A Scoping Review of Pharmacotherapy, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine, and Surgical Therapies for Androgenic Alopecia

March 2021 in “ Current Dermatology Reports ”

Colby L. Presley, Tesia C. Kolodziejczyk, Kayd J. Pulsipher, Jalal Maghfour, Michelle Militello, Hope R Rietcheck, Allene Fonseca, Temitope J. Olayinka, Chandler W Rundle, Jacquelyn D Waller, Robert P. Dellavalle

androgenic alopecia finasteride minoxidil amino acids marine extracts polyphenols platelet-rich plasma hair transplantation surgery Propecia Rogaine PRP

TLDR Various treatments help hair growth, but more research needed for safety and effectiveness.

This document is a compilation of summaries and reviews of various treatments for androgenic alopecia, including pharmacotherapy, complementary and alternative medicine, and surgical therapies. The reviews suggest that while FDA-approved treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are effective, there is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of alternative therapies. Some natural compounds like amino acids, marine extracts, and polyphenols may promote hair growth, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety. Platelet-rich plasma injections and hair transplantation surgery are effective treatments, but carry risks. Overall, more research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of these treatments.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

29 / 29 results

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Androgenic Alopecia of Varying Grades

19 citations, June 2019 in “Clinical Drug Investigation”

Platelet-rich plasma injections significantly improve hair density and thickness in both male and female pattern hair loss, especially in early stages.

research The Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Hair Transplantation Satisfaction in Male Androgenetic Alopecia Patients

12 citations, December 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Hair transplant boosts self-esteem and appearance satisfaction, especially in those with high self-esteem.

research The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

134 citations, December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia Patients

14 citations, November 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP therapy safely improves hair growth in people with hair loss.

Annurca Apple Polyphenols Ignite Keratin Production in Hair Follicles by Inhibiting the Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Amino Acid Oxidation

research Annurca Apple Polyphenols Ignite Keratin Production in Hair Follicles by Inhibiting the Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Amino Acid Oxidation

18 citations, October 2018 in “Nutrients”

Annurca apple extract promotes hair growth by changing hair follicle metabolism to boost keratin production.

research Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review

40 citations, August 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Some alternative treatments for hair loss might work, but more research is needed.

research Comparison of the Efficacy of Homologous and Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Androgenic Alopecia

24 citations, November 2017 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

All types of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can treat hair loss, but homologous PRP works best due to its higher platelet count and growth factors from multiple donors.

Annurca Apple Nutraceutical Formulation Enhances Keratin Expression in a Human Model of Skin and Promotes Hair Growth in a Randomized Clinical Trial

research Annurca Apple Nutraceutical Formulation Enhances Keratin Expression in a Human Model of Skin and Promotes Hair Growth in a Randomized Clinical Trial

27 citations, September 2017 in “Journal of Medicinal Food”

Annurca apple supplement safely increases hair growth and keratin in humans.

An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% Versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

research An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% Versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

21 citations, January 2017 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

Caffeine-based liquid 0.2% is as effective as minoxidil 5% for treating male hair loss.

research Comparing the Effects of Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Their Combination, and Minoxidil Solution Regimens on Controlling Hair Loss in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

11 citations, January 2017 in “Journal of research in pharmacy practice”

The combination of zinc sulfate and calcium pantothenate effectively controls early-stage hair loss.

A 6-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of a Marine Complex Supplement to Promote Hair Growth in Men with Thinning Hair

research A 6-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of a Marine Complex Supplement to Promote Hair Growth in Men with Thinning Hair

25 citations, August 2016 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

The marine complex supplement significantly improved hair growth in men with thinning hair without adverse effects.

research Hair Restoration in Androgenetic Alopecia: Looking Beyond Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Hair Transplantation

13 citations, January 2016 in “Journal of cosmetology & trichology”

Alternative treatments show promise for hair growth beyond traditional methods.

research A Bibliometric Study of Scientific Literature in Scopus on Botanicals for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

