Mon 17 Jul 2006
5 Ways To Regrow Your Hair: The Real How-To Guide for the Hair Loss Sufferer
Category: Avodart (Dutasteride) , Causes of Hair Loss , Common Questions , General Hair Loss Topics , Hair Transplant Surgery , Product Reviews , Propecia (Finasteride) , Rogaine (Minoxidil)
There are thousands of products available to treat hair loss and every single one of them claim to be the best. It can be a daunting task for anyone suffering from male-pattern baldness to research what will work best for them to keep the hair they have and regrow hair they have lost. With this list, I’m going to cut through the hype and lies to present the 5 proven methods that regrow hair.
1. Block DHT -
DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is the root cause of male-pattern baldness. This potent derivative of testosterone binds to the receptor sites in hair follicles. Over time the DHT binding with these vulnerable receptors in the follicle slowly choke the follicle’s ability to produces healthy hairs.
To effectively combat hair loss you have to attack it at its source. There is currently only one DHT-inhibitor that is FDA-approved for the treatment of male-pattern baldness: Propecia. Avodart is another, more potent, DHT inhibitor that is available, however it is not approved for the treatment of MPB.
To find out which DHT inhibitor is right for you see the article, “Propecia vs. Avodart: Which Internal DHT Inhibitor Should You Choose?”
View charts that illustrate the efficacy of Propecia.
View charts that illustrate the efficacy of Avodart.
2. Stimulate Hair Growth -
The only other medication FDA-approved for the treatment of male-pattern baldness other than Propecia is minoxidil (Rogaine).
Minoxidil is available in stores in two strengths: 2% and 5%. The 2% concentration is marketed as “regular strength” while the 5% is touted as “extra strength.” The 2% concentration is also available for use by women. There are other companies that distribute concentrations as high as 15%.
Minoxidil is a lotion that is applied directly to the scalp twice per day. The user must continue applying the treatment for an indefinite amount of time, or as long as he wishes to keep the hair that is grown by minoxidil. The application process is fairly simple. The standard amount in each bottle is 60 mL of fluid. The suggested application is 1 mL to the area twice daily, so one bottle equates to 30 days of minoxidil. The lotion is applied by a dropper to the scalp and is rubbed into the scalp.
It is generally accepted (and advertised on Rogaine boxes and literature) that minoxidil can start growing new hair in about four months. Users can experience growth a little sooner and a little later than the advertised four months, however.
Learn more about minoxidil and how it works.
3. Optimize Scalp Conditions -
Nizoral shampoo creates optimum scalp conditions. It has been proven in studies to increase hair count. It truly is the only shampoo available that will help stop hair loss and promote regrowth. There are two concentrations of Nizoral available. The 1% concentration is available over-the-counter under the label “Nizoral
AD.” The more potent 2% concentration is only available by prescription for U.S. residents.
Nizoral is most effective when used three times per week, alternated with a gentle thickening shampoo such as Nioxin. Application time should be around 5 minutes.
4. Hair Restoration Surgery -
The only way to guarantee hair growth is to have DHT-resistant follicles located at the back of the scalp surgically transplanted to the thin spots at the hair line, forelock, vertex or crown. Surgical hair restoration is the #1 elective surgical procedure utilized by American men. However, before jumping into hair transplant surgery, do your research! There are many things to consider. Ask questions and share ideas with other hair loss sufferers at the Hair Restoration Research Forums.
View visits to leading hair restoration clinics.
View Hair Restoration Surgical Workshops.
5. Healthy Lifestyle -
A proper diet, healthy lifestyle, and adequate vitamin intake all contribute to overall health, which in turn contributes to hair health. While malnutrition only contributes to about 3% of all hair loss cases, being healthy will always help out with your overall hair health and success in regrowth.
Next: Myths Surrounding Hair Loss
-Robert
Editor of the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
Technorati Tags: hair loss, male-pattern baldness, regrow hair, DHT, Dihydrotestosterone, bald, testosterone, hair follicles, healthy hair, DHT-inhibitor, Propecia, Avodart, MPB, minoxidil, Rogaine, Nizoral, Nioxin, follicle, hair restoration, hair transplant
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February 16th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
is provillus good for da hair , would it prevent hair loss , regrow da hair agian , doctor says it rank no 1
January 31st, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Propecia will deliver hair growth.
