Tag Archive for: DHT

7 Reasons Why Your Hair Is Falling Out (And How to Stop It)

It’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole when doing internet research.  A pimple can turn into cancer or flesh-eating disease in minutes.  The same thing can happen when you lose your hair.  First, you see a few strands of hair on the shower floor.  Then, you find hair all over your towels and pillowcases.  Worst of all, you’re starting to see receding, thinning, or balding areas.  Before you know it, you’re online typing “Why is my hair falling out?” into the search bar.  In no time, you’re convinced that you have some rare, fatal illness that’s making your hair shed.  The truth is that there are some simple explanations for why you may be losing your hair.  Although we don’t recommend self-diagnosis (we’ll talk more about that later), here are the most common reasons your hair may fall out.  

1. You Can’t Fight Genetics

If one of your parents or relatives experienced thinning or balding hair, you might be next in line.  Male and female pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia, is passed from generation to generation and can stem from either side of your family.  Male pattern baldness accounts for 95 percent of hair loss in men. (01)  Although genetic hair loss is typically considered a “guys issue,” androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in women also.

How do you know if your hair loss is hereditary?  There are some tell-tale signs, namely specific patterns of hair loss.  Men usually see their hairline receding into an “M” shape.  The circular area on the back of their heads thins and expands to create an “O” shape.  Men can go bald from the condition.   Women, on the other hand, don’t usually go completely bald.  Instead, they get diffuse thinning that begins on the part line and expands out.  

If your hair loss is hereditary, early action with the right medication can help slow down or stop your hair loss and help regrow new hair.  Minoxidil is a well-known option that prevents or reverses the miniaturization of the hair follicles.  It allows existing hair to remain healthy and new hair to grow.  DHT blockers are often needed in conjunction with Minoxidil to prevent testosterone from converting to DHT and attacking your hair follicles.  The most commonly prescribed DHT blockers are Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Spironolactone for women.  

2. You’re Having an Autoimmune Response 

Some types of alopecia are due to an autoimmune disease called alopecia areata.  Before you freak out, though, consider this.  Your lifetime risk of experiencing alopecia areata is only 2.1 percent. (02)  Alopecia areata causes circle-shaped patches of hair loss on various parts of your scalp.  Hair can spontaneously regrow without any treatment.  However, some people experience relapse.  Alopecia areata is diagnosed via visual examination, blood tests, and possibly a small biopsy.  

First-line treatments may include corticosteroids and Minoxidil.  A psoriasis medication called Anthralin or Oluminant, a new medication that was recently FDA approved, may be prescribed for more severe cases.  

3. You’ve Had Surgery or Been Sick

You may not realize that surgeries requiring anesthesia and illnesses that cause high fevers can cause a temporary type of alopecia called telogen effluvium.  Some people who had severe cases of Covid were affected.  When there’s a rapid increase in stress levels in your body, your hair goes into a type of shock called telogen effluvium.  Telogen effluvium speeds up your hair’s growth cycle and pushes it into the resting stage.  During the resting stage, your hair falls out.  The disruption is temporary, though, and usually only lasts for a few months.  After that, your growth cycle gets back on track, although it may take a few months more to see regrowth.  

4. You’re Stressed Out

If you’ve been under a lot of pressure at work or are experiencing a breakup, the stress could take a toll on your hair.  During a 2021 study, researchers discovered that a particular stress hormone called corticosterone can impair the stem cells needed to promote hair growth in mice.  When mice were subjected to mild stress for many weeks, corticosterone levels increased, resulting in telogen effluvium. (03)  Life happens, and you can’t always get rid of your stressors, so finding ways to manage your stress may help if you  notice hair loss.  Exercise, deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and connecting with others are good ways to unwind and help your body reset its hair growth cycle.  

5. Your Hair Needs Some TLC

Do you know why Ariana Grande first started wearing her signature high ponytail?  It was because her hair was damaged by the dye she used while filming the series Victorious.  Yes, harsh chemicals and hairstyles, such as tight braids pulling on your scalp can make your hair break or fall out.  Straightening treatments, including Brazilian blow-outs, are also very harmful.  If your hair is suffering, there are still things you can do to make it healthy again and prevent further hair loss.  A hair mask or deep conditioning treatment can bring some moisture back.  A haircut can remove dead ends.  If your hair is falling out due to traction alopecia, hair loss caused by pulling on your hair too much, don’t despair.  Your hair will grow back once you stop damaging it.  If you find that your hair isn’t growing back, be sure to check with your dermatologist.  

6. You’re Experiencing Side Effects From A Medication

Hair loss isn’t one of the side effects usually listed on medications, and it’s relatively rare, but it can happen.  Antidepressants, certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), thyroid medications, steroids, and hormone replacements can be culprits.  If you think one of your medications could be to blame, don’t stop taking it.  Always consult with your doctor before making any changes.  

7. Your Lifestyle Could Use Some Improvement

We’re human, and we all have some vices.  But iif you’re concerned about your hair falling out, it may be time to rethink your lifestyle.  Let’s start with smoking.  Smoking could affect your hair by causing vasoconstriction and damaging your hair follicles.  If you’re prone to androgenetic alopecia, it can also make you produce more DHT. (04) 

Then there’s alcohol.  There isn’t any scientific evidence out there that indicates that drinking alcohol affects your hair.  Excessive drinking, however, can cause or contribute to medical issues that could affect your hair.  Remember how we talked about stress causing telogen effluvium?  Alcohol in excess could become a stressor if it affects your overall health.  

You may also want to evaluate your diet.  Certain foods can increase testosterone, which can potentially convert to DHT.  Processed and sugary foods are an example.  Too much sugar can cause your body to produce more insulin, increasing androgens.  According to Dr. Ben Behnam, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Happy Head, people who are concerned about hair loss should also choose their protein carefully.  Caged chickens produce more testosterone due to the stress of being held captive.  It’s best to choose free-range chicken.  Whey protein is also an excellent source of protein, but choose the type you use carefully.  Whey protein isolate is highly processed and can contribute to hair loss, while whey protein concentrate supports hair health and regrowth.  

Early Hair Loss Treatment is the Best Hair Loss Treatment

Now that we’ve shared the most common reasons why our patients experience hair loss, we want to go back to why we don’t recommend self-diagnosis.  The key to reversing hair loss is catching it early and beginning treatment while your hair follicles are still viable.  You could lose valuable treatment time If you diagnose yourself and are wrong.  Be sure to visit your dermatologist for an exam.  

We’re Here to Help

If you don’t have access to a dermatologist or have questions about whether hair loss treatment is right for you, we’re here to help.  Simply answer some brief questions designed to help us better understand your hair loss concerns, and a board-certified dermatologist and hair specialist will be assigned to your case.  

 

Resources:

(01) https://www.americanhairloss.org/men_hair_loss/index.html

(02) https://www.naaf.org/alopecia-areata

(03) https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-stress-causes-hair-loss

(04) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9069908/#:~:text=Smoking%20may%20lead%20to%20hair,enhancing%20senescence%20and%20hormonal%20effects.

