Medication Treatment

Medication Treatment for Hair Loss & Hair Fall

First-line treatment of Hair loss, hair falling, hair thinning and baldness is a medication

Medication is crucial in preventing further hair loss and promoting regrowth whenever possible. Available From topical solutions to oral medications,

these treatments target various underlying causes of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, disease hair loss, immune suppressed hair loss, etc.

Systemic Oral Medications

Oral finasteride: it works only blocks type II, 5 alpha reductase enzyme and works as a DHT blocker. while dutasteride acts on both type 1 and 2, 5 alpha-reductase enzymes and hence it is more potent than finasteride
It is used as a prescription medication for men who have male pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride slows the rate of hair loss and stimulates new hair growth by inhibiting the body’s production of a hormone that destroys hair follicles.

Natural source of DHT blocker – Turmeric, grape seed extract, saw palmetto, brews east, almond, berries, avocado, tomato, pumpkin seeds, green tea, beetroot, banana, watermelons, eggs, carrots and flax seed

2. Biotin: Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin of the body that gets from food, it stimulates the production of keratin to increase follicle growth. It plays a major role in the metabolic process and is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. The recommended intake is 30 micrograms for adults daily.

Natural sources of biotin: legumes, egg yolk, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, seeds, nuts (peanuts, hazelnuts, oats, soybeans, walnuts) organ meats, avocados, yeast, fish milk vegetables

3. Vitamin A: Hair cells are the fastest-growing part of the body. vitamin A is the perfect fuel for hair growth. When your body absorbs vitamin A, it produces sebum that moisturizes your scalp, keeping it your hair follicles healthy. Having a vitamin
The recommended daily intake for vitamin A is up to 900 mcg for men and 700 mcg for women.

Natural sources of vitamin A: Green leafy vegetables, fruits, animal products, spinach, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, winter and summer squash, tomatoes, cantaloupe, mango, beef liver, fish oil, milk, egg

4. Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to hair loss conditions like alopecia, female pattern hair loss, and excessive shedding.
the recommended dosage for adults is 600 IU of vitamin D

Natural sources of vitamin D: Take 5-15 mins of sunlight 2-3 times a week without sunscreen or without wearing too much clothing can help your body to synthesize vitamin D
Oily fish -salmon, mackerel, sardines, Red meat, egg yolk, liver, fortified food
For vegetables- mushroom, milk and milk products, paneer, fortified cereals, fortified tofu

5. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is anti-oxidant. It can curb oxidative stress by balancing out the electron level in free radicals and it helps to keep healthy hair and nourish hair structure and main the hair shining
the recommended dietary allowance is 15 milligrams daily.

Natural source of Vitamin E: vitamin e is available in plant-based oil, nuts, seeds, fruits, green leafy vegetables, spinach, broccoli, avocado
Sunflower oil. Soyabean oil, and safflower oil, are good source
Wheat germ oil, corn, beer green collard greens, pumpkin,
Almonds, peanuts, red bell pepper

6. Iron: iron is an essential mineral for hair that helps to nourish the hair follicle and root. It is a protein found in your body’s red blood cells.
Iron supplies oxygen to cells throughout your body, aiding in their repair and growth of hair
An iron deficiency can lead to hair loss, with women being the most susceptible.

Natural sources of iron: Whole grain like quinoa, whole oats, whole grain bread,
Dried fruits like raisins, almonds, figs, dates, apricots, prunes, nuts, peanuts,
Strawberries, watermelon, beets, potatoes, legumes,
Meat, poultry, fish, red meat like beef, chicken,
Vegetables; dark leafy green,
Beans and pulses: red kidney beans, edamame beans, chickpeas, peas, lentils, tofu

7. Zinc: zinc is an essential mineral that can help to maintain healthy hair, Zinc promotes oil production and reduces the scalp inflammation which can lead to healthier hair.
If you have a Zinc deficiency, you could experience hair loss. Those most susceptible to zinc deficiencies are those who drink alcohol excessively.

Natural source of zinc: The richest source of food for zinc like meat, fish, seafood, oysters, eggs, dairy products, pumpkin seeds

8. Calcium Pantothenate: It is a salt of vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) that works for hair growth and greying. It has a strong anti-oxidant that provides essential nutrients and reduces hair fall, strengthens hair from roots, nourishes follicles from within, and stimulates the growth of existing and new hair.

Natural sources of calcium pantothenate: meat, seafood, beef, organ meats, poultry, egg and milk, all plants, vegetable, mushroom, avocados, potatoes, broccoli, nuts seeds, whole wheat, cereal grain, brown rice, oats

9. Saw palmetto: is a herbal supplement derived from the plant’s berries. It is a natural inhibitor for the production of testosterone. Saw palmetto blocks 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, leading to less DHT in the body, potentially slowing hair loss and promoting new hair growth. It helps to increase sperm production and boost libido. It’s a most important natural extract for hair growth.

