, and stress (all factors that can lead to hair loss as well). And the beauty of this product is that it can be used by both men and women (especially women who experience hair loss after using birth control tablets or undergoing hormone therapy).

Speaking of women, this DHT blocker helps in improving metabolism, reducing bloating, and stabilizing hormonal health. The product is vegan and is free of gluten. It includes ingredients like green tea extract, saw palmetto, grapefruit seed extract, pumpkin seed extract, and zinc.

And last but not least, its manufacturers back it up with a money-back guarantee in case it does not yield positive results within 120 days of receiving the refund. The manufacturer recommends taking two capsules every morning and evening.

9. Spironolactone

Spironolactone is another DHT blocker that comes in two forms, including topical and a pill. It can treat both male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness.

10. Laser Technology for Hair Growth

Technology has grown immensely over the years and has left no industry untouched, including health. In regards to hair loss treatments, technology grants us low-level laser hair therapy. This technology is administered through laser combs and helmets. Currently, one of the most popular hairs loss laser treatments is the iRestore Laser Hair Growth System. This system includes plastic helmet lights and lasers. And though you will look dorky and a little weird, iRestore will deliver results. Many who have gone through the system can attest to this. Moreover, the FDA approves its use across the US.

Many customers have positive things to say about this laser treatment. But what does science have to say? Does it work? Well, there is a heated debate on this, especially with the use of combs and hair helmets. But what most seem to agree on is the fact that when you couple this laser treatment with other hair loss treatments like Rogaine and Minoxidil, the results of the treatment are enhanced.

How does the treatment work? We shall not bore you with all the scientific jargon. So we shall keep it short and to the point. The iRestore Hair Growth System features medical grades lasers and LED lights.

These emit energy to the hair follicles and cause a spike in cell metabolism. The energy shot at the scalp also stimulates hair growth. The procedure is safe and does not burn the scalp, but you should take precautions and not look directly into the lasers.

The number one advantage of using the helmets as opposed to laser combs is that there is no hand movement required (hand motion can be a true inconvenience not to mention tiring). Aside from this, the helmet allows you to carry on with your daily routine, including Netflix and chill as you have the laser helmet, and hair growth stimulating session. The whole session lasts for about 25 minutes.

You can have an iRestore session once every two days. And if you do not experience noticeable results within six months, you get your money back. You can opt to use it alone or alongside other products.

11. Derma Rollers

This method started as a skincare treatment but eventually evolved into a hair loss treatment. So what is it? Simply put, it’s a plastic roller with tiny needles on it. You use it by rolling it on the skin and your scalp. The small needles then make tiny incisions into your skin without causing bruises. The incisions are so tiny that you experience minimal pain.

The theory behind this treatment is that the small incisions on the skin will trigger the skin to heal and in the process, increase the production of collagen and nutrient absorption. With increased nutrient absorption and collagen production, hair growth will improve over time. You can combine this treatment with Minoxidil for even better results.

People have mixed feelings about the results they experience with derma rollers. Some swear they don’t do anything for their hair loss and others say they notice some change. While there is an ongoing debate on this, our advice is that you should at least try it for yourself because different people respond differently to these treatments depending on the underlying cause of their hair loss.

12. Scalp Micropigmentation

This is a procedure that has been gaining popularity in the past couple of years. It includes microneedles adding pigmentation to the scalp. You can think of it as a tattoo on your scalp. The idea is to create the illusion of having hair follicles on your scalp as opposed to having a shiny bald scalp.

The microneedles inject pigment into the skin. You will need three sessions to complete the treatment and to have the ‘tattoo’ look more like hair follicles. No, the procedure doesn’t promote hair growth.

13. Essential Oil for Hair Growth

Essential oils have varied uses. Some of the essential oils that have proven to have a positive impact on hair loss include rosemary oil. This essential oil is the primary ingredient in the 100% Pure Rosemary Essential Oil for Healthy Hair.

The product is designed to solve a host of beauty and wellness issues, including thickening hair and fighting off dandruff and hair loss. The essential oil also blocks DHT.

Other uses for the essential oil include promoting mental health and function, healthy skin, and reducing stress levels. We love it because it is free of additives, preservatives, parabens, and other harmful chemicals.

14. Castor Oil

Some people take castor oil as a laxative. However, many castor oil products are much more than this – they can be used against hair loss. A perfect example of a castor oil-based hair loss treatment is Sky Organics USDA Organic Cold-Pressed Castor Oil. This is one of the most popular hair nourishing treatments in the industry. Moreover, it is ideal for nourishing the skin.

Castor oil has a lot of fatty acids and vitamins. As such, it replenishes the scalp’s natural oils and strengthens thin hair, prevents hair loss and repairs split ends. Castor oil also works to improve blood flow to the scalp and fights off fungus and bacteria that might inhibit hair growth.

To leverage castor oil against hair loss, you should massage it into the scalp and leave it on for about half an hour before you rinse it off. You could heat the oil to help it penetrate the scalp faster or add a few drops of lavender essential oil to give it more oomph.

If you like, you can apply it to your scalp and leave it overnight for even better results. If you choose to do this, you can cover your hair with a shower cap to ensure the castor oil doesn’t soak into your beddings.

15. Natural Treatments

Most people prefer natural treatments when dealing with hair loss. If you are one such person, below are some natural treatments you can use.

• Essential oils
  There are lots of essential oils you can use to fight against hair loss. These include thyme, peppermint, cedarwood, lavender, and rosemary. These essential oils can be massaged into the scalp to promote blood flow to cells under the skin, including hair follicles. And though there is no scientific backing to the claims made, they are worth a try.
• Egg oil
  Experts say that egg oil can help prevent hair loss and help in treating dandruff and moisturizing the hair. You can massage the oil into the scalp and leave it overnight. You can wash it off every morning using shampoo.
• Hot oil treatments
  Applying hot oil to the hair can not only moisturize it but also stimulate growth. Warm some oil to about 1040F and then massage it to your scalp for a couple of minutes. Put on a shower cap for half an hour and allow the essential oils to penetrate under the skin. All kinds of natural oils, including safflower oil, olive oil, and canola oil, are perfect for this process.
• Lifestyle changes
  The lifestyle you lead can cause hair loss. Therefore, it is important that in addition to using any of the treatments we have mentioned above that you seek to effect lifestyle changes as well for even better results. The changes can include more exercise, reducing your stress levels, eating healthier meals, not smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol. To reduce stress, you could meditate for a couple of hours every day.

Conclusion

There are lots of methods you can use to stimulate hair growth and stop hair loss on its tracks. These treatments are great for both men and women unless stated otherwise. Moreover, according to recent trends in product treatments, it’s almost a guarantee that hair loss treatments will improve and you will have numerous options to choose from depending on your preferences. With all that said, be cautious with the treatment and product you use. Do your due diligence before spending your money on any hair loss product or treatment.

Last update on 2024-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API