Dermatologists may prescribe several types of hair loss medications. These may include oral finasteride, corticosteroids, topical minoxidil, antifungal medications, and antiandrogens.
Each medication works differently to manage hair loss by suppressing inflammation, inhibiting fungal growth, promoting blood flow to the scalp, or reducing hormone levels. Hair loss prescription medications can have side effects but are generally manageable and temporary.
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article may use the terms “women,” “men,” or both when discussing people assigned female or male at birth to reflect the language in source materials.
What are the prescription medications for treating hair loss?
Various prescription hair loss medications can help treat hair loss, including:
- Topical minoxidil: This is a medication you apply directly to your scalp and is available in various strengths. Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for both males and females for treating androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) and may help with hair growth.
- Oral finasteride: This medication is FDA-approved for treating androgenetic alopecia in males. Finasteride (Propecia) works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone, which has a link to hair loss.
- Corticosteroids: A healthcare professional may prescribe oral corticosteroids like prednisone (Rayos) or topical and injectable corticosteroids to treat hair loss due to inflammation or autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata.
- Antifungal medications: If a doctor identifies the fungal infection on the scalp as the underlying cause of hair loss, a healthcare professional may prescribe an antifungal like griseofulvin (Grifulvin V). The dose will depend on the specific formulation and how severe your infection is.
- Antiandrogens: A common antiandrogen for hair loss in females is spironolactone (Aldactone). Although it is not FDA-approved specifically for hair loss, a healthcare professional may prescribe it off-label.
How do they work?
Various hair loss prescription medications work differently in treating hair loss.
Corticosteroids
These medications can help treat hair loss caused by inflammation or autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata.
They work by suppressing the immune response that may be attacking the hair follicles.
Antifungal medications
These medications work by inhibiting the growth and spread of fungi on the scalp, which can help restore a healthier scalp and promote hair regrowth.
Topical minoxidil (Rogaine)
While experts do not know exactly how minoxidil (Rogaine) works, research suggests that it widens the blood vessels in the scalp, which may increase the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles.
It may also stimulate hair growth by prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle and increasing the size of hair follicles.
Oral finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride (Propecia) inhibits the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), reducing the DHT hormone levels in the scalp.
This helps decrease the shrinkage of hair follicles and promote hair regrowth, and after 1 month of taking finasteride, you should start noticing results.
Antiandrogens
Antiandrogens, like spironolactone (Aldactone), work by blocking or reducing the effects of androgens, including testosterone.
By reducing the levels of androgens or their effects on the hair follicles, antiandrogens may help slow hair loss and promote regrowth.
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Are there any side effects?
As with any medication, hair loss prescription treatments can have side effects, which can vary depending on the specific medication.
Topical antifungal medications can cause skin irritation, like itching or a burning sensation, while oral antifungal medications may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Topical minoxidil can cause scalp irritation, itching, or dryness. You may also experience increased hair shedding. However, this is typical, and hair growth usually follows the shedding phase.
Oral finasteride may cause sexual side effects, like decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. These side effects are reversible and can show improvement 3–4 months after you stop taking the medication.
When applied to the scalp, topical corticosteroids can cause skin irritation, such as itching or a burning sensation, while antiandrogens, like spironolactone, may cause changes in menstrual periods and breast tenderness or enlargement.
Due to side effects potentially affecting the fetus, you should not use spironolactone if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon.
How long does hair take to regrow?
Hair regrowth after prescription hair loss treatment may vary depending on your response, the underlying cause of hair loss, and the type of medication.
The telogen phase, where hair stops growing and sheds, may last for a few weeks up to 1 year. Therefore, it may take several months to see noticeable regrowth.
About different hair loss types
Different types of hair loss are treated differently depending on the underlying cause. A healthcare professional may treat androgenetic alopecia with topical hair loss prescription medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) or finasteride (Propecia) to slow hair loss and promote regrowth.
However, hair loss due to medical conditions like alopecia areata or hormonal imbalances may require a different approach. Treatment options may vary from immune-suppressing to hormone-modifying medications, and formulations can include injections, topical creams, and oral tablets.
It is important to determine the exact underlying cause of your hair loss so a healthcare team can develop a suitable treatment plan.
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Get free cardWhen does hair loss surgery become an option?
Healthcare professionals may suggest hair loss surgery, such as hair transplantation or scalp reduction, when other treatment options have not been effective or if you have androgenic alopecia.
You will need to have enough donor hair available for transplantation and be in good overall health to be a candidate for surgery.
A consultation with a hair transplant surgeon can help decide whether surgery is possible for you and your condition.
Are there any preventive or natural hair growth treatments?
Some natural treatments and preventive measures can help promote hair growth. These may include:
- Maintaining a healthy scalp and hair by regularly washing, gently brushing, and avoiding excessive heat styling or harsh chemicals that can damage your hair.
- Eating a nutritious diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins to support hair growth.
- Massaging your scalp with your fingertips or a gentle scalp massager can stimulate blood flow to your hair follicles.
- Applying diluted essential oils, such as rosemary, and massaging your scalp to help stimulate hair growth.
- Avoiding tight hairstyles or hair accessories that pull on your hair, as this can lead to traction alopecia.
Are changes to hair care routines helpful?
Making changes to hair care routines can help maintain healthy hair. Using gentle shampoos, avoiding excessive heat styling or harsh chemicals, and minimizing brushing or combing when the hair is wet are all beneficial practices.
These changes can help prevent damage to the hair shaft and reduce the risk of breakage or hair loss. Keeping your scalp clean and well-nourished can also support overall hair health and growth.
Discussing options with a doctor
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional, like a dermatologist or primary care physician, who can evaluate your condition, diagnose the underlying cause of hair loss, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
They can also provide personalized advice and answer any questions you may have.
Summary
Prescription medications can help treat hair loss, and a healthcare professional may prescribe different medications based on the underlying cause.
Medications may include topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, corticosteroids, and other prescription medications.
However, hair loss prescription treatments may come with side effects. Consider talking with a healthcare professional about the possible risks and benefits of taking these medications and the time it will take to regrow hair.