Discover the truth about hair loss and alopecia in the following article. Learn about the surprising amount of hair we have, the possible causes and the most effective treatments, such as minoxidil, finasteride, platelet-rich plasma, vitamins with hyaluronic acid and hair mesotherapy. We explore clinical studies and consider the future of hair treatment - take care of your hair and feel good about yourself! |
Did you know that we have a lot of hair on our heads, between 100,000 and 150,000? And did you know that every day some hairs fall out, between 50 and 125? Normally, our body produces new hairs to replace the ones that fall out. But sometimes, if something goes wrong inside or outside our body, more hairs fall out than grow new ones. That's when we have a problem called alopecia.
We have prepared a series of articles about personal care, makeovers, and the most innovative and useful products to make you feel good about yourself from the inside out. Today's topic is the aforementioned alopecia. Is hair loss really remediable?
Hair loss, or alopecia, occurs when more hair is lost than the body can regrow. Adults normally lose between 50 and 125 hairs every day, but they also grow new ones to replace them. When the balance between hair loss and hair growth is disturbed, that's when the problem begins.
In simple terms, for men, the main reason for hair loss is usually because they inherit it from their family. This happens because of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). For women, hair loss is often due to problems with their body's metabolism or other hormones.
Sometimes there are reasons why people lose their hair, and some of these reasons have to do with our bodies. For example, after the birth of a baby or during the fall season, hair loss can occur. Other times, it may be due to illness, very serious infections, or taking certain types of medications, such as those seen in cancer treatment. Finally, if a person does not have enough vitamins, iron, or other important things in their body, it can also cause hair loss.
Fortunately, today there are doctors and specialists who know a lot about hair and can help us solve most hair problems with special treatments. Each type of hair loss can be different depending on its cause. This means that each type may progress in a unique way and require different treatments. Sometimes, different treatments can even be used together to help.
The hair follicle (where hair grows) becomes thinner and thinner until it disappears. When that happens, it is impossible to regrow hair without surgical methods. Here are the 5 most used and recommended treatments to prevent this from happening, and which should be the first steps to follow before a hair implant:
MINOXIDIL:
This is a special medicine that, depending on the country, you can buy without a prescription. It is the only one that, according to those responsible for drug safety, is okay for both men and women to use if they have hair loss. But it can't make hair grow back where it has already disappeared. Previously used as an antihypertensive, it can help grow new hair, but not even scientists know exactly how it does it.
Minoxidil is a medication that helps people grow more hair. It comes in different forms, such as liquid or foam, and can be purchased under different names, such as Rogaine or Theroxidil. It also has different concentrations, such as 2% or 5%. Some people can also take it in pill form to help with hair growth, although in that case it could also increase growth throughout the body.
Minoxidil is a medication that can help some men regrow their hair. It works best for younger men who have just started losing their hair. Dilates blood vessels around bald areas, stimulating blood flow to the follicles. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the follicles, which are essential for healthy hair growth. You have to use it once or twice a day on a dry scalp where your hair is thinning. But you have to be patient because it may take a few months until changes are seen.
Minoxidil does not cure baldness, and if you stop using it, your hair will begin to fall out again. There may be some side effects, such as redness, itching, or dryness of the scalp, but this does not happen to most.
2. FINASTERIDE
This is a medicine that, depending on the country, you can also buy without a prescription to help with hair loss. It can work for both men and women. It may not cause your hairline to reappear if it goes away, but it can help your hair grow and become stronger and thicker. Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly how it does it.
Finasteride (also known on the market as Propecia) is a medication that helps prevent hair loss in men and women. It works by stopping the body from producing a hormone called dihydrotetosterone (DHT). If you suspect you recognize the first signs of having too much DHT, you can get more information about it by consulting a specialized doctor. Finasteride prevents your body from converting testosterone to DHT. It does not desensitize the follicles to DHT, but it means that much less hormone reaches the follicles. It is currently the most recommended treatment among hair transplant practitioners around the world.
But it is important to know that finasteride does not completely solve hair loss. If you stop taking it, hair loss could start again. Additionally, some men may experience some problems with their ability to have erections or other sexual problems, but this does not happen to everyone. And if it does happen, it usually gets better once you stop taking finasteride, although it may take a few months.
Finasteride is a medication that can help men who are losing hair. It works very well on almost 90% of men, slowing or even stopping hair loss. And for about two-thirds of those men, it can even help them grow new hair. It is taken in pill form once a day, and sometimes your doctor may suggest using it with another medication called minoxidil.
3. PLASMA RICH IN PLATELETS (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma is a special fluid in our body that has many tiny cells called platelets. These platelets are very useful because they can help us heal when we get hurt. Platelet-rich plasma treatment is a special way to help people who are losing hair.
First, some blood is drawn. The blood is then spun very quickly to separate the parts that can help hair growth. The special part is then placed on the areas where the hair is thinning to help improve blood vessels, grow new cells, and produce more collagen. The number of times someone needs to come in for treatment or fall prevention will be different for each person.
The efficacy and effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma are found in around 70% of patients. It has been shown to stop hair loss, increase the thickness of the scalp, and, therefore, increase density. To make this treatment work even better, we can add hyaluronic acid and vitamins to help keep the scalp hydrated.