 

Thickening Shampoos: Ingredients That Work

Are you worried about thinning hair? If the answer is yes, then you’ve probably considered a hair-thickening shampoo or conditioner at one time or another. However, there are hundreds of different products to choose from. Finding the proper treatment means knowing which ingredients are the most successful at growing thicker strands. 

What is a Hair Thickening Shampoo? 

The simple act of shampooing already helps to thicken your hair. Removing grime and grease releases substances that weigh hair down, giving it a lighter, fluffier appearance. Hair thickening shampoos, however, have the added benefit of including ingredients that make hair thicker, nurture hair growth, and, in some cases, slow or stop hair loss. 

Getting past exaggerated claims and scientific-sounding words can be challenging when hunting for a hair-thickening product that works. While many products are filled with over-the-top promises they fail to deliver, others are exceptionally effective. Not all hair-thickening shampoos or conditioners are the same. But how do you know which one to buy? Check for the right ingredients. 

What Hair Thickening Ingredients Should a Shampoo Include? 

The most efficacious ingredients in hair-thickening shampoos work in one of two ways: 

  • Blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
  • Encouraging hair growth

Both men and women produce the hormone DHT, the primary hormone responsible for hair loss. At normal levels, DHT doesn’t cause balding. Unfortunately, some people experience higher levels of DHT. High levels of DHT can shrink or injure hair follicles, preventing healthy hair growth. Blocking DHT helps to reduce hair loss and maintain follicle health.  (01)

Hair doesn’t contain living cells, but the scalp and follicles that manufacture and grow strands of hair do. Therefore, ingredients that help to keep the scalp healthy, increase blood flow, or feed nutrients to hair follicles can help thicken hair and accelerate hair growth. To grow healthy hair, you need a healthy scalp. 

Popular hair brands may have cache in the drugstore aisle, but they aren’t necessarily more effective when treating thinning hair. When it comes to thickening shampoos and conditioners, it’s what’s inside that counts. The following are the most potent hair-thickening ingredients to look for. 

Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioners: DHT Blockers 

About 50% of men and women experience some degree of a hair loss condition called androgenic alopecia, which stems from excess levels of DHT. Therefore, ingredients that block DHT keep DHT from harming hair follicles and keep more strands from falling out. (02)

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto extract is derived from a fruit grown in the Southeastern United States. This extract is an effective DHT blocker in many studies. For example, one two-year study of a group of 100 males with mild-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia was published in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology. The study found that 38% of participants who used saw palmetto saw an improvement in their hair loss. (03)

For men, the prostate is very sensitive to DHT levels. One study saw a significant reduction in DHT levels in the prostate of men who were administered saw palmetto, compared to men who were given a placebo. Although more studies are necessary, saw palmetto is proving to have strong DHT-blocking effects and could help with DHT-induced hair loss. (04)

Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioners: Growth Enhancers

An effective hair thickening shampoo or conditioner contains ingredients that create the right environment for optimal hair growth. Substances that nourish and strengthen the scalp and strands are essential for a thicker head of hair. 

Keratin

Hair is mostly made up of keratin, a protein that’s also found in nails and skin. Keratin is an exceptionally strong material, which makes it an ideal protective protein. Tissues made up of keratin, like your fingernails and hair, are tougher and less prone to damage.  As a result, shampoos and conditioners that contain keratin work well as hair thickeners and strengtheners. 

Thinning or damaged hair experience a loss of structural integrity, where keratin cells have gaps in between or overlap unevenly.  When applied on these hair strands, keratin products fill in spaces in between those cells. The keratin acts like a filler or glue for the hair, which makes the keratin-infused strands smoother and stronger as a result. (05)

Biotin

Biotin, also referred to as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, promotes keratin production. Because hair is mostly made of keratin, biotin ensures healthy hair. A deficiency in biotin can lead to weak, brittle strands of hair and slow hair growth. Although rare, biotin deficiency can occur in people with medical conditions or who use alcohol frequently. Supplementation of biotin, whether orally or through topicals and shampoos, may foster hair thickness. (05)

Argan Oil 

Popularly known as “liquid gold” from the area it comes from (Morocco), argan oil has been used for centuries to counteract hair loss. This oil is made from the fruit kernels of the Moroccan argan tree. Argan oil has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal ingredient for scalp treatments. 

Hair loss resulting from conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, which may inflame the scalp, may benefit from shampoos and conditioners containing argan oil as an ingredient. 

Perhaps more importantly, however, argan oil also contains linoleic acids that moisturize the scalp and hair. By strengthening and moisturizing the scalp, hair follicles, and strands, argan oil can assist in thickening hair. (06)

Choosing a Multi-Pronged Approach to Thicken Hair

Most people who have hair thinning or balding know that the causes typically stem from more than one source. While genetics may be one risk factor, other elements like scalp health, nutrition, and external influences also play apart. The American Academy of Dermatology Association lists the following possible risk factors that may lead to thinning hair: (07)

  • Increased age
  • Inherited genes
  • Immune system disorders (such as alopecia areata)
  • Medical treatments
  • Overall health
  • Hair care
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Scalp health and infections

There’s no one magic bullet for hair loss, because the causes may stem from many different areas. Because of this fact, combating hair loss should be a multi-faceted approach. For example, eating a nutritious diet, practicing appropriate hair care, and using a medicated treatment to combat hair loss will yield better results than relying on a one-track approach. 

Do Thickening Shampoos Work? 

So, do thickening shampoos actually help with hair loss? Yes! Although finding the right ingredients and utilizing thickening shampoos alongside other approaches is vital for success. 

If you’re experiencing balding or thinning hair, let Happy Head help you manage your hair loss. Our experienced board-certified dermatologists will work with you to find the right prescription topical to regrow your hair. You can also try a multi-faceted approach with our Happy Head hair thickening shampoo and conditioner. Filled with high-quality hair-healthy ingredients like saw palmetto and biotin, our hair thickeners will give your strands volume and depth, as well as strengthen the health of our scalp. Subscribe and save on your purchase! 

Resources: 

(01) https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/hair-loss/symptoms-of-high-dht

(02) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/

(03) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/039463201202500435

(04) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11337315/

(05) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5582478/

(06) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/

(07) https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/18-causes

 

Dutasteride or Finasteride for Hair Loss: Which Should You Use?

You’ve decided to be proactive and treat your hair loss.  After all, you’ve been staring at the mirror day after day, trying to convince yourself that you aren’t really losing your hair.  But, you are.  Now that you’ve decided to do something about it, which medication should you use?  Everywhere you look, there seems to be another hair loss solution that promises to give you a full head of shiny hair in no time. 

Here’s what any qualified dermatologist will tell you. In addition to Minoxidil, you’ll need a prescription DHT (an acronym for dihydrotestosterone) blocker to effectively treat male pattern baldness.  Two are on the market:  Finasteride and Dutasteride.  Both have been tested and are prescribed often.  Which one is better?  We’ll run down the list of pros and cons and give you the information you need to have an educated discussion with your dermatologist.

Why Do People Use Finasteride or Dutasteride?

Before we get into what Finasteride and Dutasteride are and how they work, let’s talk about why you need one of these medications.  There are many types of alopecia that cause balding and thinning, but the most common type is male and female pattern baldness.  Male and female pattern baldness is a genetic condition that occurs when your body converts testosterone into an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  If you are genetically predisposed to male or female pattern baldness, DHT can attack your hair follicles and cause something called miniaturization.  Miniaturization occurs when the hair follicles shrink. Healthy new hair can’t emerge and existing hair falls out.  