I have seen results in my eyes my buddies. There is side affects in which i changed my mind taking it.
Propecia blocked DHT, however your lose hormones, less interest on females and sex drive go way down.
your call. eats healthy or take Propecia- positive result!
May 8th, 2010 at 5:54 am
please suggest me the effective n guaranteed way of hair regrowth.my age is 20 yrs.
May 9th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
nitn,
At your age, the best thing you can do to help save and strengthen your existing thinning hair is to get on Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil). Neither come with guarantees but have been proven to slow down, stop, and even reverse hair loss in the majority of men. Note that women should not use Propecia.
While only hair transplant surgery is proven to grow hair in completely bald areas, in my opinion, you’re too young to consider this procedure at this point in time. In my opinion, try proven medication for a couple of years first and then re-evaluate your situation.
All the best in recovering your hair,
Bill Seemiller
Managing Publisher of this Community
June 27th, 2010 at 6:50 am
age 20
suffering from baldness pattern
hair disappearing at the corners oh head and at d front top of head is thinning help me!!!!
June 28th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Rohit,
I recommend completing some research at our hair loss community – http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com. Under this network, we host an interactive social community and hair restoration discussion forums that should really help answer some of your unique questions. Additionally, we recommend a group of world-class hair restoration physicians who are available for professional consultations.
In a broad sense, I would (right now) recommend a consultation with a dermatologist or hair restoration physician to analyze and confirm the source of your hair loss and then start on proven techniques like minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia).
I hope this helps!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
July 16th, 2010 at 8:05 am
i realli reali need help here…im 25yr old..and i im loosin hair at a real fast rate..i need help..plzz tell me wat is the best method..damn all my confidence is lost..
July 19th, 2010 at 3:13 am
Shafeer,
At your current state (25 years old and experiencing progressive loss), I would recommend investigating several options:
First, I would try to meet with a dermatologist and confirm that your hair loss is being caused by genetic male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and not a secondary issue. Next, I would investigate proven hair loss medications such as finasteride (Propecia), minoxidil (Rogaine), and possibly adding a shampoo that contains ketoconazole (such as Nizoral). Because Propecia requires a prescription, it may be advantageous to discuss a general treatment plan with your dermatologist or seek the advice of a qualified hair restoration physician (which you can do here: http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-loss-doctors.asp).
Keep in mind that a hair transplant surgery may also be an option, but you should really look into oral and topical medications, continue researching, and consult with multiple physicians before undergoing surgery.
I hope this helps!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
September 3rd, 2010 at 7:03 am
What are your thoughts on using emu oil there have been several studies indicating it’s effectiveness.
September 8th, 2010 at 12:53 am
Josh,
I haven’t researched Emu Oil in great detail, but it appears to claim three different things:
1. It is a mild DHT (dihydrotestosterone – the hormone that directly causes hair loss) inhibitor (you can read more about those here: http://www.hairlosslearningcenter.org/content/topical-hair-loss-treatment/DHT-inhibitors.asp).
2. It’s an anti-inflammatory (you can read more about those here: http://www.hairlosslearningcenter.org/content/topical-hair-loss-treatment/anti-inflammatories.asp)
3. It penetrates the scalp efficiently.
Now, keep a few things in mind: 1. the ability to penetrate the scalp only matters if the product that penetrates is effective 2. DHT inhibitors and anti-inflammatories are definitely limited in their sole treatment of hair loss.
In my opinion, I would stick to proven methods (such as Rogaine and Propecia) and review the information given in those links before adding a DHT inhibitor or anti-inflammatory to your routine (and probably select one that is reviewed and regulated).
Good luck!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
September 10th, 2010 at 5:47 am
Hello,I’m 32 yo and use propecia for 5 years and it seems to help.
In last few months, my hairloss increased drammatically .
Does it mean that propecia effect wears off after 5 years?
Thank you
September 15th, 2010 at 12:28 am
Jonathan,
It is not unusual to experience an increase in hair loss after taking Propecia for several years. It may be that your genetics are finally overcoming the positive effects of the drug. However, you should discuss this with your prescribing physician. In some cases, a doctor may recommend increasing your dosage to 2mg daily or, you may decide to make the switch to Avodart (dutasteride).
