What are the treatment options for alopecia (hair loss)?

From the Guidelines

Hair loss treatment should prioritize the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as a valuable treatment for managing androgenetic alopecia, particularly in mild cases, as evidenced by the most recent study in 2025 1. When considering treatment options, it's essential to weigh the benefits and limitations of each. For instance, medications like minoxidil and finasteride can be effective, but they may have side effects and require long-term use.

• Minoxidil is applied topically twice daily as a 5% solution for men or 2% for women.
• Finasteride is taken orally at 1mg daily for men only.
• Low-level laser therapy devices used 3 times weekly for 15-30 minutes can also stimulate hair growth. However, PRF appears to be a promising treatment with minimal side effects, and its efficacy is supported by recent research 1. Key considerations for PRF treatment include:
• Using a manual double-spin method for preparation.
• Performing a minimum of 3–5 sessions with a 1-month interval between sessions.
• Recommended dose is 5–7 mL PRF, using 0.05 to 0.1 mL/cm2.
• Activation of PRP is not required when it is used for AGA.
• About 1 to 1.5 million platelets per uL is the recommended concentration of platelets in PRP. It's crucial to start treatment early, as these options are more effective at preventing further loss than regrowing hair that's already gone, and a complex combined therapy protocol applied as early as possible can yield the best results 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Minoxidil topical solution 5% is a clear, light amber liquid medication containing 5% minoxidil for use only on the scalp to help regrow hair in men. Minoxidil topical solution 5% is for use only by men Minoxidil topical solution 5% may be appropriate for you if you are a male at least 18 years old and experiencing gradually thinning hair or gradual hair loss on the top of the scalp (vertex only, as shown). The amount of hair regrowth is different for each person. Not everyone will respond to minoxidil topical solution 5%. Results may be seen as early as 2 months with twice daily use. For some men, it may take at least 4 months for results to be seen If you do not see any results after 4 months, stop using minoxidil topical solution 5%.

Minoxidil topical solution 5% is used for hair loss treatment in men. It is applied directly to the scalp, twice a day.

• Key points:
  • For men with gradually thinning hair or hair loss on the top of the scalp
  • Not intended for frontal baldness or receding hairline
  • Results may be seen in 2-4 months
  • Not everyone will respond to the treatment
  • If no results are seen after 4 months, stop using the product 2, 2
• Important considerations:
  • Only for use by men
  • Apply directly to the scalp, twice a day
  • May cause itching and skin irritation
  • Unwanted hair growth on the face and other parts of the body has been reported in women, but it is rare and reversible 2

From the Research

Hair Loss Treatment Options

• There are several treatment options available for hair loss, including minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy 3.
• These treatments have been shown to be effective in promoting hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia, and minoxidil has also been shown to be effective in women with androgenetic alopecia 3.
• Other treatments, such as oral minoxidil, topical finasteride, and platelet-rich plasma, have also been studied and may offer alternative options for patients 4, 5, 6.

Combination Therapies

• The combination of finasteride and topical minoxidil has been shown to be more effective than monotherapy in treating androgenetic alopecia 7.
• This combination therapy has been found to have better therapeutic efficacy than monotherapy, with similar safety profiles 7.
• However, further studies are needed to determine the best concentration of combination treatment and to fully assess its efficacy and safety 7.

Emerging Treatments

• New treatments, such as low-dose oral minoxidil, spironolactone, and nutritional supplements, have emerged and may offer alternative options for patients 4, 6.
• Minimally invasive technological advancements, such as photobiomodulation and platelet-rich plasma, are also being studied and may offer new treatment options 6.
• Hair transplantation, including follicular unit extraction and robotics, is also a treatment option for androgenetic alopecia 6.