You may find yourself confused by the various hair loss products available, unsure of what suits you or what is actually effective, especially if you have previously tried many treatments without tangible results.
However, treating hair loss requires first understanding its causes, then identifying the appropriate therapeutic options for each case, and knowing what suits men and women specifically.
So, what are the causes of hair loss in both genders? And what is the best pharmacy treatment for hair regrowth?
Causes of Hair Loss
Potential causes of hair loss include:
1. Genetics
Hereditary baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss. It is genetic, usually begins in adulthood, and progresses gradually with age. It can affect both men and women:
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In Men: Hair loss often starts at the temples and extends to the top of the scalp, and there may be thinning at the crown.
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In Women: It first becomes noticeable in the hair part area, but gradual thinning occurs throughout. Typically, the front hairline remains the same, but the hair part can widen.
2. Age
Everyone—men and women alike—notices hair loss and thinning with age; cells die faster than they regenerate.
Just as bones become weaker and skin becomes thinner, hair loss increases.
Additionally, the amount of oil produced in the scalp decreases with age, which can make hair brittle and weak, contributing to overall hair loss and thinning.
3. Hormonal Changes
This cause is more associated with women. Issues such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can lead to elevated androgen levels, which may result in female-pattern hair loss (widening of the hair part and gradual thinning throughout).
PCOS usually has other symptoms, such as:
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Acne.
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Irregular menstrual cycles.
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Increased facial or body hair growth. Other factors causing radical changes in hormone levels that may also affect hair growth include:
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Pregnancy.
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Childbirth.
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Hypothyroidism.
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Menopause.
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Changing medication routines, such as stopping birth control pills.
4. Stressful Life Events (Telogen Effluvium)
You may notice a lot of hair falling out suddenly; you see it on your pillow, on the floor, on your clothes, and everywhere. You might even fear brushing your hair due to how easily it falls out.
This type of hair loss, Telogen Effluvium, begins two to three months after a stressful physical or psychological event and peaks after about 4 to 5 months.
Over time, the body adapts, the hair loss gradually stops, and within 6 to 9 months, things return to normal.
5. Nutritional Deficiencies
Hair growth requires an optimal amount of nutrients. Therefore, a deficiency in certain elements can lead to hair loss, such as:
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Vitamin D.
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Iron.
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Vitamin B2.
Nutritional supplements can easily compensate for vitamin deficiencies, but they do not always help with hair growth.
Thus, you must consult a doctor before taking any supplements to understand how to benefit from them and choose the supplement that promotes hair growth.
6. Infection
The scalp may become infected, leading to hair loss, especially if bacteria or fungi grow excessively and invade the hair follicles. Signs of infection include:
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Appearance of pus-filled bumps.
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Redness and scaling.
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Feeling of itching or pain in the scalp.
Fungal infection of the scalp (Tinea Capitis) is highly contagious and is the most common cause of hair loss in children.
However, hair loss caused by fungal infection can be easily treated using appropriate antifungal medications under medical supervision.
7. Medication Side Effects
Hair loss may be a potential side effect of some medications, such as:
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Weight loss injections, such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.
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Certain blood pressure medications, such as Captopril.
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Blood thinners, such as Apixaban and Warfarin.
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Certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as Atorvastatin.
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Some antidepressants.
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Antacids.
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Colchicine (Gout medication).
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The acne medication is Isotretinoin.
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Testosterone.
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Progesterone.
8. Autoimmune Diseases
Some autoimmune disorders can cause hair loss; the immune system attacks healthy hair follicles, causing hair to fall out.
Depending on the severity of the disease, hair loss may be temporary or permanent. Examples of immune disorders that may affect hair include:
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Alopecia Areata: Appears as one or more coin-sized bald spots. It can occur anywhere on the body, whether on the scalp, face, or the entire body.
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Lupus Erythematosus: Can affect the skin and hair. Some sufferers may experience thinning hair throughout the scalp, while others may notice hair loss associated with a thick, scaly, red, or brown rash. Depending on the type of hair loss, hair may grow back with lupus treatment.
