What promotes hair growth?

Effective Treatments for Hair Growth

Topical minoxidil 5% is the most clinically proven treatment for promoting hair growth, with significant evidence supporting its effectiveness in stimulating hair follicles and improving hair density. 1

First-Line Treatments

• Topical minoxidil 5% is FDA-approved for hair regrowth, working by reactivating hair follicles to stimulate regrowth in areas of thinning hair 1
• Results with minoxidil typically begin to appear after 2-4 months of consistent twice-daily application 1
• For optimal results, it's important to check for underlying causes of hair loss such as thyroid dysfunction or iron deficiency before starting treatment 2

Nutritional Support for Hair Growth

• Checking and correcting deficiencies in thyroid function, vitamin D, zinc, and ferritin levels is recommended as these can contribute to hair loss 3
• Biotin (2.5 mg daily) may support hair growth, though evidence is limited and it's not generally recommended as a standalone treatment 3
• Proteins containing sulfur amino acids (cysteine and methionine) are essential for keratin synthesis, the primary protein in hair 4
• L-lysine, present in the inner part of the hair root, is responsible for hair shape and volume 4

Advanced Treatments

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has shown significant increases in hair density and follicle diameter in clinical trials 3

  • Higher platelet concentrations in PRP treatments correlate with better outcomes in terms of hair density 3
  • PRP combined with topical minoxidil has demonstrated superior results compared to either treatment alone 3

• Microneedling has shown promising results, particularly when combined with other treatments:

  • Studies have found microneedling to be superior to injection techniques for improving anagen hair growth phase and average hair length 3
  • Microneedling may enhance delivery and effectiveness of topical treatments 5

Important Considerations and Limitations

• Genetic factors significantly influence hair loss patterns and response to treatments 3
• Women should use specifically formulated products (such as 2% minoxidil) as the 5% solution is indicated primarily for men 1
• Hair regrowth results vary significantly between individuals, and complete restoration of all lost hair is unlikely 1
• Consistency in treatment application is crucial for maintaining results 1

Monitoring Treatment Response

• Before-and-after photography provides visual comparison to evaluate improvements in hair growth 3
• Trichoscopy using specialized magnification can identify signs of hair thinning, miniaturization, and the presence of vellus hairs 3
• Hair counts and diameter measurements provide objective data on treatment response 3
• The pull test (gently tugging on hair clusters) can assess improvements in hair strength 3

By following these evidence-based approaches to hair growth, patients can maximize their chances of achieving noticeable improvements in hair density and quality. Treatment should be continued long-term to maintain results, as discontinuation typically leads to reversal of gains within 3-4 months.