Non-Surgical Hair Loss Medical Treatments and Therapy
Treatments
Non-Surgical Hair Loss Medical Treatments and Therapy
Medications like finasteride and minoxidil, with laser therapy when appropriate, can help prevent or slow hair loss, but they typically do not bring back follicles that have already died. Here is what each non-surgical treatment does, why PRP, stem cells and microneedling are still experimental, and why a hair transplant is the only proven way to place new hair where none exists.
Key takeaways
- Non-surgical therapies typically do not regrow follicles that have already died, but they can help prevent or slow future hair loss, especially when several are used over time. They need ongoing use to keep any benefit.
- The most reliable results typically come from FDA-approved medications like finasteride and minoxidil, with laser therapy added when appropriate. Finasteride is for men only and may have side effects.
- PRP, stem cell therapy and microneedling are still experimental, with variable results. Some clinics offer PRP, but the evidence is mixed and Advanced Hair Restoration® does not recommend it.
- A hair transplant is the only proven way to place new hair in areas where none currently exists, and the most effective, permanent solution for restoring density.
Therapy options for hair loss typically do not result in regrowth of hair follicles that have already permanently died and fallen out, nor do they typically result in any new growth of terminal hairs. However, they can be effective in preventing or slowing future hair loss, especially when multiple therapies are used over a period of time.
Hair loss therapy products are usually recommended in conjunction with a procedure like hair transplantation, to help a patient restore the hair that they have lost and hold on to the existing non-transplanted hair that is still susceptible to future hair loss.
Important to note
The therapies below require ongoing (continued and regular) use to maintain any benefits achieved by using them.
Finasteride (Propecia®)
Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. It is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss on the vertex and the anterior mid-scalp area. Male pattern hair loss is a common condition in which men experience thinning of the hair on the scalp, often resulting in a receding hairline, balding on the top of the head, or both. Propecia is for use by men only and should not be used by women or children. While finasteride can effectively slow or stop hair loss in many men, it does not work for everyone and may have side effects, including sexual dysfunction and hormonal imbalances.
Minoxidil (Rogaine®)
ROGAINE® is the only topical brand FDA-approved to regrow hair in both men and women. With more than 23 years of results and over 20,000 people in clinical trials, ROGAINE® is the #1 dermatologist-recommended brand for hair regrowth. ROGAINE® helps reverse the progression of hereditary hair loss. In clinical testing, ROGAINE® Foam regrew hair in 85% of men after 4 months when used twice daily. Plus, it goes on easily and dries quickly. Minoxidil can promote hair regrowth and is effective in many individuals, but its effects are often temporary and require consistent use to maintain results, with some users experiencing scalp irritation.
Recent advancements in minoxidil include foam formulations designed to be less greasy and easier to apply than traditional liquid forms. There are also new higher-strength minoxidil solutions, such as 10% minoxidil, that are being explored to potentially offer enhanced results for individuals who do not respond adequately to lower concentrations. These new forms can provide more effective or convenient options for users but may also carry the risk of increased side effects, and their long-term efficacy is still being evaluated.
Minoxidil and finasteride combination products
New combination formulations blend finasteride with other ingredients aimed at enhancing its efficacy. One example is finasteride with minoxidil, which is now available in some markets as a combined topical solution. This combination aims to leverage the benefits of both medications to improve hair regrowth results. Additionally, oral finasteride in lower doses has been introduced to reduce the risk of side effects while maintaining effectiveness. These new formulations can offer more personalized treatment options but may still carry the same growth limitations and potential side effects.
Laser and light therapy
The use of phototherapy (light therapy) in medicine has a long history. Modern phototherapy devices are used to treat various conditions, including skin conditions and hair loss. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or red light therapy, has been explored as a non-surgical option for hair loss. The theory behind LLLT is that low levels of laser light penetrate the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair growth. While some studies suggest LLLT can increase hair density and thickness, results vary, and the treatment is often most effective when combined with other therapies like minoxidil or finasteride. Laser therapy can be a convenient option for some patients and may enhance hair density.
Free consultation
Which treatments can still help your hair?
A free, in-person consultation with an Advanced Hair Restoration® physician shows how much of your hair loss medication and laser therapy can still manage. A hair loss professional examines your scalp and donor area directly and maps your exact graft count if a hair transplant is the better option.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
PRP therapy is a relatively new and experimental treatment for hair loss. The procedure involves drawing a patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the platelet-rich plasma directly into the scalp. The idea is that growth factors in the PRP may help stimulate hair follicle activity and promote new hair growth. Study results on whether PRP increases hair thickness or reduces hair loss are mixed, and the treatment is still considered unproven. The results vary widely among individuals, and the long-term effectiveness is not well established.
Our position on PRP
Some clinics offer PRP, but the evidence is mixed and Advanced Hair Restoration® does not recommend it. For hair that is already lost, a hair transplant is the permanent option.
Stem cell therapy
Stem cell therapy for hair loss is another emerging and experimental treatment option. This approach involves using stem cells, which have the potential to develop into different types of cells, to regenerate hair follicles. The theory is that injecting stem cells into the scalp could rejuvenate the hair follicles and stimulate new hair growth. However, as with PRP, the science behind stem cell therapy for hair loss is still in its early stages. Currently, there is limited evidence to support its effectiveness, and it is not an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss. More research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy. Stem cell therapy may offer future potential for hair regeneration, but it currently lacks sufficient clinical evidence to support its widespread use and can be costly and experimental.
