Hair Loss Treatment: What Works and What to Try Next

Hair loss can feel personal and urgent. Whether your hair is thinning slowly or you're seeing sudden shedding, the first step is figuring out the cause. Different problems need different fixes. This guide gives clear, practical options so you can start taking action today.

Quick checks before treatment

Run a few simple checks or ask your doctor to do them: blood tests for thyroid function (TSH), iron and ferritin, vitamin D, and a basic complete blood count. Look back three to six months: did you have surgery, a bad flu, new meds, or big life stress? That timeline helps spot telogen effluvium (stress-related shedding). If patches of hair fall out suddenly, consider autoimmune causes like alopecia areata.

If you’re on medication, check whether hair loss is a listed side effect. Our site has articles covering drugs such as amitriptyline and simvastatin that can affect hair in some people — useful to read before making changes. Never stop prescription meds without talking to your prescriber.

Medical and clinic treatments that work

Minoxidil (topical) — This is the go-to for thinning on the scalp. Apply as directed. Expect 3–6 months to see results and keep using it or gains fade. Side effects can include scalp irritation.

Finasteride (oral, men only) — Works well for male pattern hair loss by lowering DHT. It can take 3–6 months to start working. Discuss sexual side effects and other risks with your doctor.

Corticosteroid injections — Helpful for patchy autoimmune hair loss (alopecia areata). Usually given by a dermatologist in the clinic every few weeks.

JAK inhibitors and new small molecules — These are emerging options for autoimmune hair loss. Research shows promise, but they still need specialist oversight. We have a deeper article on JAK inhibitors and corticosteroid-sparing treatments if you want the latest trial info.

Procedures — PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and low-level laser therapy can help some people. Hair transplant surgery works for permanent pattern hair loss when you have enough donor hair. Clinic choice and realistic expectations matter a lot.

Topical ketoconazole — An anti-dandruff shampoo with ketoconazole can reduce scalp inflammation and help when used with other treatments.

Over-the-counter supplements — Iron if you’re deficient, vitamin D if low, and protein-rich diet help. Avoid chasing unproven pills; get labs first.

Simple habits that actually help

Be gentle with wet hair. Avoid tight ponytails and harsh chemical treatments. Use a wide-tooth comb. Minimize heat styling. Sleep, stress control, and balanced meals support hair health.

When to see a specialist: sudden, patchy loss; complete shedding; pain or scarring on the scalp; or if you’ve tried first-line treatments for six months with no change. A dermatologist can do a scalp exam, pull tests, and biopsies if needed.

Start with tests, try proven medical options, and protect what you have with gentle care. If you want, check related articles on this site about medication side effects, JAK inhibitors, and specific drug guides to learn more about how treatments and meds can affect hair.