How Finasteride and Dutasteride Work 

Finasteride and Dutasteride are in a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, also known as 5-ARIs.  The medicines were initially designed and marketed to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate.   When testing effectiveness in treating BPH, researchers discovered that balding patients taking Finasteride experienced hair growth.   The reason why is that the medications are anti-androgens, which means they prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT.  DHT causes both enlarged prostates and hair loss.  If the testosterone doesn’t convert, your hair follicles will remain healthy.  

What is the Difference Between Finasteride and Dutasteride?

Finasteride is sold under the brand names Proscar and Propecia.  The medication was FDA-approved to treat male pattern baldness in 1997.  Dutasteride is sold under the brand name Avodart and is used off-label to treat male pattern baldness.  Dutasteride is a newer medication.  

Finasteride inhibits Type 2 isoenzyme of 5a-reductase.  Dutasteride inhibits Type 1 and Type 2. You could say that Dutasteride is stronger because it inhibits an extra enzyme.  Does that mean that Dutasteride is a better choice?  Although one study found Dutasteride to be more effective, that isn’t always the case. (01)

You Need to Give DHA Blockers a Test Run

According to Dr. Ben Behnam, Board Certified Dermatologist and founder of Happy Head, you won’t know which medication will work better for you until you try one.  Logically, Dutasteride should work better for everyone because it has broader coverage, but that isn’t always the case.  He has seen situations where patients respond better to Finasteride.  That’s one of the reasons why dermatologists typically recommend Finasteride first.  Finasteride can often get the job done at a lower dosage than Dutasteride.  Finasteride is also often combined with Minoxidil to get desired results.  The two medications work synergistically to halt hair loss and generate growth.  Minoxidil brings oxygen to the hair follicle, enlarging the follicle, while Finasteride blocks the DHT from attacking the follicle.  

You Need to Consider How Risk Adverse You are to Potential Side Effects

Side effects are always a possibility with any medication.  However, DHT blockers are of particular concern to many men because of potential sexual side effects.  Both Finasteride and Dutasteride have similar risks and safety profiles. (02) The truth is that side effects are rare with both medications.   If you’re still concerned, though, Finasteride comes in a topical formula.  The topical has been proven to penetrate the scalp’s surface and work as effectively as the oral pill.  Men can get the same benefit without systemic effects. 

Can Women Use Finasteride and Dutasteride?

Just as men get male pattern baldness, women experience female pattern baldness.  Female pattern baldness is also caused by DHT.  Although Finasteride is not FDA approved for women, many dermatologists prescribe the medication to their female patients.  The only caveat is that Finasteride is not recommended for women who are or are thinking about getting pregnant.  Dutasteride isn’t prescribed to women as often as Finasteride, however, women can take the medication if they are not of childbearing age.  Spironolactone, another DHT blocker, is usually prescribed rather than Dutasteride.  

 

Need help selecting the right medication to treat your male or female pattern baldness?  Want more information about whether Finasteride or Dutasteride are right for you?  We’re here to help.  Our board-certified dermatologists are on call to answer your questions and make personalized recommendations.  

 

Resources:

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6388756/#:~:text=One%20study%20discovered%20that%20dutasteride,in%20inhibiting%20type%201%205AR.&text=After%20studying%20the%20mechanism%20of,than%20finasteride%20in%20treating%20AGA.

(02) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24411083/

 

 

The Best Superfoods for Healthy Hair

Hair loss can often leave a person feeling helpless about their appearance. Fortunately, there are lifestyle changes a person can make to encourage healthy hair growth.  For example, replacing processed foods with nutrient-dense superfoods may help manage hair loss. 

Nutrients for Hair Growth

Like the rest of the body, the scalp depends on vitamins and minerals from the food you eat to grow healthy hair. Hair grows out through hair follicles, and these follicles need nutrients to work well. The following are a few of the most vital nutrients necessary for hair growth. 

Vitamin A

Healthy follicles are important for robust hair growth. Vitamin A ensures well-functioning follicles by promoting better blood circulation and mitigating follicle damage from free radicals. Additionally, vitamin A improves overall scalp condition, eliminating dry and scaly skin. 

B Vitamins

Deficiencies in B vitamins have been linked to hair loss. B vitamins support the growth of skin, hair, and nails in two ways: 

  • Enhancing the body’s ability to remove nutrients from foods. 
  • Boost red blood cell formation. 

A variety of nutrients fall under the umbrella of a B vitamin: (01)

  • B1 (also known as Thiamine)
  • B2 (also known as Riboflavin)
  • B3 (also known as Niacin)
  • B5 (also known as Pantothenic acid)
  • B6
  • B7 (also known as Biotin)
  • B9 (also known as Folate)
  • B12

Hair-friendly B vitamins help with red blood cell formation, which are vital for carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body— including the scalp. 

Vitamin C

A healthy head of hair is nearly impossible without Vitamin C. It’s a powerful antioxidant that impacts hair growth by: (02)

  • Playing a significant role in developing collagen, which is necessary for hair building and structure. 
  • Encouraging the absorption of iron, which prevents hair loss and oxidative stress. 

Like the rest of the body, the scalp and hair is susceptible to damage from free radicals. Vitamin C helps to reduce the injury from free radicals and maintains scalp health. Furthermore, collagen is a key compound that produces keratin, which gives skin and hair cells their structure. Vitamin C amps up collagen production and helps to strengthen and grow healthy hair. 

Vitamin D

Due to our modern lifestyle and diet, most people do not get enough vitamin D. Which is unfortunate, because vitamin D deficiency is linked to hair loss and slow hair growth. Participants in a study of women experiencing hair loss had lower levels of vitamin D. In another study of individuals with alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss) found that vitamin D levels were also lower in individuals with the disease. (03, 04)

Iron

While many people don’t get enough vitamin D, the most common nutrient deficiency in the world is iron deficiency. Iron plays a significant role in a variety of body systems, but perhaps it’s most well-known for carrying oxygen throughout the body via red blood cells. Without iron, hair follicles can’t get the oxygen they need to grow hair. Therefore, iron deficiency results in anemia and hair loss. (02)

Zinc

Bones, muscles, the immune system, and even reproductive organs all require zinc to function appropriately. Zinc is also essential for healthy hair and skin. This mineral plays a significant role in manufacturing collagen, essential for growing hair. (02)

In addition, zinc affects the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is responsible for the loss of hair in situations like male pattern.  Zinc regulates the activity of the enzyme that keeps DHT in check, 5-alpha reductase.

Seven Superfoods for Hair Loss

The good news is that you can easily obtain these vital hair nutrients by incorporating the following superfoods in your diet. You’ll find some predictable foods on this list, as well as some you may not have expected to be hair-growing superfoods! 

1 Nuts and Seeds

In general, nuts and seeds are high-protein and nutrient-dense superfoods. When it comes to hair, however, they’re chock full of the nutrients necessary for long, shiny hair. Nuts and seeds are high in B vitamins, iron, zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Just keep your intake to a handful a day, because nuts and seeds are also high in calories. 

