Hair Loss Treatment

Some of the most common causes of hair loss include:

• Genetics - Male pattern baldness (MPB) is more likely to affect men who inherit the androgen receptor gene on the X chromosome from their mother. Conversely, it is believed that in women, the genes involved in the production of enzymes that convert the hormone testosterone to a type of oestrogen known as estradiol may cause female pattern baldness.
• Hormonal changes - Both men and women can develop hair loss as a result of hormonal fluctuations. In men, hypersensitivity to the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can cause the hair follicles to shrink, shortening the hair growth cycle and leading to hair thinning and hair loss. In women, fluctuations in the body's levels of oestrogen, such as during and after menopause, can cause hair follicles to enter the resting phase more quickly and grow at a slower rate, leading to hair thinning.
• Medications - Certain medications can cause hair follicles in the anagen (growth) phase to prematurely enter the telogen (resting) phase, leading to increased shedding and a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium.
• Stress - Elevated stress levels increase the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body which can suppress the immune system, causing it to mistakenly attack hair follicles, triggering hair thinning and hair loss.

Hair loss can be caused by a deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells which provide hair follicles with essential nutrients for their proper functioning. A vitamin B12 deficiency can deprive the hair follicles of oxygen, causing them to shrink and contributing to hair loss. Taking vitamin B12 supplements and/or consuming foods rich in vitamin B12, such as oily fish, eggs and poultry, can help support hair follicle health.
• Vitamin D - Vitamin D influences certain cells known as keratinocytes which produce a protein called keratin that is crucial for hair strength and growth. Therefore, a vitamin D deficiency can weaken the hair structure, making hair more susceptible to breakage and thinning. Taking vitamin D supplements in addition to increasing one’s sun exposure can help prevent a vitamin D deficiency and maintain a level of keratinocyte production that ensures healthier hair.
• Zinc - Zinc contributes to DNA synthesis which is needed for the division and replication of hair follicle cells. A zinc deficiency can slow down DNA production, reducing the proliferation of hair follicle cells and stunting new hair growth. Taking zinc supplements in addition to eating foods rich in zinc, such as nuts, shellfish and red meats, can counteract this effect and help prevent hair loss.
• Iron - Iron contributes to the production of haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells which helps deliver oxygen to the scalp to aid hair growth and improve hair health. An iron deficiency can disrupt this process, reducing how much oxygen reaches the scalp and contributing to the weakening of the hair follicles. Taking iron supplements and eating foods rich in iron, such as pumpkin seeds and oysters, can help maintain healthy haemoglobin production and ensure the scalp and hair follicles receive sufficient oxygen for healthy hair growth.

For more detailed information on vitamins and minerals, please refer to our Vitamins & Supplements page.

Some types of hair loss are hereditary, such as male and female pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is linked to the androgen receptor gene, while female pattern baldness may involve genes involved in converting testosterone into estradiol. However, not all hair loss is genetic; factors like stress, hormonal changes, and medical conditions can also contribute to hair loss.

The most common hair loss types include:

• Male pattern baldness - This type of hair loss is common among men with specific genetic variations that affect the androgen receptor gene. It is characterised by hair loss at the hairline and crown and is a genetic, progressive condition caused by the sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male sex hormone. Elevated levels of DHT can shrink hair follicles and inhibit hair growth, leading to hair loss. This type of hair loss typically starts at the hairline and crown and can progress to involve the top of the head, potentially leading to a more extensive bald area.
• Female pattern baldness - This type of hereditary hair loss can begin at various stages of a woman’s life. For example, decreased oestrogen levels during menopause can disrupt the balance of androgens in the body, causing hair to begin thinning at the centre of the parting and gradually spreading outwards. In addition to hormone changes, female pattern baldness can also be caused by the inheritance of certain genes.
• Telogen effluvium - This type of hair loss is usually temporary and occurs when a significant number of hair follicles enter the resting (telogen) phase simultaneously. It is often triggered by factors such as stress, hormonal changes, illness or the use of certain medications. Telogen effluvium results in the increased shedding of hairs that are in the telogen phase, and it can affect the entire scalp

For additional information on additional types of hair loss, read our comprehensive guide - Hair Loss FAQs, Answered

