Medical advances mean we now have effective treatments that can slow hair loss, strengthen hair and, in many cases, stimulate growth. But which is the best option for you? Below, I explain the most effective alternatives, their benefits and what you need to know to make an informed decision.
Topical treatments: The obvious starting point.
They are the obvious choice for treating the most common types of alopecia in their early stages because they are easy to get.
These products stimulate circulation in the scalp and prolong the hair growth phase, making your hair look thicker and healthier.
How do they work?
They are applied daily, usually in the form of a lotion or foam, once or twice a day. You will start to see results between 6 and 9 months. You will get the maximum benefit after a year of consistent use, day and night.
- Advantages: Easy to use, improves the quality of fine and weakened hair, suitable for both sexes.
- Side effects: The symptoms include itching, redness, flaking, infections, and a greasy or dry feeling, depending on the individual. Initial hair loss in some cases, which usually disappears within a few weeks.
- Practical tips: Use gentle formulas, avoid harsh products such as excessive alcohol or sulphates, and keep the scalp clean. You must apply the treatment twice a day on a consistent basis to see results.
Oral treatments: Action from within
When alopecia is more advanced or topical treatments are not sufficient, oral medications are the best option. These work by regulating the hormonal factors that weaken hair follicles, stopping hair loss in many cases.
Clinical studies prove that oral treatments can slow hair loss in up to 80% of patients in the early stages after 12 months of continuous use.
- Advantages: It is proven to work in moderate to advanced cases and is a great addition to other treatments, such as topical medications or injections. Easy adherence.
- Possible side effects: It is important to note changes in sexual desire or mood and some changes in liver or prostate parameters, even if these are rare and generally reversible.
They can be minimised with regular medical monitoring, including tests and dose adjustments if necessary, to ensure their safety and efficacy.
Capillary infiltrations: Precision and visible results
Hair infiltrations or microinjections are the most innovative and effective options for treating androgenic alopecia. They consist of microinjections into the scalp with active ingredients that act directly on the follicles, offering fast and long-lasting results. Scientific evidence for this treatment is growing. It shows that infiltrations with certain drugs applied monthly for 6 months improved hair density in 58% of young men with mild to moderate alopecia.
What is injected?
The drugs and hormones used are mainly antiandrogenic ones, which reduce the impact of the hormonal changes associated with alopecia. PRP extracted from your own blood is undoubtedly a highly effective treatment for stimulating scalp stem cells thanks to the growth factors it contains.
- Advantages: This is a direct and localised action. It is administered in sessions of between 2 and 6 weeks. It is well tolerated and causes minimal discomfort. It can be easily combined with topical or oral treatments.
- Mild side effects: You can expect small bruises or temporary inflammation in the treated area. You will feel mild pain during application, but this will quickly disappear.
What is the best strategy?
Act now. Androgenic alopecia is not an unsolvable problem. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to tailor the treatment to your particular case: the degree of alopecia, your age, your general health and your expectations.
We know that a combination of oral treatments and hair injections works best. While oral medications regulate hormonal factors from within, injections act locally to strengthen follicles and stimulate growth. In many cases, this strategy allows for a reduction in the oral dose, minimising risks and maximising benefits.
Early diagnosis and personalised treatment are the keys to slowing hair loss, strengthening hair and regaining confidence.
