Dermatologists treat hair loss with a range of options, including prescription medications like finasteride (men) and spironolactone (women), over-the-counter minoxidil (topical/oral), steroid injections (for alopecia areata), and therapies like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and laser therapy; they also address underlying causes, offer lifestyle advice, and may suggest hair transplants, tailoring treatment to the specific diagnosis, from genetic thinning to autoimmune conditions.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Once the cause of hair loss is identified, dermatologists can recommend personalized treatment plans. These may include: Medications: Treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) are commonly prescribed to promote hair growth and slow hair loss.
Propranolol is one of several beta-blockers that can cause hair loss, however, given the widespread clinical usage, cases have been rare [7]. The suggested mechanism is a direct toxic effect on hair follicles [8]. The hair loss from propranolol is not permanent and is typically a result of telogen effluvium.
The "Big 3" in hair loss treatment refers to a popular, multi-pronged approach using Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole shampoo, targeting different aspects of hair thinning (like circulation, DHT, and inflammation) for potentially better results than single treatments, often used for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). While Minoxidil promotes growth, Finasteride blocks follicle-shrinking DHT, and Ketoconazole reduces scalp inflammation, sometimes Microneedling replaces Ketoconazole as a "Big 3" component.
Vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron, Vitamin D, Biotin (B7), B12, and Zinc, can cause hair loss by disrupting hair follicle function, keratin production, or oxygen supply, leading to thinning, shedding, or brittle strands; though rare, deficiencies in Folic Acid, Niacin (B3), and Vitamin A (excess is also harmful) can also contribute.
Vitamin H is known to stimulate hair growth. Studies have shown that biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss. While biotin can be used to treat hair loss, the best results occur in individuals who are biotin deficient. However, biotin deficiency is quite rare as it is found in many food sources.
In conclusion, while vitamin D is essential for healthy hair growth, too much can potentially lead to hair loss.
The most common options include: Minoxidil (Rogaine). Over-the-counter (nonprescription) minoxidil comes in liquid, foam and shampoo forms. To be most effective, apply the product to the scalp skin once daily for women and twice daily for men.
Matthew McConaughey attributes his hair regrowth to a non-surgical, topical treatment called Regenix, which he applied daily for ten minutes, calling it "manual labor" for his scalp, and continues to use, denying any hair transplants despite rumors. He found a bald spot around 1999, started using the Regenix ointment, and saw his hair come back fuller, claiming he has more hair now than before.
Stage 7: The most advanced androgenetic alopecia
This is the most advanced stage of male pattern baldness. The top of the head is completely bald, but some hair is still thinner and of varying density at the back and on the sides.
These include:
Options like prescription medications (finasteride, minoxidil), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and low-level laser therapy may help dormant follicles re-enter the growth cycle. But here's the key: once follicles are dead, the only way to restore hair in that area is through transplantation.
Your very first dose of propranolol may make you feel dizzy, so take it at bedtime. After that, if you do not feel dizzy, you can take it in the morning. The main side effects of propranolol are feeling dizzy or tired, cold hands or feet, difficulties sleeping and nightmares.
Oral prescriptions: Your dermatologist may prescribe prescription medication to help you regrow hair and prevent FPHL from worsening. For example, your dermatologist may prescribe spironolactone, finasteride, or dutasteride. Most prescription medications take 6–12 months to show noticeable improvements.
You are shedding more hair than usual. Your hair is coming out in chunks. There are patches of baldness, typically in a circular pattern. There are blisters, bumps, flakes, or itchiness in the thinning area.
If your doctor suspects that an underlying medical condition may be the cause of hair loss, a blood test or scalp biopsy may be recommended. All of these diagnostic tests can be conducted in your dermatologist's office.
The Hollywood actor revealed he's been using finasteride for over two decades to fight male pattern baldness. Finasteride works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles in genetically prone men.
The "Big 3" for thinning hair, especially male/female pattern baldness, are typically Minoxidil (Rogaine), Finasteride (Propecia), and sometimes Ketoconazole shampoo, or even Microneedling, forming a multimodal approach to stimulate growth and block hormones (DHT) causing hair loss, with Minoxidil boosting circulation, Finasteride inhibiting DHT, and Ketoconazole reducing inflammation and acting as a mild anti-androgen.
In a post on her Instagram page, she wrote, “When I was coming up, I didn't know how to take proper care of my hair when I first started working in television and film — I had to learn about minoxidil from my hairstylist! And I've been using it ever since.”
Vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron, Vitamin D, Biotin (B7), B12, and Zinc, can cause hair loss by disrupting hair follicle function, keratin production, or oxygen supply, leading to thinning, shedding, or brittle strands; though rare, deficiencies in Folic Acid, Niacin (B3), and Vitamin A (excess is also harmful) can also contribute.
PP405 is emerging as a major hair loss breakthrough in 2025, offering new hope for individuals affected by androgenetic alopecia—the most common form of hair loss.
Minoxidil should not be used in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to the drug or its constituents, including propylene glycol. The utilization of minoxidil is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Iron. Iron deficiency (ID) is the world's most common nutritional deficiency and is a well-known cause of hair loss.
Taking too much vitamin D leads to calcium buildup (hypercalcemia), causing physical signs like nausea/vomiting, fatigue/weakness, frequent urination & excessive thirst, constipation, and confusion/disorientation, alongside potential bone pain or kidney stones, often from supplements, not sun exposure.
Yes, low magnesium levels can disrupt the natural cycle of hair growth and lead to hair loss.