The Truth About Hair Growth Treatments: What Works and What Doesn’t

Minoxidil

• Minoxidil is one of the most common over-the-counter hair loss treatments.
• It comes as a liquid or foam and is sold under brands like Rogaine.
• Minoxidil increases blood flow to the scalp, helping hair follicles stay in the growth phase longer.
• It is used for both men and women with pattern baldness.
• You need to use it regularly and for a long time to keep seeing results. If you stop using it, hair loss usually starts again within a few months.
• It can take 3 to 6 months to see results, so patience is important.

Finasteride

• Finasteride is a prescription pill for male pattern baldness.
• It works by lowering the amount of a hormone (DHT) that causes hair loss.
• Studies show it can slow hair loss and help regrow hair in men, but it is not usually given to women.
• You need a doctor’s prescription to get finasteride.
• Some side effects include lower sex drive and, sometimes, trouble with erections.
• Like minoxidil, you must keep taking it to maintain results.

Ketoconazole

• Ketoconazole is an antifungal shampoo, often used to treat dandruff.
• In the US, it is sold as Nizoral.
• Some studies suggest it might help reduce hair loss because it lowers inflammation, but it is not a main treatment for hair loss.
• It can help keep your scalp healthy, especially when used with other treatments.

Evidence-Based Verdict

Minoxidil and finasteride are the main treatments proven to help with hair loss. Minoxidil can be used by both men and women, while finasteride is for men only. Ketoconazole can help with scalp health but is not a main hair loss treatment.

Biotin

• Biotin is a B vitamin often sold for hair growth.
• Most people in the US get enough biotin from their diet, so supplements usually don’t help unless you have a real deficiency.
• Foods with biotin include eggs, nuts, and whole grains.

Iron and Zinc

• Low iron or zinc can cause hair loss, especially in women or people with poor diets.
• Supplements can help if you have a deficiency, but taking too much can be harmful.
• Always get a blood test before taking iron or zinc supplements.

Other Vitamins (Vitamin D, Omega-3s)

• Vitamin D is important for healthy hair follicles, and low levels can cause hair loss.
• Omega-3s help keep the scalp healthy.
• These should come from a balanced diet, not just supplements.

Evidence-Based Verdict

Supplements only help if you have a diagnosed deficiency. Most people should focus on eating a healthy diet rather than taking extra vitamins for hair growth.

Natural and Herbal Remedies

Essential Oils (Rosemary, Peppermint)

• Rosemary oil may help with hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp.
• Some small studies show it might work as well as minoxidil if used regularly.
• Peppermint oil may also help, but evidence is limited.
• Always dilute essential oils before using them on your scalp to avoid irritation.

Aloe Vera, Onion Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar

• Aloe vera soothes and hydrates the scalp but does not have strong evidence for hair growth.
• Onion juice showed some promise in a small study for a special type of hair loss, but results are limited.
• Apple cider vinegar is said to improve scalp health but does not directly help hair grow.

Evidence-Based Verdict

Natural remedies like rosemary oil may help a little, but there is not enough strong evidence to rely on them alone. They work best as extras alongside proven treatments like minoxidil or finasteride.

Myth: "Shaving your head makes hair grow back thicker."

This is a common misconception. Shaving the head or cutting hair does not affect the thickness or rate of hair growth. Hair grows from follicles beneath the scalp, and shaving only cuts the hair shaft at the surface. When hair regrows after shaving, it may feel coarser or thicker due to the blunt ends caused by the shave, but this is purely a visual and tactile effect, not a change in the actual thickness of the hair.

Myth: "Washing your hair too often causes hair loss."

Frequent washing does not cause hair loss. The hair that falls out during washing is part of the natural shedding cycle, which simply dislodges hair already in the telogen (resting) phase. People lose about 50-100 hairs daily, and washing your hair doesn’t increase this number. Regular washing can help keep the scalp clean and prevent build-up of oils or dandruff that could otherwise clog hair follicles and contribute to unhealthy scalp conditions.

Myth: "Only people with vitamin deficiencies need supplements for hair growth."

While vitamin deficiencies like iron or zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss, not everyone needs supplements for healthy hair growth. A balanced diet with essential nutrients is typically sufficient to maintain healthy hair. US health guidelines suggest that most people can get adequate vitamins and minerals through food without additional supplements. Taking unnecessary supplements when there is no deficiency will not boost hair growth and, in some cases, can even cause health issues if taken in excess.

Over-the-Counter Products That Don’t Work

Shampoos for Hair Growth

• Many shampoos claim to make hair grow, but most do not have strong science to back them up.
• They may help keep your scalp clean and healthy but do not regrow hair.

Laser Combs and Helmets

• These devices use light to try to stimulate hair growth.
• Research is mixed, and they're not recommended as a main treatment.
• They can be expensive and may not work for everyone.

Hair Growth Serums

• Many serums claim to stop hair loss, but few have been proven to work.
• Most only make hair look thicker or healthier, not actually grow new hair.

  If you suddenly lose a lot of hair or notice bald patches, see your doctor or a dermatologist.

• Sudden hair loss can be caused by medical problems like thyroid issues, iron deficiency, or autoimmune diseases.
• A doctor can do tests and suggest the right treatment.

Conclusion

For hair loss in the US, minoxidil and finasteride are the main treatments proven to work. Supplements and natural remedies might help if you have a real deficiency or want to support scalp health, but they are not miracle cures. If you are worried about hair loss or have sudden changes, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist for advice and treatment.