Natural source of saw palmetto: saw palmetto is derived from fruits of Serenoa repens of palm tree, it is mainly from palm-like plants of berries.
There is no other food source for saw palmetto, so need to take a supplement

10. Oral Minoxidil:

It shortens the telogen phase and prolongs the anagen phase with a progressive hair diameter and length growth.
A recent study suggests that when given orally, minoxidil would be converted by platelet sulfotransferase instead of topically and might reach a higher follicular accumulation.
The conversion of minoxidil to its active derivative, minoxidil sulfate, by follicular sulfotransferase activity is a key step in the medication’s effectiveness,
Minoxidil works as a vasodilator and has anti-androgenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Minoxidil relaxes blood vessels, leading to an increased supply of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles.
Minoxidil reduces perifollicular microinflammation and it has been shown to suppress T-lymphocytes. This anti-inflammatory effect is also enhanced through the inhibition of the effects of prostacyclin and interleukin-1α.
Minoxidil may stimulate the release of vascular endothelial growth factors and activate the β-catenin signaling pathway. β-Catenin acts as a transcriptional factor and plays a role in hair follicle regeneration.

Topical Applications For Hair loss

a. Minoxidil:

One of the most widely used medications for hair loss is topical minoxidil. it works by preventing hair thinning and stimulating new growth. This medication is beneficial for various types of hair loss, including male and female pattern baldness, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, etc.

it is available in the form of 2%, 5%, and 10% lotion and Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener

The mechanism by which minoxidil stimulates hair growth is not fully understood, but minoxidil can help reverse the hair loss process of androgenetic alopecia by the following means:

Reverses the miniaturization of follicles
Increases blood flow around follicles
Stimulates follicle movement to growth phase
Extends each follicle growth phase

Topical Finasteride in combination with minoxidil:-The combination of topical minoxidil and finasteride can thus be considered as a beneficial treatment strategy to maintain hair density after achieving initial improvement with oral finasteride, thereby obviating the use of oral finasteride indefinitely.

b. Peptides

Peptides may promote hair growth in several ways, including:

Stimulating hair follicle growth: Some peptides may act as DHT blockers that may help prevent the hormone from inhibiting hair growth by stimulating the production of keratin, a critical protein for healthy hair
Increasing blood circulation: Peptides like copper peptides may help improve the blood flow, oxygen, and nutrient supply to the scalp, which boosts natural hair growth.
Hair follicle nourishment: Some peptides may help nourish hair follicles, resulting in healthier and more robust hairs.
Anti-inflammatory effects on the scalp: Certain peptides like Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 may have anti-inflammatory effects on the scalp skin, helping reduce inflammation and irritation that can prohibit new hair growth.

Commonly used peptides

Anagain: it is a patented ingredient derived from organic pea sprout extract. It is claimed to stimulate hair growth by promoting the proliferation of hair follicle cells and extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle
Capixyl: it is a blend of acetyl tetrapeptide-3 and red clover extract. It is said to preserve hair follicle stem cell activity and modulate dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair loss
Procapil: it is a combination of three active ingredients: biotinoyl tripeptide-1, apigenin, and oleanolic acid. It is claimed to improve hair anchoring, strengthen the hair structure, and promote hair growth
Redensyl: it is a patented ingredient composed of various molecules, including dihydro quercetin glucoside and glycine soja germ extract. It is said to stimulate hair stem cells, promote hair growth, and improve hair density

Types of Peptides for Hair Growth

Selecting the correct peptide is crucial for achieving optimal hair growth results. Some of the primary peptides that may help stimulate hair growth are listed below:

Copper Peptides: Copper peptides may improve blood vessels’ health, leading to better scalp circulation and hair nourishment. They have also been found to promote the growth of hair follicle cells.
Keratin Peptides: Keratin peptides may support hair growth because keratin is the primary protein in hair. Studieshave found that topical application of keratin peptides can help improve overall hair strength and thickness.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3: This peptide may have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation on the scalp, which might lead to new hair follicle growth.
Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1: When applied topically or taken as an oral supplement, this peptide may promote increased blood flow to your scalp, nourishing your hair follicles and promoting healthier-looking locks.
GHK-Cu: GHK-Cu has shown research results that help improve tissue regeneration, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant activity. Its use seems promising in promoting healthier-looking skin, including on the areas of the scalp where hairs grow.
Hexapeptide-11: This peptide may help increase collagen production and may be able to convert young vellus hair into mature terminal hair.

c. Antiandrogens

In cases of female pattern baldness, antiandrogen medications like spironolactone and certain birth control pills can be effective. These medications work by blocking the effects of hormones that contribute to hair loss. It may take several months to show noticeable results.

d. Corticosteroids

Certain types of hair loss, such as alopecia areata, are autoimmune conditions where the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles. Corticosteroid medications help suppress this immune response, allowing hair to grow back. They can be applied topically, injected, or taken orally, depending on the severity of the condition.

e. Antifungal Medications

In cases where a fungal infection like scalp ringworm is causing hair loss, antifungal medications are prescribed. These medications help eliminate the fungus, allowing hair to regrow. Treatment duration may vary, and side effects can include rash and gastrointestinal issues.

f. Combination Therapies

A combination of medications is used for optimal results. Dermatologists may recommend additional medications like antibiotics to prevent immune system attacks on hair cells or antimalarial medications to reduce scalp inflammation.

Consultation with a Dermatologist

Before starting any medication regimen, it’s essential to consult with a dermatologist who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific condition and needs. They will explain the benefits and risks of each treatment option, ensuring you make informed decisions about your hair loss treatment journey. Remember, patience is key, as results may take time to become apparent.

At Hairfree Hairgrow, we are committed to helping you achieve healthy, vibrant hair through expert guidance and effective treatments.