The reasons we lose our hair are expanding, whether it’s genetics, hormonal changes, massive weight loss, stress, or conditions like alopecia, the list keeps growing. “Hair loss is a chronic condition,” says Maple Grove, MN dermatologist Ronda Farah, MD. “Until we have a cure, you have to keep treating it. Maintenance is essential.” She’s right. Tackling hair loss requires a mix of science, strategy and consistency. From subtle thinning to more advanced shedding, today’s treatments are more effective and targeted than ever. These are the latest solutions to keep every strand in place.
Featured Experts
- Ronda Farah, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Maple Grove, MN
- Robert Finney, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Jeffrey Epstein, MD is a board-certified hair restoration surgeon in Miami
- Anil Shah, MD is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Chicago
What Really Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It’s often rooted in complex biological and environmental factors. Hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are a primary cause. “DHT shrinks hair follicles over time, leading to thinning and eventual loss,” explains New York dermatologist Robert Finney, MD.
For many, addressing DHT is the first step in managing hair loss. “If you don’t block DHT, you’re losing the long-term battle,” says Dr. Finney. Treatments like finasteride and dutasteride inhibit the enzyme converting testosterone into DHT, helping preserve hair follicles. However, Dr. Finney adds, “DHT blockade is crucial for stabilization, but for regrowth, combining it with growth factors offers better results.”
Serums + Topicals
Scalp serums have become a staple in hair care, with TikTok searches for these products increasing by 129.4 percent this year, according to Spate. But are they worth the hype?
While over-the-counter formulas are widely available, Miami hair restoration surgeon Jeffrey Epstein, MD cautions that some lack rigorous science, making it important to choose carefully. Minoxidil is often recommended, but genetic variants can affect how well some patients convert it into its active form. “In these cases, we use testing to create custom serums with added medications to improve absorption,” says Dr. Epstein. He also notes that alcohol-based minoxidil can irritate some scalps, requiring alternative formulas.
While serums are a good start, Dr. Epstein says they should be part of a comprehensive plan.
A Powerful Pill
Oral minoxidil is gaining traction as an alternative for those who can’t tolerate topical versions. “When patients start oral minoxidil, shedding often increases initially,” says Dr. Farah. “This signals the hair cycle resetting, paving the way for new growth.” This hair-loss method is convenient but can come with side effects. “We monitor patients for fluid retention or blood pressure changes,” Dr. Farah explains. Oral minoxidil is often combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), exosomes or DHT blockers to boost results and address multiple factors of hair loss.
Noninvasive Treatments
01 Microneedling + PRP: Growth at the Source
Combining these therapies is an effective next step for targeting hair loss at the root. Microneedling creates tiny channels in the scalp to enhance the absorption of serums, while PRP involves injecting plasma into the scalp to stimulate regrowth.
“PRP is an excellent maintenance tool, especially when paired with other treatments,” says Dr. Epstein. However, Dr. Farah adds, “Not everyone responds to PRP, and some patients find it too painful.”
02 Photobiomodulation + Laser Therapy
Light-based therapies, including red light and lasers, are also commonly used for modern hair restoration. Red light therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of light to repair cells and stimulate follicle activity. “It’s an excellent addition to exosome and PRP treatments,” says Chicago facial plastic surgeon Anil Shah, MD.
Fractional laser devices like the FDA-cleared FoLix hair loss treatment offer a noninvasive solution for early-stage hair loss. “Lasers provide consistent, targeted energy to stimulate growth,” says Dr. Farah.
03 Dutasteride Mesotherapy
This treatment injects small doses of dutasteride into the scalp to target thinning areas. “Delivering the medication locally blocks DHT where it’s needed most while minimizing side effects,” explains Dr. Finney. “Combining this with PRP or exosomes further promotes stabilization and regrowth, making it highly effective for many.”
“PRP is an excellent maintenance tool, especially when paired with other treatments.”
Dr. Epstein
Hair Restoration Surgery: The Gold Standard
For advanced hair loss, surgery remains the most effective solution. The procedure transplants healthy follicles to thinning areas for permanent results.
However, Dr. Epstein warns against budget clinics abroad: “In Turkey, for example, practitioners often prioritize volume over quality, leading to unnatural hairlines and scarring.” He emphasizes the value of care in the United States, where advanced technology and individualized plans produce natural results.
What is the right combination?
“There isn’t one right answer,” says Dr. Shah. “It depends on the type of hair loss, lifestyle and goals.” From serums to surgical options, today’s treatments are more personalized than ever, offering multiple paths to healthier, fuller hair—no passport required.
Hair Heroes
Smart solutions to fortify your strands and scalp.
