The Shifting Preferences of Patients and Physicians in Nonsurgical Hair Loss Treatment
March 2021
in “
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
”
minoxidil finasteride nutritionals haircare LLLT nonsurgical hair loss treatment Google search data prescription surveys ISHRS members COVID-19 pandemic economic downturns hair restoration specialists efficacy of hair loss therapies Rogaine Propecia low-level laser therapy hair loss treatments pandemic hair specialists hair loss treatment effectiveness
TLDR Minoxidil and Finasteride are the most popular hair loss treatments, with rising interest in other options, and economic or health crises can change what treatments people prefer.
The study analyzed trends in nonsurgical hair loss treatments by comparing Google search data and prescription surveys from ISHRS members. Minoxidil and Finasteride were the most prescribed and searched treatments, with a growing interest in nutritionals, haircare, and LLLT, particularly after regulatory announcements. The COVID-19 pandemic initially decreased interest in hair loss treatments, but it rebounded and surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The study suggests that economic downturns and health crises may shift consumer preferences towards more affordable options and highlights the importance for hair restoration specialists to be aware of online trends to better communicate with patients. It also emphasizes the need for high-quality research on the efficacy of hair loss therapies and for physicians to stay informed to guide patients effectively.