All the best,
David (TakingThePlunge)
Assistant Publisher
November 14th, 2010 at 9:27 am
I am 32 and my 2/3 of hair fallen from my top head. If please there any solution help me.
Vijaikumar.T
November 15th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Vijaikumar,
There are definitely therapies you can look into for your hair loss. The first thing I recommend doing is consulting with a dermatologist to make sure that your hair loss is genetic, and isn’t being caused by some other outside factor.
Next, I would thoroughly investigate preventive medications like Propecia/finasteride and Rogaine/minoxidil. These should really help stabilize and even regrow some of your lost hair. Additionally, you can begin investigating hair transplant surgery, if this is something you’re interested in, once you’ve been on the medications for a period of time and have a grasp on the progressive loss.
To purchase these proven hair loss medications, please see our online hair loss store (https://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?display=home)
To consult with an excellent hair transplant surgeon, please see our recommended physicians (http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-loss-doctors.asp).
I hope this helps!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
November 24th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
One thing that’s not being said here guys, is that You Are Going Bald, and there’s no cure for this.
18-35 are prime years where men’s hair loss will likely occur, and the only conclusion that one could offer you, is to take solace in the fact that you’re not alone, and welcome to the club!Lotions and topical treatments wont stop genetics, and surgery is the only option that will resolve your patch spot, if you got the 10k to spend..Start saving up now, because your love life will be effected as well.You wont be needing any money for dates anytime soon..
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I am surprised that nobody has discovered a natural remedy for hair-loss… Chemicals and surgery only seems a bit scary.
I strongly believe that nearly everything can be ‘fixed’ through natural methods.
January 6th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
I have had very good results from the combination of Nizoral and the consumption of green tea. As I experienced hair loss at my temples I opted to try rogaine and was getting really good results but had some side effects such as an increased heart rate and anxiety. Knowing rogaine probably isn’t too good for my heart I switched to this combination and will never turn back. although there is limited research on the two, evidence suggests that they both have positive effects for AGA. I would suggest this combo to anyone suffering from hair loss that would like to revert to safer methods of restoring their hair.
January 18th, 2011 at 10:32 pm
very interesting john! i was already going to try nizoral, but its the frst i’ve heard the combination of that and green tea.. i will try! have u seen noticable results since combining, or is it sustaining the hair you’ve already got?
are you guys aware of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), a very common chemical found in most shampoos. which, with extensive use, and when people leave products with SLS in our hair for prolonged periods can stop the natural hairs we loose and regrow on daily cycle from growing back. we can buy SLS-free products, or is this another minor thing people worry about. and nizoral contains SLS! and it says to leave it to soak?!?!
ive done a couple of dianabol only cylcles down the gym in the last couple of years, which is a common known factor towards hairloss, my personal trainer has no balness and his been taking them for years? i know some people are more prone than other, genes etc.. i want to keep the hair ive got for as long as possible, im worrid ive mucked up my DHT levels, how can i balnce it..
what action can i take to keep my hair ill do anything, shampoo, tea, cream or pills! what will actually work??
cheers guys
June 17th, 2011 at 3:05 am
hello sir,
my age 23 year
i have suffer hair lose since 10 month , i also used oil such as kesh king oil , it will be success for blocking hair lose but not successful in regrowing my lost hair so please give me a natural treatment guide for this problem.thanks
June 17th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
You guys are truly sad and grasping at straws here..You’re bald, your DNA is the culprit and DHT potions don’t do a thing, but clean your scalp.If you have issue related to stress, etc..It may help, but nothing on earth can fix your DNA unless it’s something that targets your DNA.Science has found the TRUE cause of hair loss in genetics, and that’s the follicle itself has died…They’re looking for a way to turn on dormant genes, which might revert the process, but that’s it guys..There’s no potion to resurrect the dead follicle, you might as well be looking for the fountain of youth, and it’s just not out there..Save your money for wigs, or transplants if you have too..
