What can a healthy adult do to promote hair growth?

What Can I Do to Help My Hair Grow?

For Healthy Adults Without Hair Loss

If you are a healthy adult without active hair loss, the evidence-based approach is to maintain scalp health and avoid damaging hair practices, as there are no proven interventions to accelerate normal hair growth beyond its natural rate. 1

Understanding Normal Hair Growth

• Hair health is characterized by shine, smooth texture, and structural integrity, which relate to hair surface properties and cortex integrity 1
• Normal hair growth occurs in cycles, and manipulation of hair structure through cosmetic procedures can potentially damage hair fibers 1
• Loss of luster, frizz, and split ends are particularly prevalent among people who repeatedly alter their hair's natural style 1

Evidence-Based Maintenance Strategies

• Use mild shampoos to maintain scalp health without causing irritation 2
• Avoid excessive manipulation including repeated chemical treatments, heat styling, and tight hairstyles that can compromise hair structural integrity 1
• Protect hair ends as the integrity of hair ends relates directly to the health of the hair cortex 1

What Does NOT Work for Normal Hair Growth

• Minoxidil is NOT indicated for healthy adults without hair loss - it is FDA-approved only for treatment of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) on the vertex of the scalp 2
• The FDA label explicitly states minoxidil should not be used if "you do not know the reason for your hair loss" 2

If You Have Actual Hair Loss

For Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness)

Topical minoxidil 5% is the FDA-approved first-line treatment for men with male pattern baldness affecting the vertex (top of scalp). 2

• Apply 1 mL twice daily directly to the affected scalp area 2
• Results may occur at 2 months, but some men need at least 4 months of consistent use to see results 2
• The amount of hair regrowth varies between individuals, and it will not work for all men 2
• Important caveat: Minoxidil is not intended for frontal baldness or receding hairline 2

For Alopecia Areata (Patchy Hair Loss)

Reassurance and observation without treatment is a legitimate first approach, as spontaneous remission occurs in up to 80% of patients with limited patchy hair loss of short duration (<1 year). 3, 4, 5

If treatment is desired:

• Intralesional corticosteroid injections are first-line for limited patchy hair loss, achieving 62% full regrowth rates in patients with fewer than five patches less than 3 cm in diameter 4, 5
• Topical minoxidil 5% can be added as adjunctive therapy but should not be used as monotherapy for alopecia areata 4
• Very potent topical corticosteroids (clobetasol propionate 0.05%) have limited evidence but are widely used 3, 4

Emerging Therapies (Not Yet Standard of Care)

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shows promise in clinical trials for androgenetic alopecia, with studies demonstrating significant increases in hair density per cm² 3
• Higher platelet concentrations appear more effective than lower concentrations for hair density and follicle diameter 3
• PRP combined with topical minoxidil may be superior to either treatment alone 3

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not use minoxidil if you are female without specific medical guidance, as the FDA label for 5% minoxidil explicitly states "Do not use if you are a woman" 2
• Do not apply minoxidil to other body parts or allow eye contact 2
• Do not expect immediate results - regrowth cannot be expected within 3 months for any treatment 3, 5
• Be aware that no treatment alters the long-term course of conditions like alopecia areata; treatments only induce temporary hair growth 3, 5