Scalp hair starts to thin out when more hair shafts are lost through daily shedding than the scalp is able to renew hair growth. About 40% of the bulk of scalp hair has to be lost before hair loss becomes obvious. Once alopecia is diagnosed, a vast number of hair loss treatments are available with their effective mechanisms as well as their limitations.

Oral and topical medications may stop further loss by dealing with the main cause which is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or prevent hair loss from recurring. Certain medications even promise hair regrowth but these medications carry with them side effects that may be as bad as or even worse than hair loss itself.

Laser hair treatment for hair loss acts as a growth stimulator using a low-level laser light to increase blood flow to the scalp. This allows hair follicles to absorb more nutrients so they can grow healthier hair. Laser hair loss treatments can be done in a hair clinic or at the convenience of your own home. Patients usually need to undergo a series of treatments to get the best possible results.

To date, there are only two FDA-approved hair loss treatments in the market. Finasteride is a DHT inhibitor and minoxidil is a growth stimulator. However, keep in mind that products sold as herbal or alternative do not need approval from the FDA in order to be sold. Some of the most common natural remedies include Saw Palmetto, Nettle Root, Vitamin B6, Biotin, Zinc, and Magnesium.