2 Healthy Cuts of Meat

Meat gets a bad rap. Although it’s true that fatty or heavily processed meats adversely affect a person’s health, this is not the case for all types of meat. Moderate amounts of healthy cuts of meat are rich in nutrients and can help maintain a healthy head of hair. Red meat is full of an easily absorbable type of iron that works especially well in the blood’s oxygen delivery system, which helps bring oxygen to hair follicles. 

3 Oysters

Oysters are more than purported aphrodisiacs, they’re also great for growing hair. These delectable mollusks are low-calorie and high in nutrients, with the minerals it takes to make hair healthy. A 3.5-ounce of oysters provides the following percentage of a person’s daily required nutrients: (05)

  • Selenium: 56% 
  • Iron: 40% 
  • Vitamin B12: 538%
  • Zinc: 555%

These whopping percentages indicate how high oysters are in many of the nutrients needed to grow hair. 

4 Spinach 

In addition to muscles, perhaps spinach should have blessed Popeye with a full head of hair. Spinach is filled with nutrients that benefit both muscles and hair. Loaded with plant-based iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A, spinach can help keep hair follicles and strands healthy. 

5 Eggs 

One superfood that contains what you need for healthy hair are eggs. Hair is mostly protein (collagen and keratin) and eggs are a rich non-red meat source of protein. High in vitamin A, vitamin E, and B vitamins like folate and biotin, eggs help keep strands strong and healthy. Eggs also do wonders for the scalp by infusing the area with nutrients, allowing healthier  follicles to hang on to hair. 

6 Oats 

You’re probably aware that oats are high in fiber, which is beneficial for the digestive system. But did you know oats improve the health of your hair? Oats contain fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids that reduce excess scalp oils and soothe inflammation, helping prevent hair loss in stress-related cases like telogen effluvium. Furthermore, oat is high in zinc, which keeps strands sturdy and less prone to breakage. (06)

7 Peas

Just like oats, green peas are a surprising superfood that’s good for your hair. Because green peas are full of iron and zinc, they strengthen hair and stimulate growth. Additionally, peas are also high in protein, which helps prevent or slow down hair loss. Interestingly enough, research regarding pea sprouts has shown promising results in slowing hair loss. (07)

You’re More than What You Eat

The saying goes that you are what you eat. While this may be true, you’re also more than what you consume. The environment, your genes, and your lifestyle all play some role in your health. And although a healthy well-balanced diet goes a long way to keeping a healthy head of hair, sometimes it takes more than superfoods to grow your locks back. For those cases, Happy Head is here to help. Our board-certified dermatologists will review your case and make recommendations that are unique to your needs. Customizable and delivered straight to your door, Happy Head’s prescription medications is the hair treatment you’ve been searching for. 

 

Resources: 

(01) https://medlineplus.gov/bvitamins.html

(02) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/

(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23428658

(04) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260993460_Vitamin_D_Deficiency_in_Alopecia_Areata

(05) https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/175171/nutrients

(06) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607907/

(07) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31680356/

Worried About Going Bald? Why Men Are More At Risk Than Women.

Unless you were lucky enough to be born with perfect genes, the odds are that you’ll experience hair loss at some point in your life if you’re a guy.   By age 35, about two-thirds of all men begin to notice that their hair isn’t quite as thick as it once was.  Or even more alarming, they start to see a bit of recession on their foreheads.  By the age of 50, that number shoots up to 85 percent. (01)  Yes, women lose their hair too.  But why does it seem like men have noticeable hair loss while women still have their standing weekly appointments to get their hair blown out?  

Androgenetic alopecia affects both men and women.  However, it affects each gender differently.  If you’re wondering why male pattern hair loss seems so much more prevalent, we’re here to fill you in.  We have the facts and tips on what you can do if thinning or recession are stressing you out.  

Why Do Men Go Bald?

There are several reasons why men lose their hair.  The most common is due to androgenetic alopecia, male pattern baldness.  The hair loss condition is genetic.  You can inherit it from either your mother’s or father’s side of the family.  Hair loss begins when testosterone converts to an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  DHT attacks the hair follicles and shrinks them during a process called miniaturization.  When the hair follicles miniaturize, a couple of things happen.  First, the hair that is already there falls out.  Secondly, the smaller hair follicles make it more difficult for new hair to emerge.  Newer hair tends to be finer.  Eventually, the follicles close off, leading to thinning and baldness.  While most people think of balding happening to older men, the truth is that male pattern baldness can affect any male after puberty.  It’s not unusual for men in their 20s and 30s to lose their hair.

Does Too Much Testosterone Cause Male Pattern Baldness?

There’s a theory that bald men have more testosterone than men with a full head of hair.  Which would explain why more men than women go bald.  That’s just a myth, though.  The amount of testosterone isn’t what causes male pattern baldness.  The amount of testosterone that converts to DHT is what matters.  If a man has low testosterone levels, but a high percentage of the testosterone he does have converts to DHT, male pattern baldness can result.  

Can Women Go Bald Too?

Women experience androgenetic alopecia too.  It’s called female pattern baldness.  However, women’s and men’s hair loss patterns are different.  Men tend to lose hair in the front of their heads and on top.  Male pattern baldness often starts as an M shape.  If the condition progresses, it can result in a donut shape.  The pattern of women’s hair loss is different, however.  Women tend to lose their hair along the part line.  Although the hair loss can and does spread, women with female pattern baldness usually don’t go completely bald the way men do.  That’s one of the reasons why it seems like men are more affected by genetic hair loss.  

If a Man Loses His Hair Due to Male Pattern Baldness, Can it Grow Back?

Men with androgenetic alopecia can regrow their hair if the hair follicles have not fully miniaturized and are still intact.  It’s also possible to make thinner hair fuller and healthier looking.  Fortunately, there are two FDA-approved medications designed to help.  

Minoxidil Is Easily Accessible

The first is Minoxidil.  You can buy Minoxidil over-the-counter at drug stores and big box retailers that sell pharmaceutical products.  Minoxidil is sold in two and five percent liquid and foam formulas.  Higher percentages, up to ten percent, are available by prescription.  Not surprisingly, research indicates that five percent (02) is more effective in achieving regrowth. Researchers do not know the exact mechanism that makes Minoxidil work.  But, they do know that Minoxidil brings oxygen to the scalp, enlarging hair follicles, preventing miniaturization and hair loss.  

Finasteride Is a First-line Prescription Treatment for Male Pattern Hair Loss

Finasteride is a prescription DHT blocker that has been FDA-approved to treat male pattern baldness.  The medication, marketed initially to treat enlarged prostates, is effective in promoting hair growth and stopping hair loss in men. (03)  Finasteride prevents testosterone from converting into DHT, which can attack and shrink the hair follicles.  Some men, however, are reluctant to try or use Finasteride because it has a reputation for causing sexual side effects.  Using topical Finasteride is a good, often preferred, alternative that allows men to benefit from the medication without experiencing systemic effects.  

