There are hundreds of hair loss solutions on the market, but very few of them prove to be effective. Therefore, if you’re looking for a reliable, proven treatment, it’s best to seek advice from a hair loss specialist.

At the Hair Repair Clinic, we supply our patients with only the best, approved hair loss prevention treatments. Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the different treatments and how they can help to stop hair loss in its tracks.

FINASTERIDE AND DUTASTERIDE

Finasteride, or Propecia as it is otherwise referred to, is a drug which was originally developed to treat an enlarged prostate.

When researchers were trialling how affective the drug was at treating prostate issues, they discovered it triggered an unusual side effect – hair growth.

After further research was carried out into the drug’s ability to combat hair loss, the FDA approved it as an effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia. It was approved in December 1997 and is the first drug of its kind to prove effective at treating male pattern baldness in the majority of patients. The results of the trials in 1998 were impressive, with 83% of men experiencing hair growth and a halt to the hair loss after two years.

While it can sometimes be prescribed for women, it’s largely used to treat male pattern baldness.

How to use – Finasteride is typically supplied in 1% or 5% strength tablet form. You’ll take just one tablet, ideally at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food, with a glass a water. If you forget to take a tablet on one of the days, do not take a double dose the day after, simply continue to take one tablet daily.

Results – It’s possible you may start to see significant results within a few months. However, full results can take up to a year to show. You’ll also need to take the drug continuously to maintain the results. This is because, although effective, Finasteride is a temporary treatment option and hair loss will continue if you stop taking it. It is often combined with another treatment we offer – Nizoral, for best results. You can find out more about that below.

Risks and side effects – It’s important to know that when you initially start taking the drug, you may experience some shedding. This is completely normal, and it should only last for a few months. So, don’t be distressed if you experience mild shedding to start with, it will resolve itself and results of the medication will then begin to show.

One of the reasons this medication has become so popular other than its effectiveness, is that the chances of developing any negative side effects are practically zero. However, there is still a risk of side effects such as cold sweats, dizziness, weight gain and redness of the skin. If you do experience any unwanted side effects, you may be better suited to a different type of treatment.

We are now able to offer Dutasteride as an alternative to Finasteride. To find out more click here

Finasteride and Dutasteride are available to purchase here with an online prescription.

MINOXIDIL​

Like Finasteride, Minoxidil is another FDA approved hair loss treatment, but unlike Finasteride, it’s suitable for both men and women. It is a topical treatment, also known as Regaine, and it typically comes in 2% and 5% strengths. However, there are extra strength varieties available to treat patients with more severe hair loss.

Minoxidil is designed to both stop hair loss in its tracks and encourage regrowth. During initial trials, the treatment was found to improve hair loss in 60% of the men who used it.

How to use – Before using Minoxidil, it’s important to ensure your scalp and hair are completely dry. Simply apply the prescribed amount directly onto the area being treated with the applicator, working from the centre outwards. Your doctor should have told you how to apply it, so be sure to follow their instructions. Once it’s been applied, wash your hands immediately.

Once it’s been applied, avoid shampooing your hair for at least 4 hours. You should also avoid using a hairdryer to dry the treatment as this could make it much less effective.

Results – The results you can expect will depend upon numerous factors. Typically, Minoxidil is used alongside other treatment options to enhance the results. You can expect to start seeing significant improvement after around 4 months. Hair growth isn’t guaranteed, but it will stop hair loss in its tracks.

Minoxidil is another temporary treatment option, with results only lasting as long as you use the product for. If you haven’t noticed any improvement within 4 months, it’s worth chatting to your doctor to look at alternative treatment options.

Risks and side effects – Like Finasteride, it’s common to experience a little shedding in the initial first few weeks of use. It’s just a sign that the treatment is working so it’s nothing to be concerned about.

It is also worth noting that Minoxidil can stain your clothes, bedding and hats. Therefore, it’s recommended you leave at least 2-4 hours after applying the treatment, before you go to bed or get changed. There is also a risk that the treatment could transfer to other parts of the body if you do get changed or go to bed while it is still wet, or you don’t wash your hands after use.

