I Tried Everything to Stop Hair Loss

Here’s What Really Works (And What Doesn’t)

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Story at a Glance:

• Hair loss is primarily caused by DHT, a hormone that shrinks hair follicles.

• Minoxidil, DHT blockers, and hair transplants are the most effective solutions, with varying levels of intensity.

• Understanding the role of DHT and hormone sensitivity in hair loss can help you choose the right treatment. It's crucial to address both hair growth stimulation and underlying causes like hormone imbalances to see long-term success.

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Neuro Athletes,

Losing my thick hair was never something I thought I’d have to deal with. Yet, here I am, throwing everything from rosemary oil to Rogaine at the problem, hoping to regain even a fraction of what I once had (nothing is wrong, don’t fret, it’s just a result of ageing I guess) 😔

Hair loss, for many of us, is not just a physical change — it’s emotional. There’s something profound about seeing the strands you’ve grown attached to, quite literally, thinning out over time.

But this journey led me down a path of research and understanding, not just to tackle my own concerns but to uncover the deeper science of why hair loss happens and what we can actually do about it.

Let’s break it down: why do we lose hair? And more importantly, what remedies work?

This was taken 10 years ago in Singapore

Why Does Hair Loss Happen?

Hair loss, or androgenic alopecia, is one of the most common types of hair loss, especially in men but increasingly in women as well. The primary culprit? Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone that can shrink hair follicles, eventually leading to hair thinning and loss.

Post-puberty, DHT plays different roles depending on your biology, contributing to cognitive health, hormone balance, and even vasodilation (blood flow to organs like the penis). But it also disproportionately affects the hair follicles of those who are genetically predisposed to baldness.

For most individuals, hair loss is a slow burn. You don’t wake up one day suddenly bald. Instead, the process involves gradual miniaturization of hair follicles, making the strands weaker, thinner, and more likely to fall out.

Unfortunately, by the time you notice it in the mirror, you’ve probably lost a significant amount of hair — sometimes up to 20-30% before it’s visibly apparent.

The Role of DHT and Hormone Sensitivity

The sensitivity of your hair follicles to DHT is genetically determined, meaning some people are more likely to experience hair loss than others. DHT attaches itself to the receptors in your hair follicles, causing them to shrink over time. This shrinking process eventually leads to weaker hair that falls out, leaving the scalp exposed.

When it comes to remedies, a lot of solutions aim at either blocking DHT production or stimulating hair regrowth. For instance, drugs like finasteride and dutasteride are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors — they prevent testosterone from converting into DHT, thus reducing its effects on the hair follicles. While these drugs have been effective for many people, there are debates and concerns about side effects, especially regarding their long-term impacts on sexual function and hormone levels.

Topical treatments, such as minoxidil (Rogaine), stimulate hair growth by promoting blood flow to the hair follicles. It’s widely considered a safer option since it doesn’t interfere with your body’s hormonal balance, but it requires consistent application and is best used in the early stages of hair loss.

Remedies: What Works and What’s the Science?

If you’re dealing with hair loss, you’ve likely heard about countless remedies, from herbal oils to laser treatments. Let’s go through the most common options and their scientific backing.

1. Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Minoxidil has been a staple in the hair loss world for years, known for increasing blood flow to the scalp and enlarging hair follicles, which promotes hair regrowth. It helps extend the growth phase of the hair cycle, but here’s the catch — it doesn’t tackle the hormonal root cause of hair loss (DHT).

I actually tried the male version of this, but I couldn't get used to it. The texture and the daily routine just didn’t fit my lifestyle. That said, consistent, daily use is essential for results, and many people swear by it for early-stage hair loss.

2. Finasteride and Dutasteride

Finasteride and Dutasteride are the oral heavy hitters when it comes to hair loss. These drugs work by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which prevents testosterone from converting into DHT — the hormone responsible for hair follicle miniaturization. While they do help address the hormonal root cause, I was hesitant to try them due to the potential side effects, including sexual dysfunction. However, studies show these medications can stop hair loss in its tracks and even promote regrowth. I know many people who’ve had great results, but I’m still cautious given the risks.

3. Ketoconazole Shampoo

I added ketoconazole shampoo to my routine after hearing about its anti-DHT properties. While primarily used as an antifungal treatment for dandruff, it’s also thought to help reduce scalp DHT. The effects aren’t as dramatic as finasteride, but it’s a low-risk option that’s easy to incorporate.

4. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy

PRP therapy was something I seriously considered, especially after hearing about its potential to stimulate hair follicle growth. The treatment involves injecting platelet-rich plasma (from your own blood) into the scalp, which is thought to boost hair growth through the release of growth factors. I’ve read mixed reviews, but it seems like a promising option, especially when used alongside other treatments. Although I haven’t tried it yet, it’s definitely on my radar as a next step if I feel like my current routine isn’t cutting it.

5. Transplants and Laser Therapy

I haven’t gone down the hair transplant route, but for many people in the advanced stages of hair loss, it’s an effective, albeit invasive, solution. Transplants take hair from the back of the head — where follicles are more resistant to DHT — and place them in thinning or balding areas. It’s more permanent than topical or oral treatments, but also more expensive. I also looked into laser therapy, a non-invasive option that uses low-level light to stimulate hair growth.

While it’s still under study, some research shows promise, and it might be something to consider if you’re looking for a less aggressive approach.

Actionable Steps to Take Right Now:

1. Start Early: Prevention is key. The sooner you address your hair loss, the better chance you have of maintaining what you have. If you’re noticing thinning or excessive shedding, consult with a dermatologist or hair loss specialist.

2. Combine Treatments: Consider a combination of topical and oral treatments. Using minoxidil with a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor like finasteride or dutasteride can maximize results. But consult your doctor before starting any new medications.

3. Prioritize Scalp Health: Incorporating a shampoo like ketoconazole can help maintain a healthier scalp environment. Add it to your routine alongside other treatments.

4. Consider Alternatives: If oral treatments worry you, try topical formulations. Topical finasteride is becoming more popular as a less invasive way to block DHT with fewer systemic side effects.

5. PRP or Transplants: If you’re further along in your hair loss journey and other treatments aren’t enough, PRP therapy or a hair transplant might be the best course of action. Explore your options with a professional.

The Science of Regrowth: Hormones and Hair Follicles

When it comes to addressing hair loss, the science tells us one thing clearly: you need a multifaceted approach. Hormonal balance, blood flow to the scalp, and even scalp health play crucial roles in whether your hair follicles can thrive or wither. Minoxidil, for instance, increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which promotes blood vessel formation, ensuring better blood supply to hair follicles. This, combined with DHT blockers like finasteride, can halt hair loss and stimulate regrowth by addressing both the symptoms and the root causes.

Hair loss is a complex issue with many potential causes, from genetics to hormonal imbalances. Understanding the science behind why it happens — and how treatments work — can help you take proactive steps to manage it.

The key is early intervention and a combination of therapies tailored to your specific situation. Whether it’s minoxidil, DHT blockers, or more cutting-edge solutions like PRP or topical anti-androgens, there’s hope for keeping your hair healthy and thriving.

I would love to know your thoughts on this piece.

Let me know in the comments below.

L x