Not all types of hair loss can be prevented. However, there are preventative steps an individual can take to minimise hair loss and maintain hair health. These steps include:

• Avoid tight hairstyles - Tight hairstyles such as slicked-back buns and ponytails can pull on the hair, causing damage to hair follicles. This damage can weaken hair shafts and restrict blood flow to the scalp, disrupting the supply of oxygen and nutrients needed for the hair follicles to grow. It is best to opt for gentle hairstyles such as loose braids, ponytails and buns to reduce the risk of damaging hair follicles.
• Use gentle hair care products - Certain hair care products contain harsh chemicals such as sulphates and parabens which can strip the natural oils from the scalp, leading to dryness, irritation, and potential hair damage over time, making the hair more susceptible to hair thinning. It is recommended to avoid products containing these harsh chemicals and opt for more gentle and fragrance-free products.
• Avoid using heat hair styling tools frequently - Consistent excessive heat from hair styling tools can dehydrate the hair shaft, making it more prone to damage. Over time, this repeated damage can weaken the hair shaft, leading to increased breakage and thinning. If using heat hair styling tools, it is advisable to turn them to the lowest heat setting and apply heat protectant spray or serum before using them to minimise damage to the hair.

In certain cases, hair loss can be reversed or slowed. The use of hair loss tablets (such as Finasteride , which is a male-only treatment), foams (such as Regaine Extra Strength Foam and Regaine for Women Extra Strength) or solutions (such as Regaine Extra Strength Solution and Regaine for Women Solution) can help treat cases of male and female pattern baldness.

Hair loss is a natural and inevitable part of ageing. In some cases, it can be permanent; however, in other cases, it can be delayed or reversed with the regular use of topical and oral hair loss treatments.

According to the NHS, it is normal to lose approximately 50-100 hairs a day. Hair loss in excess of this range may be due to a condition such as pattern baldness. In both cases, hair loss can be prevented and new hair can be regrown with the use of hair loss treatments after consulting a pharmacist, GP or doctor.

Some of the most effective hair loss treatments for men include:

• Finasteride - a male-only hair loss treatment that is up to 90% effective in treating male pattern baldness following a minimum of 12 months of treatment. Finasteride is a type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor which affects the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone linked to hair loss. This reduces DHT levels in the scalp, helping to reverse hair follicle shrinkage and stimulate new hair growth.
• Regaine Extra Strength Foam - a topical hair loss treatment containing the active ingredient ‘minoxidil’ suspended in a cutaneous foam. This treatment works by increasing blood flow to the scalp, stimulating hair follicle growth and prolonging the anagen (growing) stage of the hair growth cycle.
• Regaine Extra Strength Solution - a topical hair loss treatment that contains the active ingredient minoxidil in liquid form. It stimulates hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the scalp, similar to Regaine Extra Strength Foam. The primary difference between the two treatments is in their forms: the foam maintains its shape longer for easier, more precise application, while the liquid absorbs more quickly, appealing to those who prefer faster absorption.

The most effective hair loss treatments for women include:

• Regaine for Women Extra Strength - a topical treatment that contains the active ingredient minoxidil and works by increasing the blood flow to the scalp, helping to enlarge hair follicles and hair shaft diameter, promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss.
• Regaine for Women Solution - a topical hair loss treatment containing the active ingredient minoxidil suspended in a liquid solution. Regaine for Women Solution increases blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and increasing the hair shaft diameter, which encourages new hair growth and prevents further hair loss.

Certain shampoos can help improve hair health and stimulate new growth. These include:

• Alpecin C1 Caffeine Shampoo - a caffeinated shampoo that penetrates the scalp to increase blood circulation, stimulating hair follicles and encouraging new hair growth. Alpecin also offers a liquid solution, Alpecin Caffeine Liquid Hair Energizer, which has the same effect on hair follicles as the shampoo.
• Alpecin Double Effect Caffeine Shampoo - a double-effect shampoo that contains caffeine to help stimulate hair follicles, as well as salicylic acid and piroctone olamine to eliminate dandruff and provide healthier conditions for new hair growth.
• Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo - contains the active ingredient ketoconazole, an antifungal medication that eliminates the fungi that cause dandruff, reduces inflammation and helps to promote a healthier scalp for hair growth.