In terms of side effects, there are very few associated with this treatment. There’s a small risk of skin irritation, redness and flaking. If you experience any side effects, report them to your doctor.

PHARMA HERMETIC HAIR RECOVERY PROGRAMME (HRP WITH SP55)​

The Natural Solution To Hair Loss In As Little As 8 Weeks

Pharma Hermetic Hair Recovery Programme (HRP with SP55) is a revolutionary home hair loss treatment.

The formula focuses on stimulating growth using stem cell technology to strengthen the existing hair at the root. The lotion activates the self generation of the hair cells and provides all the necessary nutrients to repair weakened and brittle hair, making it healthier, stronger and more voluptuous.

How to use – Apply to clean, dry hair and massage the area to improve circulation. Apply 1 full vial with a 0.5mm derma roller. Dry your hair carefully. Wait 5 hours to wash your hair after application. Avoid direct sun exposure of your hair for at least 5 hours.

Treatment and results – The recommended initial treatment is one vial every 10 days – 5 vials in the box – 50 day treatment.

After the initial 50 day treatment the results should be visible. A recommend maintenance session of 1 vial every 30 days is recommended for lasting results.

Risks and side effects – The special nutrient cocktail is composed of natural ingredients meaning there are no known side effects. The use of a derma roller when applying the product may produce some side effects.

HRP Hair Recovery Program is available to purchase here

DERMA ROLLER

A derma roller is a small handheld device featuring many small surgical needles. This type of treatment is also referred to as micro needling, and it gently punctures the skin to create microscopic wounds. These wounds then activate your body’s healing response, known as haemostasis-inflammation-proliferation-tissue remodelling. It is thought that the growth factors involved in this healing process, produce newly healed skin which looks and operates much better than it did before.

It’s actually most commonly used to treat acne scarring, stretch marks and wrinkles. However, it’s also proven to be very effective at stimulating hair growth. The derma roller is frequently used alongside Minoxidil for best results, though it can also be used alone.

How to use it – Before using the derma roller, you will need to wet your hair to prevent the device getting tangled. However, if you’re using it with Minoxidil, the hair will need to be left dry. You should start using the device directly on, or near the hairline, working your way down towards the back of the head. Be sure to only treat the areas of the scalp that are affected by hair loss. Each area should be rolled approximately 10-15 times.

When the needles are directly in contact with your scalp, it’s important to just move the device in one direction. Don’t attempt to roll it backwards and forwards as this can cause the hair to become tangled. Apply a moderate level of pressure and remember that more pressure won’t produce better results.

If using with Minoxidil, you should apply the topical treatment either directly before, or after using the derma roller. This will greatly enhance the effectiveness of Minoxidil, enhancing its rate of absorption. Ideally, you’ll want to apply it after using the derma roller. Of course, the more product that is absorbed into the scalp, the more effective it’s going to be. The derma roller basically creates little temporary channels which stay open for around 30 minutes. So, that’s why Minoxidil needs to be applied quickly in order to gain any benefits.

Results – You can expect to experience hair regrowth after using the derma roller within a few months. However, the exact results you experience will depend upon whether or not you’re using Minoxidil too.

Risks and side effects – Like any treatment, there are some risks and side effects associated with the derma roller. The main risk is you could irritate the scalp if you apply too much pressure. The hair could also become tangled if you use it incorrectly.

Redness is the main side effect you can expect to experience. However, this usually corrects itself within a few hours after the treatment. At the most it should last a few days. If you suffer with a condition on the scalp such as Psoriasis or Eczema, it’s recommended you do not use the derma roller until those conditions have been treated. You should also avoid using it on areas of the scalp with open wounds, or sunburn.

NIZORAL KETOCONAZOLE SHAMPOO

Nizoral is one of the few hair loss shampoos which is proven to be effective. It was originally developed, and is often advertised, as an anti fungal shampoo, suitable for those with dandruff. However, after numerous studies, it is now recognised as an effective hair loss solution.