4. VITAMINS AND PROTEINS WITH HYALURONIC ACID
Vitamins and proteins with hyaluronic acid are like special little helpers that make our body feel good and healthy. They give us the things we need to grow strong and have lots of energy. Hyaluronic acid is like a superhero that helps keep our skin nice and plump and our joints strong and flexible. Therefore, when we take vitamins with hyaluronic acid, it is like giving our body an extra boost to stay happy and strong.
Among the most commonly used vitamins to prevent hair loss and improve the health of our hair follicles is biotin (vitamin B7), and among proteins, collagen is the most important. Biotin reinforces the hair structure, while hydrolyzed collagen offers hydration and strength. This combination ensures more resistant, shiny hair with less hair loss.
This is a treatment that involves putting small amounts of a special gel and vitamins into the hair and scalp to strengthen them and keep the scalp healthy and hydrated. They will leave our hair shiny and cozy, and we will prevent our hair from getting damaged.
They can also be taken orally once a day, helping not only the hair but also the skin and nails.
5. HAIR MESOTHERAPY
Hair mesotherapy is a special treatment for our hair. It involves injecting some healthy substances into our scalps to make our hair stronger and healthier. It's like giving our hair some special vitamins and nutrients to help it grow better.
Hair mesotherapy is a simple and painless way to make your hair healthier. It involves injecting special ingredients, such as vitamins and amino acids, into the scalp to help hair grow better.
This treatment is like a special medicine for your hair. During hair mesotherapy sessions, vitamins, minerals, and amino acid mixtures necessary to strengthen hair are injected into the mesoderm (the middle layer of the skin, or dermis). This provides active nutrients directly to the hair follicle. This favors the rejuvenation of the scalp, which results in hair regrowth. It helps prevent hair loss, makes the scalp healthy and strong, helps new hair grow, and makes hair grow faster.
CAN THESE THERAPIES BE USED TOGETHER, AND IS IT NECESSARY TO CONSULT A PHYSICIAN BEFORE STARTING?
The combination of the above therapies may vary in effectiveness depending on a number of factors, such as the underlying cause of hair loss and each person's individual response to the treatments. Before starting any combination of therapies, it is imperative to consult a physician or dermatologist specializing in hair health. Each treatment has its own mechanisms of action, potential interactions, and safety considerations that must be evaluated in the context of the patient's overall health.
For example, the joint use of minoxidil and finasteride has been the subject of research. Studies such as that conducted by Olsen et al. in 2002 (Olsen EA, et al., J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002) suggest that the combination of the two may be more effective than each treatment alone in some cases. However, it is crucial to emphasize that individual responses may vary, and medical supervision is essential to adjust doses and evaluate possible side effects.
DO ALL OF THESE THERAPIES HAVE COMPLETE CLINICAL STUDIES PROVING THEIR EFFICACY?
a. Minoxidil: Numerous studies support the effectiveness of minoxidil in treating hair loss. The study by Olsen et al. mentioned above also included evaluations of minoxidil. Furthermore, a meta-analysis by Blumeyer et al. in 2011 (Blumeyer A, et al. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2011) concluded that minoxidil is effective and safe for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
b. Finasteride: The effectiveness of Finasteride has been supported by long-term clinical studies. A placebo-controlled trial by Kaufman et al. in 1998 (Kaufman KD, et al., J Am Acad Dermatol, 1998) showed that finasteride significantly reduced hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia.
c. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): Studies such as that of Schiavone et al. in 2020 (Schiavone G, et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020) have suggested that PRP therapy can improve hair density and thickness, as well as reduce hair loss. However, more research is needed to establish clear guidelines on the optimal frequency and duration of treatment.
d. Vitamins and Proteins with Hyaluronic Acid: Research into the effectiveness of vitamins and proteins with hyaluronic acid is a developing area. Studies such as that by Glynis Ablon in 2015 (Ablon G. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015) suggest potential benefits in hair strengthening, but more research is required.
e. Hair Mesotherapy: A study by Khatu et al. in 2014 (Khatu SS, et al., Int J Trichology, 2014) explored the positive effects of hair mesotherapy on hair loss, highlighting improvements in hair density and hair thickness.
In summary, although there is scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these therapies, consultation with a health professional is essential to personalizing the therapeutic approach and ensuring safety and effectiveness in each individual case.
THE FUTURE OF HAIR LOSS TREATMENT
It is not very likely that we will find a cure for baldness soon. Although scientists are studying it and learning more about it, they have not yet discovered a special way to solve it. Even if a cure for baldness is found and tested, it will still be a few years before it can be used by everyone.
The people in charge of making sure the drugs are safe want to make sure the cure works for a long time and has no negative side effects before they say it is okay to use it.
So there is no cure for baldness yet, but there are many treatments that can help with hair loss. These treatments explained here cannot completely stop baldness, but they can make it happen more slowly and even make some of the hair grow back. In cases where the hair follicle cannot be recovered, there are other alternatives, such as the use of wigs and hair autotransplantation, but those topics will be addressed on another occasion.
About the author:
Verónica Lovera Rojas graduated as a medical doctor in 2022 with concentration in the areas of surgery and gynecology. She has spent the past 8 years working as a medical writer and researcher, writing technical articles on a wide variety of topics in the medical field. She is currently practicing at a hospital and working as a professional medical writer.
About the translator / editor:
Brian Hoy has over 20 years of experience in the medical device industry and business formation, supporting the full lifecycle with global scope. Brian consults for industry and provides general advisory and off-hours support.
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