There are few topics where as many half-truths circulate as hair loss. Every year, new shampoos, supplements, and treatments appear, promising what they rarely deliver. If you've landed here, you probably just want to know what truly works and what you can safely skip. We try to answer that as honestly as possible here.
First understand, then act
Most men with hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) don't struggle with one problem, but with three simultaneously. Firstly, DHT: a hormone derived from testosterone that gradually shrinks sensitive hair follicles. The regrowing hairs become progressively thinner and shorter, until they are barely visible. Secondly, blood circulation plays a role. If blood supply to the scalp decreases, hair follicles receive less oxygen and nutrients. And thirdly, there are dormant hair follicles: follicles that are not actively dead, but inactive. With the right stimulus, these can sometimes be reactivated.
Why is this relevant? Because most treatments only act on one of these three factors. And that largely determines how well they work.
What science says about the most common options
Finasteride is a prescription DHT blocker. It inhibits the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT and has been well-researched clinically: in most users, it demonstrably slows down hair loss, and in some, hair regrows. It works, but it is also a medication with side effects in a small percentage of users, including libido problems. Moreover, you need a prescription, and the effect stops as soon as you stop taking it.
Minoxidil has been available for decades as a lotion or foam and improves blood flow to the scalp. It works for most men to slow down hair loss. Some see new hair growth. But again, if you stop using it, hair loss resumes. Some men experience a temporary shedding effect in the first few weeks, where they seem to lose more hair. This is annoying, but normal.
Supplements such as biotin, zinc, or vitamin D are often recommended, but the honest conclusion is that supplementation is only useful if you actually have a deficiency. Without a deficiency, they are of little use, no matter how convincing the packaging looks.
Dermarolling is an approach that is increasingly being researched. A dermaroller with small needles rolls over the scalp, creating microscopic wounds. This activates the body's healing response, improves blood circulation, and can stimulate dormant hair follicles. Research published in the International Journal of Trichology showed that microneedling combined with an active serum worked significantly better than the serum alone.
Hair growth serums combine multiple active ingredients in one product. The most effective formulas contain substances that inhibit DHT, improve blood circulation, and directly stimulate hair follicles. Compared to minoxidil, the advantage is that you don't need a prescription, the chance of irritation is smaller, and a good formula tackles multiple causes simultaneously.
Why the combination works
The common thread in all research is quite clear: those who only address one of the three causes achieve less results than those who tackle all of them. Inhibiting DHT without improving blood circulation works, but is limited. Improving blood circulation without addressing DHT also works, but is limited.
A good serum in combination with regular dermarolling is the most accessible way for most men to address all three factors. The serum provides the active ingredients, the dermaroller ensures better absorption and stimulates the scalp through microneedling. For those who want more, this can be supplemented with finasteride via the GP.
One thing is for sure: results don't come quickly. The hair growth cycle lasts for months. Those who see nothing after three weeks should not stop. Realistically, you will notice the first changes after 90 days, and only have a complete picture after six months.
Hairborn® perspective
Addressing hair loss starts with understanding what's happening and then acting consistently. Hairborn® works with clinically researched ingredients that address the three core factors: DHT, blood circulation, and hair follicle stimulation. No spectacular promises, but an approach that is scientifically substantiated and aimed at long-term results.
Want to know how this works in practice? Check out the Hairborn® Growth Serum and the accompanying Derma Roller.