It contains an active ingredient known as ketoconazole. In a Japanese study involving genetically modified, 7-week old mice, 2% ketoconazole was applied to the dorsal skin after their hair had been shaved off. It was applied once each day for a period of three weeks. The results, which were published in 2005 within The Journal of Dermatology, clearly showed it stimulated hair regrowth. To be sure the results were correct, the researchers carried out the exact same experience again and experienced the exact same results. It was concluded that 2% ketoconazole shampoo could prove effective at treating male pattern baldness alongside seborrheic dermatitis. Nizoral is commonly used alongside other treatments such as Finasteride and Minoxidil for best results. It’s important to note that this treatment is designed purely to stimulate new hair growth. It will not stop hair loss in its tracks.

How to use – Your doctor will be able to advise how frequently you should use Nizoral shampoo. It is not intended to be a daily use shampoo, and should only be used as directed. The initial suggested period of treatment requires the use of Nizoral twice a week for one month which is to be reduced to only once every other week for ongoing scalp treatment.

Results – The results you’ll experience if you use Nizoral shampoo alone aren’t going to be substantial. However, if used alongside Minoxidil or Finasteride, you could experience fast regrowth, as well as slowing down and halting the hair loss completely. Like all treatments, it will take months before you start to see real results.

Risks and side effects – Skin irritation; itching, stinging, burning, dryness or oiliness of the hair and scalp, headaches.

The potential side effects of Nizoral are a little worrying, but it’s important to note they very rarely occur. Hair loss is one of the rarest potential side effects, but it would largely occur if you were to overuse the shampoo.

If you use the shampoo daily, the hair will become severely dry. It could also cause irritation, so it’s advised you stick to the doctors recommendation and leave a couple of days between each use.

HAIRMAX LASERBAND

The HairMax LaserBand 41 stimulates hair follicles at a cellular level to promote hair growth, reverse hair thinning, restore your hair’s natural growth cycle and help regrow denser, fuller hair. It is comfortable, portable and convenient for home use or while travelling. The treatment takes as little as 3 minutes, 3 days a week.

How to use – Therapeutic light energy is delivered directly to your hair follicles through the highest quality medical-grade lasers. Patented hair parting teeth (exclusive to HairMax) part your hair to ensure that the light energy reaches your scalp.

Results – Seven clinical studies with 460 subjects were conducted with HairMax at top medical research centres in the USA. Over 90% of participants experienced significant hair growth with an average increase of 129 additional hairs per sq. inch.

Risks and side effects – This drug-free hair loss treatment has shown no adverse side effects since HairMax entered the market in 2000.

The HairMax Laserband can be purchased from www.hairmax.co.uk

NATUR VITAL HAIR LOSS SHAMPOO FOR NORMAL HAIR

Natur Vital contains a complex obtained from seeds phytoactive Wheat, Soybean and Ginseng extract, which provide energy to the hair bulb and nutrients needed to strengthen the hair growth. The shampoo contains a Phytoactive Complex and Organic ingredients which cares and protects leaving hair smooth and silky.

How to use – Apply shampoo to wet hair, massage gently into a lather and rinse.

Results – Fights hair loss by nourishes the scalp. Strengthens and protects normal or fragile hair avoiding breakage. Hydrates the hair leaving it soft and shiny.

Risks and side effects – No known side effects.

Natur Vital Hair Loss products can be purchased from www.naturvital.co.uk and local chemists.

HEALTHAID HAIR-VIT® HAIR VITAMINS

Hair-vit® capsules are specially formulated to provide vital nutrients required for healthy looking hair. They are rich in B Vitamins and Essential Amino Acids to help nurture the texture, thickness and colour of your hair. Optimum care for strong, healthy hair. Suitable for men and women.

How to use – One capsule daily with breakfast for adults and children over 16 years of age.

Results – Improve the condition and growth of your hair and keep your hair and body in optimal condition.

Risks and side effects – Constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach may occur. These effects are usually temporary and may disappear as your body adjusts to this medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Hair-vit capsules can be purchased directly from www.healthaid.co.uk

For more information about hair loss contact us on 0800 832 1899 or text/whatsapp 07855 565558