Hair loss therapies: a review and comparison of traditional and modern treatment methods

Abstract

Introduction and objective. Hair loss is a common health issue that significantly impacts the quality of life and well-being of millions of people worldwide. Effective treatments remain a challenge for dermatologists due to the complex mechanisms behind hair loss and the diverse range of affected patients.

The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of traditional and modern methods of treating hair loss.

Brief description of the state of knowledge. Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that stimulates collagen production and the release of growth factors, which in turn supports hair follicle regeneration and density. PRP therapy, which uses concentrated platelets from the patient’s own blood to stimulate hair growth, has shown promising results, especially in cases of androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, although further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. Hair transplantation, a highly effective option for larger areas of hair loss, is a more invasive and costly solution but can offer permanent results. Pharmacological treatments like oral minoxidil are increasingly being used due to their convenience and efficacy, particularly in cases where topical treatments are poorly tolerated. Similarly, topical finasteride, with fewer systemic side effects than oral finasteride, is emerging as a promising alternative for treating androgenetic alopecia. Additionally, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E supplementation may have a beneficial effect in cases of hair loss associated with deficiencies, though more research is needed to fully confirm their role in treatment.

Methods. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar with search terms like "hair loss", "PRP in hair loss", "natural methods in hair loss", "vitamins in hair loss", "hair transplant", and related variations. Articles published within the last five years were prioritized.