July 31st, 2011 at 2:10 am
please suggest me. My hair is almost lost in front side. My age is 23 year. Thanks
July 31st, 2011 at 2:17 am
my age is 23 year
I hv suffer hair loss. Kya kesh king se hair regrowth hote hai. Plz suggest me. If kesh king not regrowing my hair toh aap meri is problem k liye k liye koi naturat treatment bataiye. Plz help. Thanks
August 14th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
age 23
suffering from baldness pattern of corners of front
pls say me better solution
August 15th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Kumar,
At your age, it’s likely that Propecia (finasterde) can help stabilize and potentially reverse some of your hair loss. I highly recommend consulting with a personal physician or hair loss expert (http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-loss-doctors.asp)to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for the medication.
Good luck!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
August 15th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
im suffering hair fall and baldness from the side edges , from last two years , and also thinning the front part of the head,,,,, what to do , for regrowing my loosed hairs ???? plz tell me
August 17th, 2011 at 8:24 am
saud,
I recommend that you first see a dermatologist to determine the nature of your balding. You may benefit from Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride). These two drugs are the only clinically proven and FDA approved medical hair loss treatments.
For further research I also recommend you visit our Hair Restoration Forum and social network.
David (TakingThePlunge)
October 4th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Hi
this is priya here…i sufferin 4m severe hair fall from last 1 year i m 24 year old gal…i know thw reason behind my severe hair fall…i hav used loreal shampoo.. which reacted in such a way..
i m really worried…
hope u vil help me out
October 9th, 2011 at 5:31 am
my hair was early very nice and r straight no tangles at all but now it had start falling i had used a lot of shampoos nd took medincines also bt still no effect plz tell me sum best suggestion wat can i do?????
December 23rd, 2011 at 1:01 pm
My hair fall 2/3 please help me
December 27th, 2011 at 4:43 am
Hi Priya,
Frankly, it seems unlikely that a common shampoo would cause such aggressive hair loss. Furthermore, because the loss is not occurring in a predictable pattern, it does seem like “something” is causing acute baldness. Because of this, I highly recommend making an appointment with a dermatologist or hair restoration physician (http://hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-loss-doctors.asp) to determine what’s causing the loss.
Good luck!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
December 27th, 2011 at 4:46 am
Neha,
While there are various options for female hair loss sufferers, such as minoxidil/Rogaine formulated for women, surgical hair restoration, etc, it seems like the loss is acute and could be attributed to excessive styling/hair treatments (though this usually does take a significant amount of time to develop). Because the loss does seem a bit unnatural or unpredictable, I highly recommend scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist or hair restoration physician (http://hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-loss-doctors.asp)and undergoing a thorough examination.
Good luck!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
December 27th, 2011 at 4:49 am
Sonu,
I recommend first undergoing an examination with a trusted physician or pre-screened hair restoration expert (http://hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-loss-doctors.asp). If you are truly suffering from genetic hair loss, then you can begin investigating one of the various restorative options – finasteride(Propecia), minoxidil(Rogaine), surgical hair restoration, etc.
Good luck!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
January 19th, 2012 at 12:51 pm
hello im 23 yrs old last 2 years my hair is falling! from the crown area going to blad nw plze help to regrow hair from crown area please help i can to any diet anything for regrow hair as thicer plze help plze help meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
February 9th, 2012 at 5:20 am
hi,
m very trouble my hair fall since 3 years i used lots of medicine n oil but i lossed more hair front of my head please please give me solution for regrowth my hair
i am a choreographer……
regards
sazim :(
February 15th, 2012 at 2:51 am
sazim and vikas,
Anyone experiencing hair loss should first consult with a dermatologist or hair restoration physician to determine the cause. At this time, the only two clinically proven and FDA approved hair loss treatments for men are Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride). When used in combination, Rogaine and Propecia are considered by many experts to be the best drug treatment for androgenic alopecia (genetic balding) currently available.
While Rogaine is also approved for use by women, Propecia (finasteride) is for male patients only. Females who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not ingest or even handle finasteride due to the risk of birth defects.