Treatment for Male Pattern Baldness Often Requires a Combination of Prescription Medications

If you’re starting to see thinning or bald spots and are worried about losing your hair, don’t wait to seek treatment.  As mentioned, you want to act while your hair follicles remain active.  A combination of medications are typically used at the same time.  Minoxidil and Finasteride are often prescribed together.  Minoxidil, a vasodilator, enlarges the follicles, while Finasteride stimulates growth. (04)  Depending on your particular case, your dermatologist may also recommend Retinol to help absorption, Cortisone to eliminate irritation or other medications.  Liquid formulas that combine multiple medications into one are available if you’re concerned about taking multiple medications and side effects. 

Customized Hair Loss Treatments Can Be Modified

Keep in mind that treatment for male pattern baldness isn’t one-size-fits-all.  It may take some trial to determine which combination of medications works best for your body’s chemistry.  Finasteride is typically the first-line treatment since it’s highly effective.  However, some men find that Dutasteride, a more broad-spectrum DHT blocker, works better for them.  The key is to remember that once you start treating your hair loss and find a solution that works, you’ll need to keep using it.  If you stop treatment, any growth will be lost.

No, you can’t change your genetic makeup, but you can treat your hair loss.  If you have questions about what medications are right for you, contact us.  Our board-certified dermatologist will review your case and recommend the best way to start regrowing your hair.

 

Resources:

(01) https://www.americanhairloss.org/men_hair_loss/index.html

(02) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12196747/

(03) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9951956/

(04) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4314881/

 

Is Propecia (aka Finasteride) the Right Medication for You?

After months of stressing out about how much hair you’ve lost, you finally pay a visit to your dermatologist.  You talk to your doctor, have an examination, and finally get the news you’ve been dreading.  You have androgenetic alopecia, another name for male or female pattern baldness.  You were trying to process the diagnosis and heard the dermatologist mention the medication Propecia, but couldn’t fully concentrate on what he or she was saying.  You were too focused on the fact that you are losing your hair.  Now that you’ve calmed down, you have decisions to make. Should you try taking Propecia or not?  Will it work?  Is there a less expensive generic version?  Does it have any side effects?  If these or other questions are swirling around in your head, you’re in the right place.  We’re here to give you all of the information you need to help you decide whether Propecia is right for you. 

Why is Propecia Prescribed?

Propecia, the brand name for the generic medication Finasteride, is FDA-approved to treat male pattern baldness. Although the medication is not FDA-approved to treat women, it is often prescribed off-label for female pattern baldness.  Both Propecia and Finasteride work the same.  The difference between the two medications is the price.  Since Propecia is a brand name, it is more expensive due to associated marketing costs.

Is Propecia a New Hair Loss Medication?

Propecia has been available to treat hair loss for over 25 years.  The medication was first used in 5-milligram doses in 1992 by urologists to treat enlarged prostates among men aged 50 and older.  During trials, it was discovered that a side effect was hair growth.  In 1997, one milligram of Propecia was formally approved for hair loss in men who are 18 and up.

How Does Propecia Treat Androgenetic Alopecia?

Propecia inhibits type II and type III 5-alpha-reductase isoenzymes.  In simple terms, that means it prevents testosterone from converting into an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  Blocking DHT is important because excess DHT shrinks your hair follicles and interrupts your hair’s growth cycle.  When your hair follicles shrink, hair becomes thinner and weaker.  Hair falls out easily and doesn’t grow back.  

How is Propecia Dosed to Treat Male or Female Pattern Hair Loss?

As mentioned previously, Propecia was originally marketed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia at 5 milligrams.  The dosage typically prescribed to treat male pattern hair loss is significantly less.  Your doctor will determine the right dose for you; however, one milligram is the most common prescription for men.  Women usually need a higher dosage than men.  Doses prescribed for women can range anywhere from 1.25 to five milligrams.  

Does Propecia Effectively Treat Hair Loss?

If you’re wondering whether or not you should give Propecia a try, the data is favorable.  Propecia is effective in preventing further hair loss and growing new hair.  Research has demonstrated that Propecia reduces serum DHT by 70 percent. (01)  With the medication, testosterone cannot convert to DHT, which can damage the hair follicles. Furthermore, one study indicates that 48 percent of users achieved growth after one year.  After two years, that number increased to 66 percent.  The study also shows that Propecia halts hair loss.  After two years, 83 percent of users in the study had no further hair loss. (02)  It’s important to know that results are only seen while using Propecia.  If you stop using the medication, new growth will likely fall out and your hair will look like it did before taking it.  Further hair loss can also occur.

Can You Combine Propecia With Other Hair Loss Medications?

Dermatologists often find that combining Propecia with Minoxidil gives better results than using Propecia alone.  The two medications serve different purposes.  Propecia blocks the DHT from converting, while Minoxidil sends oxygen to the hair follicles, helping them open so healthy new hair can break through.  You may also hear about retinol.  When using topical Propecia, retinol has been proven to improve absorption of the medication, giving better results.  

How Long Does it Take Propecia to Work?

It’s normal to be anxious to see results after starting a hair loss medication.  When you take Propecia, you may see hints of new growth around the three or four-month mark.  However, it typically takes six months to notice significant improvement.  It generally takes a year to see full results.  

Does Propecia Have Any Side Effects?

Many men are apprehensive about taking Propecia because they have heard it can cause undesirable sexual side effects.  Some report erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and ejaculation disorders.  The side effects are rare, only affecting approximately one percent of men who take oral Propecia. If side effects are a concern, topical Propecia is an alternative that has been proven equally as effective without the same risk of side effects.  Topical solutions work specifically at the site of the hair follicles without risking systemic exposure. (03)

Can Women Take Propecia?

Although Propecia is not FDA approved for women, many dermatologists prescribe the medication off-label for their patients with female pattern baldness.  Both oral and topical Propecia has been proven effective for treating women. (04)  Topical Propecia is absorbed into the skin of the scalp without systemic effects.  Oral Propecia can be prescribed for women who are post menapausal, but isn’t recommended for women of childbearing age unless oral contraceptives are also being taken.  

Are There Alternatives to Propecia to Treat Androgenetic Alopecia?

Other hair loss treatments exist, but keep in mind that prescription medications are most effective.  Minoxidil is often used in conjunction with Propecia for both men and women.  Propecia is effective for most, but in cases where stronger medications are needed, Dutasteride can be prescribed to men or women.  Dutasteride works similarly to Propecia; however, it blocks an additional enzyme.  Spironolactone can be prescribed to women but isn’t recommended for men because it can cause breast enlargement.  Combination topical treatments are often a good choice because they conveniently combine multiple medications into one formula.  

Propecia is a well-tested medication proven to help people with androgenetic alopecia.  The medicine helps stop further hair loss and stimulates new growth in many patients with male and female pattern baldness.  If you have additional questions about Propecia, let us know.  Our board-certified dermatologists are available to review your case and recommend dosages, formulas, and other medications that work well with Propecia.

 

Resources:

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513329/#:~:text=2%5D%5B3%5D-,Finasteride%20is%20an%20FDA%2Dapproved%20pharmacologic%20agent%20for%20treating%20benign,a%20dose%20of%205%20mg.

