Emerging Treatments Offer Hope in Fight Against Hair Loss, But Success varies
São Paulo, Brazil - November 16, 2025 – Millions grapple wiht hair loss, a condition often linked to genetics but increasingly addressed with a growing arsenal of medical and cosmetic interventions.While a worldwide cure remains elusive, dermatologists are finding success with specific treatments tailored to different types of hair loss, though patient outcomes vary significantly. Understanding the underlying cause of hair loss is crucial, as treatments effective for one type may be useless for another.
Hair loss manifests in several forms. Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most prevalent, affecting both sexes and characterized by a gradual thinning of hair. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss,while telogen effluvium results from stress or physiological changes,leading to widespread shedding. “In the simplest terms, the hair follicles on the scalp are either intact – and hair can grow back – or they have been destroyed,” explains Antonella Tosti, a professor of dermatology at the University of Miami.
For androgenetic alopecia, medications like finasteride, traditionally used for men, are increasingly being prescribed off-label for women, though with less extensive study, according to Dr.Goh. Finasteride can cause sexual side effects, but dermatologists like Lipner note that the benefits can outweigh the risks for some patients. Another option, spironolactone, an antiandrogen medication, is also used off-label for younger women, Dr. Goh adds.
Beyond medication, dermatologists are employing complementary procedures to boost effectiveness. These include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and low-frequency red light therapy, as highlighted by Mirmirani. Though, these treatments typically require six months to a year to demonstrate results.
When hair follicles are irreparably damaged, a hair transplant – moving follicles from one scalp area to another – may be the only solution. Lipner cautions, “But keep in mind that hair transplants aren’t simple either,” and require ongoing medication to maintain results.
Despite the proliferation of products promising hair regrowth, some treatments lack robust scientific backing. Biotin supplements, frequently marketed for healthy hair, have shown little evidence of effectiveness unless a patient has a rare biotin deficiency, Lipner states. Furthermore, high doses of biotin can interfere with certain laboratory tests, including those used to diagnose heart attacks, prompting Lipner to advise patients to avoid them. Goh emphasizes the lack of regulation surrounding supplements and cosmetic products, noting they don’t undergo the same rigorous safety standards as pharmaceuticals.
Experts recommend prioritizing healthy lifestyle habits – regular exercise, improved nutrition, and sufficient sleep – before turning to supplements or multivitamins. “Genetics are hard to prevent,” Mirmirani says, “But the things you can change are these healthy habits.” For pregnant women experiencing hair loss, there are currently no safe treatment options available.
