Research Project Confirms Most Effective Male Hair Loss Treatments

added 9th May 2017

Thanks to a new hair loss research project in Canada, the efficacy of the only clinically-proven treatments available for male pattern baldness have been confirmed.

 

Whilst every day seems to herald a new news story about the possibility of an innovative cure for hair loss, the reality is that no new hair loss medications have been approved for many years now. Furthermore, the systematic review carried out by the Memorial University of Newfoundland team discovered that these original treatments still offered the best solutions for thinning hair.

 

At present, there are only a pair of hair loss treatments approved by both the UK’s MHRA and the USA’s FDA organisations for androgenetic alopecia. These are Propecia (finasteride 1mg) and minoxidil. Finasteride 1mg goes under many brand names since its inception as an oral DHT-blocker to help prevent male hair loss. Minoxidil is a topical solution that has a localised effect on the potassium channels, helping to stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth. Both drugs are often used together due to their complementary actions.

 

LLLT (low level laser therapy) – for which there are a range of FDA-cleared device options since the first device, the HairMax LaserComb was launched – was found to be a beneficial adjunct to the primary hair loss treatment drugs.

 

Researchers stated in their paper, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: “This meta-analysis strongly suggests that minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy are effective for promoting hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia and that minoxidil is effective in women with androgenetic alopecia.”

 

Use of the two widely-established hairloss drugs as a way to promote men’s hair growth and prevent baldness is a popular practice worldwide. However, individuals should always seek professional advice before starting any new regime or taking new medications, including hair loss treatment.