David
February 19th, 2012 at 3:45 am
Male, 31…Been on and off minoxidil 5% for hair loss…started losing hair at 26 slowly and until recently hair loss has become more aggressive. I have found that combing your scalp for 5 minutes prior to applying minoxidil allows for better penetration to scalp upon application…I also recommend using Nizoral 3 times per week to assist in hair maintenance and regrowth…During the other days of the week I suggest a baby shampoo…No fast food or high animal fat diet…Increase fruit and vegetables, get a proper amount of sleep and interestingly enough do a detox or cleanse…Getting rid of built up toxins will improve your skin, hair and overall well-being…Drink plenty of water and add green tea to your diet…I have become more aggressive with my own treatment and have found that I currently am able to maintain what I have left (70%)
The only advise I have for all of us men is be happy your alive to enjoy what’s most important to you…In other words don’t focus on what you can’t control just focus on what you can change.
February 23rd, 2012 at 2:34 pm
i want to have good silky and healthy growth of my hair. i also want to increse my hair count.. pls prescribe me good medicines and also the diet i need to follow.
thank you:)
February 27th, 2012 at 9:34 am
neha:
im 22 im having severe hair fall from past 10 years would you please help me out how to get rid of this.will u plz suggest any hair oil or shampoo for me.
March 3rd, 2012 at 2:05 am
how to use kesh king oil
March 14th, 2012 at 7:46 am
hello im 22 yrs old last 2 years my hair is falling! from the front area going to blad nw plze help to regrow hair from front area please help i can to any diet anything for regrow hair as thicer plze help plze help meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
March 16th, 2012 at 5:13 am
Kavita,
I have to begin by stating that I do not believe that Kesh King oil is going to have a positive effect on your hair growth but, I have pasted the directions for use from their website below for your reference.
There are several reasons why women experience hair loss. I always recommend that men and women with thinning hair consult with a dermatologist prior to beginning any hair loss regimen in order to determine the nature of their balding.
Rogaine (minoxidil) is currently the only clinically proven medical hair loss treatment approved by the FDA for use by women. Many hair restoration physicians recommend Men’s 5% Rogaine for their female patients as it is typically about twice as effective. However, along with the higher concentration comes a greater risk of side effects. Some females will experience an increase in facial hair growth when using minoxidil.
You may find the following articles from our Hair Loss Q&A Blog of interest:
How To Fight Female Hair Loss?
The Causes and Treatments for Female Hair Loss
Kish King Oil: Dosages & How to use
Before going to bed in the night put oil in a small open mouthed container. The quantity of the oil should be in proportion to the length and density of your hair so as to be applicable on your complete hair. Apply oil on the tip of your fingers and rub it gently on the base of your hair enabling it to penetrate in to the roots of your hair. Do not apply on your palms and rub it vigorously as it may uproot weak hair. Slow application and massage of hair only would yield better results. Let the oil gradually seep into roots of your hair & nourish them for the whole night. The oil may be removed in the morning with washing of hair with a mild shampoo which does not contain chemicals. In order to obtain the best results regular use of Kesh King oil for two months is desirable.
March 16th, 2012 at 5:16 am
CHANDAN,
I recommend that you consult a dermatologist to determine the nature of your balding. You may benefit from Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride). These two drugs are the only FDA approved and clinically proven medical hair loss treatments.
David
March 27th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Hi..I am Prabha.I did chemical hair Straightening in 2010.But my hair started falling from last one year.I am not sure is it due to the Chemical treatment or some deficiency inside my body.Please suggest how can I regrow my lost hairs?
March 28th, 2012 at 12:03 am
Prabha,
Because you have not yet identified what is causing the hair loss, the first thing I highly recommend is scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon. After you’ve undergone a thorough evaluation of your scalp and have identified the balding factor, you can seek appropriate treatment (which will differ depending on what is causing the hair loss).
Good luck!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
April 12th, 2012 at 9:59 am
please suggest me a way of regenerate my lost hair all though i hav losse a very smmall amount f hair bt still i want to regain my lost hairs…
April 13th, 2012 at 4:22 am
Kavish,
The only clinically proven and FDA approved non-surgical hair loss treatments are Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride). When used in combination, these drugs are considered by many experts to be the best treatment for male pattern balding currently available. You may also be a candidate for hair transplant surgery.
If you are hesitant to use a drug-based treatment, we offer a variety of credible natural alternatives at our Online Hair Loss Treatments Shop.
David