Lasers, lights, and compounds for hair loss in aesthetics
February 2022
in “Clinics in Dermatology”
TLDR Minoxidil is the main over-the-counter treatment for hair loss, with other options like finasteride, latanoprost, retinoic acid, antioxidants, biotin, nutraceuticals, and platelet-rich plasma therapy also showing promise.
Topical therapy, specifically the use of minoxidil, remains the main treatment for hair loss. Minoxidil is effective for both men and women and is available over the counter in concentrations of 2% and 5%. Other topical agents such as finasteride, latanoprost, retinoic acid, and antioxidants have also shown some evidence of effectiveness. Compounding pharmacies are needed to obtain specialized solutions. Oral therapy, such as finasteride and minoxidil, is sometimes preferred for convenience, but they come with potential side effects. Biotin supplementation and nutraceuticals are also popular options, although there is limited evidence supporting their efficacy. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is another treatment option that shows promise. Overall, there are a variety of treatment options available for hair loss, and many of them are safe and promising.
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