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The Latest on Hair Loss Treatments

Everything you want to know about procedures, clinical trials, medications, and more.

Is minoxidil shampoo as good as minoxidil?

Minoxidil shampoo contains lower concentrations than other formulas and is only left on the scalp for a short time. While it may help improve scalp health, it's not effective enough to treat hair loss on its own. It should be used alongside FDA-approved treatments like topical minoxidil.

Man washing his hair with shampoo in the shower.

Using Oral or Topical Spironolactone for Hair Loss

Spironolactone is a drug that's usually used to treat cardiovascular problems. However, it's also the most common anti-androgenic medication used by dermatologists in the USA. This medication can be used both orally and topically for hair loss. It can even be combined with other hair loss treatments, including minoxidil and finasteride.

Spironolactone bottle centered against several other pill containers

Microneedling at Home for Hair Loss

Microneedling is a technique that creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate skin and hair follicles. Performing this procedure at home can be challenging, and there are typically more benefits to having microneedling done at a clinic. For individuals who want to try DIY microneedling, you should be aware that there is an increased risk of infection and other side effects.

A man microneedling his scalp with a dermaroller

Can You Regrow Hair After Scarring Alopecia?

Scarring alopecia is a form of hair loss that destroys hair follicles and damages the surrounding skin. It can be treatable with antibiotics, immunosuppressants, topical steroids, and local corticosteroid injections. One clinical trial is taking a completely new approach to regenerating hair follicles in people with scarring alopecia, using a laser and retinoic acid to promote cellular regeneration and restore functional hair follicles.

A woman receiving a corticosteroid injection to treat scarring alopecia