If you’ve noticed that your hairline is receding or you’re a little thinner on top than you used to be, chances are you’ve already googled different “miracle” products or read about new techniques promising to restore your hairline overnight. Unfortunately, most of them don’t work if your hair loss is caused by male pattern baldness (and probably even if it’s not).
At best, some of these treatments are harmless wastes of money backed by deceptive marketing campaigns. At worst, they can have unpleasant or even dangerous side effects. They will also prevent or delay you from starting a clinically proven treatment that actually works – for example approved medications such as finasteride.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular hair loss treatments that don’t live up to the hype, why they don’t work, and what you should look for instead.
Caffeine shampoos
Caffeine shampoos are marketed as stimulating hair follicles and encouraging growth. While the idea of waking up your scalp with a dose of caffeine sounds appealing, there’s little scientific evidence to support it. Most caffeine shampoos don’t stay on the scalp long enough to penetrate the skin and reach the follicles.
Even if they did, studies haven’t shown any consistent or meaningful results. You may find positive reviews about this product on the internet, but they are likely to either be fake or written by customers who are influenced by the placebo effect.
Hair loss supplements
From biotin pills to zinc powders, the market is full of supplements claiming to stop shedding and regrow your hair. If you have a true deficiency (such as iron or vitamin D), supplements might help. However, male pattern baldness isn’t caused by a lack of nutrients: it’s caused by DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles.
If you are vegan or vegetarian, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your protein intake, because collagen is a protein that helps to build strong healthy hair. However, most of us will get all the protein we need from eating a well-balanced diet.
Laser combs and helmets
Low-level laser therapy devices have been around for a while and promise to “stimulate” hair growth with red light. However, the evidence is mixed, with most positive studies being small or poorly controlled. These devices are expensive, and results (if apparent at all) are usually minimal.
Essential oils and natural remedies
Rosemary oil, castor oil, coconut oil, and other such natural products are marketed as “cures” for thinning hair. While some oils can improve scalp condition, there’s no strong evidence that they reverse male pattern baldness. DHT can’t be blocked with oils or homemade pastes.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
This procedure involves drawing your blood, spinning it down, and injecting it into your scalp to “stimulate” follicle activity. PRP shows some promise, but results are inconsistent and it’s expensive. Most men will see better results with far less hassle from finasteride or minoxidil.
Scalp massagers and brushes
These tools are promoted as increasing blood flow and helping follicles “wake up.” However, there’s no evidence that scalp massagers improve hair density or regrowth. Blood flow is not the issue if you have male pattern baldness: it’s the way your hair follicles react to DHT.
Homeopathy and unregulated herbal pills
Some herbal products claim to be “natural DHT blockers,” often without citing proper clinical trials or backing. Many of these products lack dosage consistency or aren’t regulated. Unlike finasteride, they’re not backed by large-scale studies, and may even be harmful.
So what does work?
There are only two treatments currently approved by the European and US medical regulation bodies for male pattern hair loss:
Finasteride – A once-daily oral tablet that blocks the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. This helps prevent further hair loss and can even regrow hair in some men. It’s a prescription only medication, but it’s not available on the NHS to treat hair loss. However, you can arrange a private online consultation with a pharmacist.
Minoxidil – A topical treatment (often sold as a foam or liquid) that helps improve blood flow to the scalp and prolongs the growth phase of hair.
These treatments are most effective when started early and used consistently. Finasteride, in particular, is convenient, affordable, and has a strong evidence base behind it. If you are interested in finding out more, contact one of our team members to arrange a consultation.
Recent Comments