Not every bit of shedding means permanent loss. You normally lose 50–100 hairs a day. When your hair looks thinner, or you see clear patches, it's time to act. The good news: several proven treatments can slow thinning and even regrow hair for many people. This page gives clear, practical steps to figure out why it’s happening and which options to try first.
Androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern) is the most common cause. It shows as a receding hairline or widening part. Telogen effluvium causes sudden, diffuse shedding after stress, illness, or medication—hair usually regrows within months. Alopecia areata creates round patches and is autoimmune. Other causes include thyroid issues, iron deficiency, low vitamin D, and some drugs.
Quick ways to narrow it down: note timing (sudden vs gradual), check family history, and take photos every month. If shedding follows a major illness, surgery, or new medication, telogen effluvium is likely. If pattern thinning runs in the family, suspect androgenetic alopecia.
1) Get basic tests. Ask your doctor for TSH, ferritin, CBC, and vitamin D. Low ferritin or thyroid problems are fixable and often improve hair.
2) Start a proven topical: 5% minoxidil for men and women is available OTC and often helps thicken hair after 3–6 months. Expect scalp irritation in some people—stop if severe.
3) Prescription options: finasteride works well for men to stop and reverse pattern loss but can cause sexual side effects in a minority. Women of childbearing age should avoid it. For some women, spironolactone helps but needs doctor supervision.
4) Procedures and advanced options: PRP (platelet-rich plasma) can boost results for some; low-level laser therapy (LLLT) helps others. Hair transplant surgery gives permanent results for stable pattern loss, but it’s an involved choice—talk to a specialist.
5) Supportive steps: use a gentle shampoo, avoid tight hairstyles and heat damage, and consider a ketoconazole shampoo if scalp inflammation is present. Cosmetic fixes like hair fibers or thicker-cut styles can improve appearance while you treat the cause.
6) Timeline and expectations: most medical treatments need 3–12 months to show effects. Keep photos to track progress and stay patient.
If you want deeper reading, check our guides like "Top 5 Propecia Alternatives for Hair Loss in 2024" for options beyond finasteride, or search the tag for treatment reviews and patient tips. If hair loss affects your confidence or won’t improve after simple fixes, see a dermatologist for a clear diagnosis and personalized plan.
Apr, 24 2025
Are natural DHT blockers really a match for finasteride when it comes to hair loss? This comprehensive article breaks down what happens in your scalp when you try supplements like saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil. We look at solid, up-to-date research to see if these natural options can actually slow hair loss and how they compare to finasteride. You’ll also get practical tips and consider when a natural alternative to finasteride could fit your routine. No hype, just what works, what doesn’t, and what you should know before skipping to the natural stuff.