9. Hairstyles (Traction Alopecia)
You might not have any disease or genetic predisposition to baldness, but the problem lies in the hairstyle that causes pulling (tension) on the hair, leading to loss.
In previous causes, hair follicles were still alive, but in traction alopecia, the follicles may be destroyed and unable to grow again.
This is known as scarring hair loss or traction alopecia, which can be caused by certain styling practices, such as:
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Heat styling.
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Chemical hair treatments.
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Tight hairstyles, such as braids and ponytails.
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Hair extensions.
Hair Loss Treatment
The best treatment for hair loss may vary depending on the cause. Generally, available treatment options include:
1. Finasteride
Finasteride is a daily medication for hair loss, taken as an oral tablet by prescription or used as a scalp spray. Studies have shown that it can significantly reduce hair loss, making it an ideal solution for treating hair loss in men.
2. Minoxidil
Minoxidil is available over the counter in 2% and 5% concentrations and in different formulations such as liquid, foam, and spray.
It is used to treat hair loss in both men and women. Although researchers are not entirely sure how it works, it likely dilates blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow to the hair follicles.
3. Triamcinolone Injections
Steroid injections (Triamcinolone) into the scalp can help hair regrow; a doctor uses them at regular intervals until the hair starts growing again.
This medication can be used to treat non-scarring hair loss caused by Alopecia Areata and various types of scarring alopecia.
4. Nutritional Supplements
Certain nutritional supplements support hair loss treatment, such as:
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Biotin (Vitamin B7): A common supplement for hair loss, as Biotin deficiency is linked to hair thinning and loss. However, be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking before taking Biotin supplements.
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Zinc: Severe zinc deficiency can trigger hair loss, and zinc supplements in such cases can help treat the deficiency and restore hair growth.
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Iron: Iron deficiency may also contribute to hair loss. There are various reasons for iron deficiency, but once a low level is proven, obtaining iron supplements may help hair regrow.
Hair Loss Treatment Products from the Pharmacy
AlJawaher AlMotamayza Pharmacies provide a range of hereditary baldness and hair loss treatment products, but a doctor must be consulted to determine what is most suitable for your condition:
1. Finjuvie Topical Spray for Hereditary Hair Loss - 180 Sprays
Finjuvie spray is used for hereditary baldness; it contains the active ingredient "Finasteride," which reduces levels of the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that causes hair loss. It is used topically on the scalp, and results appear within 12 weeks.
2. Regaine Foam for Hair Regrowth for Men - 73 ml
Regaine 5% foam treats hair loss in men. It contains the active ingredient "Minoxidil," which has proven effective in stopping hair loss. Results appear within 8 weeks of use.
3. Regaine Minoxidil 2% Solution for Men and Women - 60 ml
Regaine 2% Minoxidil solution is a solution for hereditary hair loss for both men and women. It also contains "Minoxidil," and use must be continued to maintain results.
4. Prohair 1 mg - 30 Tablets
Prohair 1 mg tablets contain the active ingredient "Finasteride," which has proven effective in treating hereditary baldness in men. However, the medication may cause side effects, such as erectile dysfunction or breast pain.
5. Priorin N for Promoting Hair Growth - 90 Capsules
Priorin N is a nutritional supplement rich in vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids necessary for hair growth. It helps reduce hair loss and treats breakage and frizz, while also helping to increase hair growth within 12 weeks.
6. Mothernest Vitamins with Biotin and Zinc - 60 Pieces
Mothernest gummies contain Biotin, Zinc, and other essential vitamins and minerals to nourish hair, support its growth, and maintain its health.
7. Puroxine Anti-Dandruff Shampoo from Medavita - 250 ml
Puroxine shampoo from Medavita treats the fungi that cause dandruff, which may lead to hair loss. It also relieves itching and redness, in addition to nourishing and moisturizing the scalp.
