What are the clinically proven methods to promote scalp hair growth?

From the Guidelines

Clinically proven methods to promote scalp hair growth include FDA-approved medications like minoxidil and finasteride, as well as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and low-level laser therapy, with the most effective treatment being a combination of PRP and minoxidil. The most recent and highest quality study 1 suggests that PRP injections, when used in combination with minoxidil, can increase hair density and diameter, and improve hair morphology in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Some key points to consider when using PRP for AGA treatment include:

• Using a manual double-spin method for preparation of PRP
• Performing a minimum of 3-5 sessions of PRP, with a 1-month interval between sessions
• Using a recommended dose of 5-7 mL PRP, with a concentration of 1-1.5 million platelets per μL
• Not requiring activation of PRP before injection Other treatment options, such as finasteride and low-level laser therapy, may also be effective in promoting scalp hair growth, but the evidence is less strong than for PRP and minoxidil combination therapy 1. It's also worth noting that individual results may vary, and combining treatments often yields better outcomes than single therapies alone. In terms of specific treatment protocols, the study by Schiavone et al. found that injectable-PRF produced positive clinical results in patients with AGA, with an increase in hair density and a significant improvement in hair growth 1. Similarly, the study by Mahapatra et al. found that using liquid-PRF during hair transplantation was beneficial, with a greater retention of follicles and a clear statistical difference after 6 months 1. Overall, the evidence suggests that a combination of PRP and minoxidil is the most effective treatment for promoting scalp hair growth, but individual results may vary and other treatment options may also be effective.

From the FDA Drug Label

Clinically proven to help regrow hair. Reactivates hair follicles to stimulate regrowth. Use to regrow hair on the top of the scalp (vertex only, see pictures on side of carton) Clinically proven to help regrow hair.

The clinically proven method to promote scalp hair growth is the use of minoxidil topical solution 5%. This medication is specifically designed for use on the scalp to help regrow hair in men, particularly those experiencing gradually thinning hair or gradual hair loss on the top of the scalp (vertex only) 2. It is essential to note that results may vary, and it may take at least 2-4 months of twice-daily usage to see noticeable hair regrowth 2.

Key points:

• Minoxidil topical solution 5% is for use only by men.
• It is not intended for frontal baldness or a receding hairline.
• The medication will not prevent or improve hair loss caused by certain medical conditions, nutritional problems, or hair grooming methods 2.

From the Research

Clinically Proven Methods for Scalp Hair Growth

The following methods have been proven to promote scalp hair growth:

• Topical agents such as finasteride, latanoprost, spironolactone, caffeine, and metformin 3
• Oral minoxidil, which has been found to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment alternative for healthy patients having difficulty with topical formulations 4
• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), which has demonstrated encouraging results in treating androgenetic alopecia 5, 6
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which has shown promise in promoting hair growth, although standardized treatment protocols are needed 5, 6
• Microneedling, which has been studied as a potential treatment for androgenetic alopecia 5, 6
• Nutraceuticals and oral supplements, which may be used in combination with other treatments to enhance hair growth 3, 5

Treatment Options for Specific Conditions

• Androgenetic alopecia: topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, and low-level laser therapy have been traditionally used, while new treatments such as oral minoxidil, topical finasteride, and stem cell therapy offer alternative options 7, 6
• Female pattern hair loss: once-daily minoxidil topical foam and twice-daily minoxidil topical solution have been found to induce hair regrowth, although prespecified noninferiority criteria were not met in one study 7
• Other conditions such as telogen effluvium, lichen planopilaris, and alopecia areata: oral minoxidil has been found to be an effective treatment alternative 4