15 citations, November 2015 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Botanicals like green tea extract show potential for hair growth, but more research is needed.

research Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia with Topical Products Containing Serenoa Repens Extract

18 citations, May 2015 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

Serenoa repens extract in topical products improves hair growth and appearance in male pattern baldness with mild side-effects.

research A Review of Medical and Surgical Treatment Options for Androgenetic Alopecia

41 citations, September 2014 in “JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery”

Use finasteride, minoxidil, and follicular unit transplantation for hair loss treatment.

research Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1: Roles in Androgenetic Alopecia

27 citations, March 2014 in “Experimental Dermatology”

IGF-1 affects hair loss and could be a potential treatment.

research Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review

165 citations, January 2014 in “Dermatology Research and Practice”

Zinc is effective for treating various skin conditions, including warts and acne.

research Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

36 citations, January 2014 in “Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine”

Pumpkin seed oil helps hair growth in men with hair loss.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Overview, Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment

11 citations, September 2013 in “Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society (Print)”

Various treatments exist for hair loss, but more research is needed for better options.

research Comparative Effectiveness of Finasteride vs Serenoa Repens in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Two-Year Study

51 citations, October 2012 in “International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology”

Finasteride works better than Serenoa repens for male hair loss.

research The Basic Science of Hair Biology

29 citations, September 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Hair disorders are caused by a complex mix of biology, genetics, hormones, and environmental factors, affecting hair growth and leading to conditions like alopecia.

research Promotion of Hair Growth by Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

49 citations, April 2012 in “Phytotherapy Research”

Rosemary leaf extract may be an effective natural treatment for hair growth and male pattern baldness.

research Topical Melatonin for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

39 citations, January 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Melatonin solution helps treat hair loss in men and women.

research Effects of Finasteride (1 mg) on Hair Transplant

30 citations, March 2006 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Finasteride improves surrounding scalp hair and increases hair density after hair transplant.

research Zinc as an Ambivalent but Potent Modulator of Murine Hair Growth In Vivo: Preliminary Observations

60 citations, October 2005 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Zinc can both inhibit and stimulate mouse hair growth, and might help recover hair after chemotherapy.

Melatonin Increases Anagen Hair Rate in Women With Androgenetic Alopecia or Diffuse Alopecia: Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

research Melatonin Increases Anagen Hair Rate in Women With Androgenetic Alopecia or Diffuse Alopecia: Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

78 citations, February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Melatonin helps hair growth in women with hair loss.

research Investigation of Topical Application of Procyanidin B-2 from Apple to Identify Its Potential Use as a Hair Growing Agent

32 citations, December 2000 in “Phytomedicine”

Apple-derived procyanidin B-2 can safely promote hair growth in men.

research Treatment of Hair Loss

370 citations, September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair loss, but continued research is needed for better treatments.

research The Biology of Hair Follicles

1113 citations, August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Hair follicle biology advancements may lead to better hair growth disorder treatments.

Related Research

8 / 8 results

research Pediatric Androgenetic Alopecia: An Updated Review

January 2023 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Early diagnosis and personalized treatment are crucial for managing hair loss in children.

research Sisaipho Alopecia Areata Treated With Tofacitinib and Oral Minoxidil

1 citations, August 2022 in “JAAD case reports”

Tofacitinib and oral minoxidil may help treat Sisaipho alopecia areata.

research A Scoping Review of Pharmacotherapy, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine, and Surgical Therapies for Androgenic Alopecia

1 citations, March 2021 in “Current Dermatology Reports”

Various treatments help hair growth, but more research needed for safety and effectiveness.

Efficacy of Systemic Minoxidil and Tofacitinib Combination in Treatment-Resistant Alopecia Universalis

research Alopecia Areata: Evidence-Based Treatments

71 citations, March 2009 in “Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery”

Alopecia areata can cause unpredictable hair loss, and treatments like corticosteroids and minoxidil may help but have varying side effects.

research Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata

72 citations, January 2001 in “Drugs”

Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss; more research needed for other options.