(02) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9951956/

(03) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jdv.17738

(04) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29464847/

 

Dealing with Bald Spots and Male Pattern Baldness

Whether it’s a slow realization or a sudden awareness, discovering that you’re losing your hair is a difficult event. Every hair on the pillow or on the floor of the shower comes back to haunt you, and you’re at a loss for what to do. Fortunately, there’s steps you can take to slow – or sometimes even stop – your hair loss.

What Causes Bald Spots?

Men don’t have the monopoly on bald spots; women can have them, too! Everyone is at risk for developing a bald spot at some time in their lives, for a variety of reasons. However, some people are at a higher risk than others. 

The most common cause of bald spots in both men and women is the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.  Both men and women produce DHT, but some people have higher levels of DHT than others. Male pattern baldness (MPB), also called androgenic alopecia, results from a combination of DHT and variation in the androgen receptor (AR) genes. Androgen receptors allow hormones like DHT to bind to them, and men with AR genes tend towards male pattern baldness. (01)

High levels of DHT can damage or shrink hair follicles, preventing hair from growing normally. The hair follicles most sensitive to DHT are located at the hairline and at the crown, which is why these areas are often the first to experience hair loss. And although DHT can also cause hair loss in women, 

But it’s not just DHT that can cause bald spots. Other factors that trigger hair loss are: (02)

  • Severe emotional stress
  • Physical stress or illness
  • Hormonal Shifts
  • Medications
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Age
  • Hairstyling 
  • Hairstyling products
  • Repeated physical trauma (tight hats or headbands)

The First Signs of Balding

If bald spots or male pattern baldness runs in your family, you’ve probably been on the lookout for hair loss for awhile now. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell if it’s really a bald spot or just a bad hair day. Here are a few signs that you may be experiencing bald spots or male pattern baldness:

A Receding Hairline

Hair loss typically starts at the hairline. A receding hairline may occur so slowly that you might not notice it until you have something to compare it against. For example, you might spot your receding hairline when you start looking at old photos and see that your hairline looks  different today. Your hair loss may occur incrementally, making it tougher to see.

Reduction in hair thickness

Do you notice less hair on top? Does your hair feel different when you run your fingers through it? If your hair feels finer and more airy, then it might be due to male pattern baldness or hair loss.

Loss of hair at the crown

A growing crown area is one of the first signs of hair loss, especially male pattern baldness. Most people don’t look at the back of their head, so seeing differences in your crown can be challenging. Check your crown every so often using two mirrors to check for bald spots.

How Can I Manage Hair Loss?

Experiencing balding or male pattern baldness is tough, but you do have options. The following are steps you can take to slow down hair loss.

Surgical Treatments

Surgical treatments are typically reserved for advanced cases of balding or male pattern baldness. A hair transplant, for example, is an outpatient surgery that utilizes donor hair follicles. These donor follicles are implanted into sparse or bald areas, allowing new hair to grow. These implants, called follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE), leave little to no scarring. The donor follicles typically come from your own head, but the process still requires recovery time and post-surgical care. (03)

Because surgical options are invasive, there are contraindications that may keep some people from obtaining FUT or FUE treatments, like blood disorders or the tendency toward heavy scarring (keloids). Furthermore, surgery may result in adverse side-effects like swelling, folliculitis, numbness, and infection.  (04)

Scalp Reduction 

A scalp reduction is exactly as the name implies. To perform scalp reduction, areas of the scalp without hair are surgically removed, and the areas with hair are stretched to fill over the bald portions. If you’re wondering how much of the scalp can be removed, you might be surprised to find that scalp reduction can remove up to half of the scalp. 
The skin that’s meant to be stretched is prepared and loosened, prior to stretching gently. Scalp reduction may be combined with other treatments such as FUT or FUE treatments. Some people find the recovery period from scalp reduction surgery highly uncomfortable, due to a scalp tightness that lasts for a few months as skin adjusts. Hairline lowering surgery, for example, is a kind of scalp reduction surgery. To lower the hairline, the receding portion is removed and the portion with hair is pulled forward. (05)

Platelet-Rich Plasma

A procedure called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses an individual’s blood and separates out the plasma using a centrifuge. This platelet-rich plasma (hence the name) is then injected into bald patches and areas of thinning hair. The plasma stimulates growth and repairs damaged blood vessels, helping hair to regrow. Although effective, the PRP process is very involved, costly, and is the newest hair loss treatment option, therefore more research is still necessary to evaluate the ideal therapeutic levels. (06)

Non-surgical Procedures

Scalp micro-pigmentation creates the look of thicker hair through the application of pigmentation that appears like hair follicles. The process includes stippling a tattoo in small dots to mimic hair follicles. Men who have thinning hair or shave their head short are the ideal candidates for scalp micro-pigmentation. However, micro-pigmentation does not grow new hair, nor is it recommended for people with large bald spots or who have major hair loss and wish to regrow hair. (07)

Least Intrusive Procedures

Once you see the signs of male pattern baldness or bald spots, it might warrant considering the least intrusive method for managing hair loss. Medicinal treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are two FDA approved medications for hair loss. When used together, minoxidil and finasteride can slow – or even stop – hair loss and regrow hair. Better yet, when minoxidil and finasteride are customized for each individual, common side-effects can be avoided. 

Dealing with Bald Spots or Male Pattern Baldness: What to Choose?

How you manage your hair loss depends entirely on what’s best for your situation. Bald spots and male pattern baldness can be a distressing event, and making a choice isn’t easy. Talk to people you know who have opted for hair loss treatments and get some perspective. Determine what’s financially feasible and speak to professionals to evaluate with options that will work with your health and lifestyle. At Happy Head, we’re ready to answer any questions you may have about our hair loss products. Let’s talk!

Resources:

(01) https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/hair-loss/symptoms-of-high-dht

(02) https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/18-causes

(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547740/

(04) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547740/

(05) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24017989/

(06) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4622412/

(07) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4382144/

What Is Topical Finasteride?

If you’re searching for hair loss treatments, finasteride is a name you’ll need to familiarize yourself with. Why? Only two hair loss products have received the FDA’s seal of approval — minoxidil is one of them. The other product is finasteride. 

What is finasteride?

Although there are many different types of hair loss, the most common type is androgenetic or androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness or MPB. As part of a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, finasteride treats male pattern baldness by blocking testosterone’s ability to develop into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that causes hair loss in adults, especially men. By blocking the production of DHT, finasteride reduces the amount of DHT within the scalp. (01)

Isn’t finasteride used for prostate issues?

Yes, finasteride is also prescribed for symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) — an enlargement of the prostate gland. When used for BPH, finasteride reduces urinary frequency and urinary retention. However, the doses used in the treatment of BPH are much higher than the doses used to treat hair loss. As a treatment for BPH, finasteride is sold under the name Proscar.

What is finasteride’s history?

During finasteride’s use as an FDA-approved treatment for BPH under the name Proscar, researchers noticed its effectiveness against hair loss. Several years afterward, lower-dose finasteride was approved for hair loss under the name Propecia.

How does finasteride work against hair loss?

Finasteride works by inhibiting the action of the 5 alpha-reductase enzymes. Concentrated in the oil glands of hair follicles, 5 alpha-reductase, which helps convert testosterone into DHT, another hormone. For people who have the genes for hair loss, DHT binds to hair follicle receptors and diminishes the follicle’s size. If the follicle becomes too small, gradual hair loss occurs. 