Microneedling (micro rolling)
Microneedling, or micro rolling, involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the scalp. This process is believed to stimulate hair follicles by increasing blood circulation and encouraging the production of growth factors. Some studies suggest that microneedling, especially when combined with topical treatments like minoxidil, may enhance hair regrowth and improve hair thickness. However, like PRP and stem cell therapy, microneedling is still considered an experimental treatment for hair loss, with variable results and not enough substantial evidence to consider it a proven therapy. Microneedling can potentially enhance the effects of topical treatments and improve hair thickness, but its effectiveness is not well-documented and results can be inconsistent.
Results and effectiveness of non-surgical treatments
While non-surgical hair loss treatments like finasteride and minoxidil have been proven to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth in many cases, newer therapies such as PRP, stem cell therapy, and microneedling are still in the experimental stages. Stem cell therapy and microneedling may offer some promise, particularly for those seeking alternatives to traditional medications. However, the effectiveness of these therapies can vary widely between individuals, and they are generally not guaranteed to result in significant hair regrowth or the revival of dormant hair follicles.
For most patients, the best approach is often a combination of proven therapies, under the guidance of a medical professional, under the guidance of a medical professional, to maximize the potential for maintaining and regrowing hair. PRP is the exception: the evidence is mixed, and Advanced Hair Restoration® does not recommend it.
How the options in this article compare:
| Treatment | How it works | Where it stands |
|---|---|---|
| Finasteride (Propecia®) | Prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT | Can slow or stop hair loss in many men, but not in everyone; men only; possible side effects |
| Minoxidil (Rogaine®) | A topical foam or solution that can promote regrowth | Effective in many people; effects are often temporary without consistent use |
| Combination products | Finasteride with minoxidil as one topical solution; oral finasteride in lower doses | More personalized options that may still carry the same growth limitations and potential side effects |
| Laser and light therapy (LLLT) | In theory, low levels of laser light penetrate the scalp and stimulate follicles | Results vary; often most effective combined with minoxidil or finasteride |
| Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) | The patient’s own blood, processed to concentrate the platelets and injected into the scalp | Experimental and unproven; results vary widely |
| Stem cell therapy | Stem cells injected into the scalp, with the aim of regenerating follicles | Experimental; limited evidence; not FDA-approved |
| Microneedling | A device with fine needles creates tiny punctures in the scalp | Experimental; may enhance topical treatments, but results can be inconsistent |
| Hair transplant | Places new hair in areas where none currently exists | The only proven method, and the most effective and permanent solution |
Conclusion
While there are many non-surgical options available for treating hair loss, the most reliable results are typically achieved through a combination of FDA-approved medications like finasteride and minoxidil and, when appropriate, complementary therapies like laser therapy.
For those considering newer treatments such as PRP, stem cell therapy, or microneedling, it is crucial to consult with a hair restoration specialist to understand the potential benefits and limitations, as well as to set realistic expectations regarding outcomes.
The only proven method to place new hair in areas where none currently exists is through hair transplantation. Hair transplantation is the most effective and permanent solution for restoring hair density and achieving natural-looking results.
To find out whether medication, laser therapy or a hair transplant is the right approach for you, schedule a free consultation. Consultations take place in person, because a hair loss professional examines your scalp and donor area directly and maps your exact graft count.
Questions patients ask
Non-surgical treatment questions
Can non-surgical treatments regrow hair that has already fallen out?
Usually not. Therapy options for hair loss typically do not regrow hair follicles that have already permanently died and fallen out, nor do they typically produce new terminal hairs. They can be effective in preventing or slowing future hair loss, especially when multiple therapies are used over time. The only proven way to place new hair in areas where none currently exists is a hair transplant.
Which non-surgical hair loss treatments give the most reliable results?
The most reliable results are typically achieved through a combination of FDA-approved medications like finasteride and minoxidil and, when appropriate, complementary therapies like laser therapy. Finasteride can slow or stop hair loss in many men, but it is for men only, does not work for everyone and may have side effects. Minoxidil can promote regrowth in many people, but its effects are often temporary without consistent use.
Are PRP, stem cell therapy and microneedling proven treatments for hair loss?
No. All three are still considered experimental, with variable results. Stem cell therapy has limited evidence and is not an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss, and microneedling does not have enough substantial evidence to be considered a proven therapy. Some clinics offer PRP, but the evidence is mixed and Advanced Hair Restoration® does not recommend it. For hair that is already lost, a hair transplant is the permanent option.
Do you have to keep using hair loss treatments to keep the results?
Yes. Non-surgical therapies require ongoing (continued and regular) use to maintain any benefits achieved by using them. Minoxidil, for example, can promote hair regrowth, but its effects are often temporary and require consistent use to maintain results.
Real Results
Simple 1 Day Treatment®. Lifetime Results.
Every photo below is a real Advanced Hair patient: Advanced FUE™, their own natural hair, Guaranteed to Grow for Life™.
Kyle M. · 3,000 Advanced FUE™ grafts
Scott H. · 2,500 Advanced FUE™ grafts
Madison T. · 3,300 Advanced FUE™ grafts
AJ S. · 2,500 Advanced FUE™ grafts
Individual results may vary.
Next step
Find the right plan for your hair loss
Medication and laser therapy can help slow hair loss, and a hair transplant is the only proven way to restore hair where none remains. Schedule a free consultation with Advanced Hair Restoration® to find out which approach fits you. Consultations are in person, so a hair loss professional can examine your scalp and donor area directly and map your exact graft count.