Hair Loss: Science, Myths and Treatments That Work

For most men (and many women), hair loss isn't "bad luck," it's biology. It's called Androgenic Alopecia.
The main cause is genetic: a sensitivity of hair follicles to a hormone called DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), a derivative of testosterone.
DHT binds to the follicle and "miniaturizes" it: with each cycle, the hair grows back thinner and shorter, until it stops growing.

What Works - The Three Approved Treatments

If you want to stop the process, you need to intervene biologically. Caffeine shampoos and cosmetic serums cannot fight genetics.

1. Finasteride (Medication):
   • Mechanism: Inhibits the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone to DHT. Lowers systemic and scalp DHT.
   • Efficacy: Stops hair loss in 80-90% of men and promotes regrowth in many. Requires medical prescription.
2. Minoxidil (Topical):
   • Mechanism: Vasodilator that prolongs the growth (anagen) phase of the hair and enlarges the follicle. Does not act on DHT.
   • Efficacy: Great for stimulating regrowth, but if you stop, the hair gained falls out.
3. Microneedling (Dermaroller):
   • Mechanism: Creating micro-wounds in the scalp stimulates growth factors and tissue regeneration. Dramatically increases Minoxidil absorption.
   • Protocol: Usually once a week (1.0-1.5mm needles).
4. Red Light Therapy (LLLT):
   • Mechanism: Stimulates follicle mitochondria to prolong the growth phase and reduce inflammation. See dedicated article on photobiomodulation.

Hair Supplements: Useful?

Biotin is famous, but it only helps if you're deficient (which is rare).
However, deficiencies in Iron, Vitamin D, and Zinc can cause diffuse hair loss. A targeted multivitamin can help hair shaft quality, but won't stop androgenic alopecia.

Ketoconazole Shampoo

An anti-dandruff shampoo (Nizoral) that has shown mild anti-androgen properties and reduces scalp inflammation, creating a better environment for growth.

The Truth

The sooner you act, the more hair you save. It's much easier to maintain the hair you have than to regrow what's lost. If follicles are dead (shiny skin), only a transplant works.