Finasteride inhibits 5 alpha-reductase, thus reducing serum DHT (the DHT in the blood). Without DHT to constrict hair follicles, hair loss slows and — for many people — hair regrows. With less DHT in the blood, some people see their hair loss stop completely. In short, finasteride protects hair follicles from DHT damage and stops hair loss.

Which Types of Hair Loss Does Finasteride Treat?

The average person loses 100 hairs each day, even with no hair loss issues. Hair falls away as part of each strand’s natural growth cycle, and the loss is negligible. Each strand of hair grows until its fullest length, then rests and eventually falls away. Afterwards, another strand grows to take its place. (02)

Excessive hair loss is more than a normal part of a hair’s growth cycle. Hair loss can become a problem when more than the average amount of hair is lost over time or if hair fails to regrow. For many people — about an estimated 80 million US adults — a balding scalp or thinning hair is the result of hereditary factors. (02)

If a person’s hair loss stems from DHT’s damage to hair follicles, then finasteride can help.

Is oral finasteride better than topical finasteride?

Finasteride requires a physician’s prescription. A physician can determine the cause of hair loss and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Getting to the root of the problem determines what works and what doesn’t — like oral finasteride versus topical finasteride. 

Oral finasteride, though effective, comes with a myriad of side effects. Many of the side effects of oral finasteride are life-altering, for example:

  • Decreased sex drive 
  • Pain or tenderness in the testicles 
  • Numbness in the testicles
  • A reduction in sperm count
  • Difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
  • Reduced ejaculatory volume
  • Severe mood changes
  • Breast enlargement 

In rare cases, oral finasteride may cause permanent side effects. 

Fortunately, taking finasteride topically reduces many of the more problematic side effects caused by taking finasteride orally. However, topical finasteride isn’t without precautions and still necessitates professional oversight to monitor and prevent side effects. Though not as severe as oral finasteride, some topical finasteride side-effects include:

  • Decreased sex drive 
  • Inability to urinate 
  • Swelling of hands and feet
  • Increased liver enzymes
  • Headaches
  • Testicular tenderness
  • Scalp irritation
  • Contact dermatitis 
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Dizziness or weakness

Can you buy finasteride over the counter?

Because finasteride works best for people with an inherited tendency for hair loss, it’s safest to have a physician determine its use. Therefore, finasteride is not a product that anyone can purchase at a pharmacy without a prescription. Finasteride is not an over-the-counter medication and requires a physician’s approval.

Is topical finasteride effective for hair loss?

Topical finasteride works excellently against hair loss. What’s more, topical finasteride avoids many of the adverse side effects that may deter others from completing treatment. The following are studies highlighting the effectiveness of oral finasteride.

  • A 2016 article published in the journal Dermatology Clinics and Research of 107 people found that:
    • Both topical and oral finasteride are equally effective.
    • However, participants on topical finasteride were more likely to complete treatment because there were less side effects. (03)
  • A 2019 literature review published in the Journal of Drugs and Dermatology found that topical finasteride delivered: (04)
    • A significant decrease in the rate of hair loss.
    • An increase in hair counts.
    • A reduction in DHT levels within the scalp and plasma.
  • A 2021 study published in the Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology utilized 458 study participants found: (05)
    • No serious adverse side effects in participants.
    • Fewer complaints of sexual side effects when using topical finasteride.
    • Topical finasteride improves overall hair count while producing fewer adverse side effects. 

To summarize, the topical application of finasteride is as effective as taking the drug orally. However, adverse side effects are less common with the topical application of finasteride when compared to oral treatment. 

When taken orally, finasteride goes through the digestive system and into the bloodstream. Applied as a topical, it bypasses the digestive tract and goes straight to its target with little to no side effects. This aspect makes topical use much more desirable, making users more likely to stick with the treatment! 

How do you balance the effectiveness of finasteride versus the side effects?

Getting the most benefits from finasteride with minimal side effects is achieved through:

  • Combining both finasteride and minoxidil, the two only FDA-approved medications for hair loss.
  • Customizing hair loss treatment to the needs of each individual, making every formula unique to each person’s needs.

Because each person is different, it’s essential to make every finasteride treatment as specific to the person as possible. By catering the therapy to each person, adverse side effects are less likely to occur. And because side effects like the loss of libido and a reduction in sperm count can lead to non-adherence with treatment, catering each treatment to the patient makes it more likely that customers finish their treatment and see successful results.

Making That First Step Towards Finasteride Hair Treatments

Happy Head requires a physician assessment to begin treatment. Happy Head, in collaboration with the physician and the customer, determines the most effective hair loss treatment with the least amount of side effects. The involvement of a licensed professional helps to improve safety, provides valuable feedback, and determines the most successful path toward stopping hair loss. 
With the help of board-certified dermatologists, you can find the right balance of finasteride treatments to suit your hair loss needs. Happy Head understands that hair loss can hurt. Losing your hair can be a traumatic event, even if it occurs slowly over time. Add the fact that hair loss treatments often come with side effects, and it can make anyone feel overwhelmed when searching for treatments. With Happy Head, help is just around the corner!

Resources:

(01) https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698016.html

(02) https://www.aad.org/media/stats-numbers

(03) https://www.scitcentral.com/article.php?journal=19&article=60&article_title=Randomized%20Comparative%20Research%20Study%20of%20Topical%20and%20Oral%20Finasteride%20with%20Minoxidil%20for%20Male%20Pattern%20Androgenetic%20Alopecia%20in%20Indian%20Patients

(04) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6609098/(05) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34634163/

Side Effects of Topical Finasteride: Review of Current Medical Literature

Topical Finasteride is a medication used off-label to treat hair loss. So what are the side effects of using topical Finasteride and how do you know if you'll experience those side effects? It's good to note that not everyone will experience this, so talk to your dermatologist to see what they recommend for you.

Oral Finasteride, also known as Propecia, is an oral medication that has been prescribed by physicians for decades for hair loss. It works in the majority of patients by reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth, however there can be side effects. One of the most concerning side effects are the sexual side effects, which occur only in 1.8% to 3.8% of patients who take it. As a result, many physicians have been switching to topical Finasteride as an alternative. In recent years, there have been many studies on the efficacy and side effects of topical Finasteride. In this article, we will review the clinical trials and scientific data to evaluate the side effect profile of topical Finasteride. 

In one of the first single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials of topical finasteride, Mazarella et al.1 (1997) published a study of 52 subjects ranging from 19 to 28 years of age. The patients were treated with topical finasteride 0.005% vs placebo for 16 months. These were the results:

  • There was a significant reduction in the rate of hair loss after 6 months of treatment.
  • There were no reports of local or systemic side effects in the patients who received topical Finasteride for treatment. 

In another double blind, randomized clinical trial study conducted with 45 male patients, Hajheydari et al.2 (2009), compared oral Finasteride 1mg vs topical Finasteride 1% for a total of 6 months.

  • Authors concluded that “the therapeutic effects of both Finasteride gel and Finasteride tablet/oral were relatively similar to each other.”
  • One person had erythema of the scalp after application of the topical Finasteride. 

In a prospective pilot study conducted in 15 patients for 9 months by Rafi and Katz3 (2011), patients applied a topical solution called NuH Hair, which is a novel topical combination of Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Minoxidil, with the option to add oral Finasteride, Minoxidil and/or Ketoconazole shampoo for 9 months. 

  • Significant growth was demonstrated after 3 months of use of the topical solution.
  • There were no reports of sexual side effects or irritation or redness reported. 

In a randomized clinical study by Tanglertsampan C.4  (2012), 33 male patients ranging between 27 to 49 years old were enrolled to compare the efficacy and safety of a 24 weeks application of Minoxidil 3% lotion versus Minoxidil 3% combined with 0.1% Finasteride lotion.

Caserini et al. conducted two pharmacokinetic studies on topical finasteride. In a randomized clinical study of 23 males, Caserini et al.5 (2014) compared topical Finasteride 0.25% twice daily vs oral Finasteride 1mg once daily for seven days. They measured Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and Testosterone levels in the serum (systemic DHT levels).

  • Similar reduction in serum DHT was observed by the use of topical 0.25% Finasteride twice daily  (68-75% ) and oral Finasteride 1mg (62-72%).
  • No sexual side effects were observed. 

In another randomized clinical trial, Caserini et al.6 (2015) did another study involving 50 male patients studying DHT in both the serum and the scalp. 

  • This pharmacokinetic study confirmed that topical Finasteride 0.25% (1ml application twice daily) and oral Finasteride 1mg (once daily) both have similar reduction in scalp (47-51%) and serum DHT levels (74-76%). No changes in testosterone were observed.
  • In the portion of the study where patients used 1ml of topical finasteride 0.25% twice daily, there were 2 patients (11%) that had the following side effects. Elevated ALT levels, pollakiuria and testicular pain. 
  • About 37-54% when 0.1ml, 0.2ml, 0.3ml and 0.4ml of topical 0.25% Finasteride was used, showing relatively similar results to 1ml twice a day application of topical 0.25% Finasteride. Serum DHT was reduced by 24% with the use of 0.1ml, 26% with 0.2ml, 44% with 0.3ml and 48% with use of 0.4ml of 0.25% topical Finasteride. This testing suggests that lower dosage of topical Finasteride may lead to lower reduction of serum DHT levels and thus lower sexual side effects (assuming that serum DHT is solely responsible for the sexual side effects).  
  Scalp DHT Serum DHT
Oral FInasteride 1mg 51% 76%
1ml (twice daily) of 0.25% Topical Finasteride 47% 74%
1ml (once daily) of 0.25% Topical Finasteride 71% 76%
0.1ml (once daily) of 0.25% Topical Finasteride  52% 24%
0.2ml (once daily) of 0.25% Topical Finasteride 47% 26%
0.3ml (once daily) of 0.25% Topical Finasteride 37% 44%
0.4ml (once daily) of 0.25% Topical Finasteride 54% 47%

Oral vs Topical Finasteride

In a retrospective assessment and prospective crossover cohort study of 50 male between 20 to 40 years old by Chandrashekar et al.7 (2017), all 50 patients used Minoxidil 5% and oral 1mg Finasteride for 2 years.They then stopped and their treatment differed.

  • Results showed that 80% to 84.4% of these patients maintained good hair density while on the topical combination of Minoxidil 5% + Finasteride 0.1% treatment for 1 year.
  • No sexual side effects were reported. 

The studies8 above demonstrate that topical finasteride has clinically proven, evidence-based, scientific data to show its efficacy in growing hair and that it has a lower side effect profile compared to oral finasteride. Out of the 7 clinical studies reported above, only one study showed one event with sexual side effects (testicular pain). This is 1 out of 268 subjects in all of the studies, which equates to a rate of 0.37%. In contrast, oral finasteride is associated with sexual side effects in 1.8% to 3.8% of patients, which means that in the above 268 subjects, there should have been about 5 to 10 subjects experiencing some form of sexual side effects. However, this was not the case. Only 1 person had sexual side effects as opposed to 5 to 10 individuals. 

Pharmacokinetic studies by Caserini et al. suggest that lower doses of topical finasteride result in lower reduction of serum DHT compared to oral finasteride and thus lower sexual side effects. No study has conclusively shown the reason of how finasteride can cause sexual side effects. Certainly serum DHT is a contributing factor but may not be the only factor. The reason for this conclusion is because there are studies that patients were on high dosage of topical finasteride and still had no sexual side effects. 

In conclusion, the majority of studies on topical finasteride show no to only a few sexual side effects. However, this does not mean that sexual side effects can not happen. It just suggests that risk of sexual side effects are lower due to the fact that the finasteride is not taken orally. Additional larger clinical studies are needed to address the sexual side effects of topical finasteride. 

References:

1. Topical finasteride in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Preliminary evaluations after a 16-month therapy course. GF Mazzarella, GF Loconsole, GA Cammisa, GM Mastrolonardo & Ga Vena; Pages 189-192 | Received 23 Aug 1996, Accepted 18 Mar 1997, Published online: 12 Jul 2009

2. Comparing the therapeutic effects of finasteride gel and tablet in treatment of the androgenetic alopecia. Hajheydari Z1, Akbari J, Saeedi M, Shokoohi L. .Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2009 Jan-Feb;75(1):47-51.

3. Pilot Study of 15 Patients Receiving a New Treatment Regimen for Androgenic Alopecia: The Effects of Atopy on AGA. Rafi and Katz. SRN Dermatol. 2011;2011:241953. doi: 10.5402/2011/241953. Epub 2011 Apr 11.

4. Efficacy and safety of 3% minoxidil versus combined 3% minoxidil / 0.1% finasteride in male pattern hair loss: a randomized, double-blind, comparative study. Tanglertsampan C1. J Med Assoc Thai. 2012 Oct;95(10):1312-6.

5. A novel finasteride 0.25% topical solution for androgenetic alopecia: pharmacokinetics and effects on plasma androgen levels in healthy male volunteers. Caserini M, Radicioni M, Leuratti C, Annoni O, Palmieri R.  Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2014 Oct;52(10):842-9. doi: 10.5414/CP202119.

6. Effects of a novel finasteride 0.25% topical solution on scalp and serum dihydrotestosterone in healthy men with androgenetic alopecia. Caserini M, Radicioni M, Leuratti C, Terragni E, Iorizzo M, Palmieri R. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2016 Jan;54(1):19-27. doi: 10.5414/CP202467.

7. Topical minoxidil fortified with finasteride: An account of maintenance of hair density after replacing oral finasteride. B. S. Chandrashekar, T. Nandhini, Vani Vasanth, Rashmi Sriram, and Shreya Navale. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2015 Jan-Feb; 6(1): 17–20. Doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.148925

8. A Systematic Review of Topical Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women. Sung Won Lee, MD,1 Margit Juhasz, MD,1 Pezhman Mobasher, MD,1 Chloe Ekelem, MD,1 and Natasha Atanaskova Mesinkovska, MD, PhD1. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018 Apr 1; 17(4): 457–463.

The information in this article does not constitute medical advice and should only be used for informational purposes only. The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice and please do not rely on this information to make medical decisions. Please make sure to discuss the risks and benefits of any treatment with your medical doctor before beginning treatment.