Finally, the Truth Revealed: The Lies and Realities About Hair Loss and Regrowth
Do you also find yourself losing hair easily?!
On the drain cover, on your bed sheets, pillowcases, on the floor, on the broom, and even in the vacuum cleaner—hair is falling out everywhere!
Back in the 80s, it seemed like everyone had thick hair. But in recent years, it feels like everyone is losing hair. Wider partings, higher hairlines, and even bald spots at the back of the head—baldness can catch you off guard.
The worst part is that losing hair is easy, but getting it to grow back is a real struggle.
People try eating black sesame seeds, brushing their hair more often, using ginger shampoo, or even taking various vitamins… But it’s hard to know which method is worth sticking to. The fear is that after all these efforts, nothing will work.
But we can’t just stand by and watch our hair disappear like “fallen leaves in the wind,” leaving us balder and balder.
Don’t worry! We’ve compiled 13 popular methods that claim to increase hair volume. Are they effective, or just overhyped? We consulted dermatologists to break it down for you.
1. Lifestyle Habits
Can eating well and sleeping well really help with hair volume?
It might be an illusion, but it seems that the post-80s and 90s generation, regardless of gender, generally experiences hair loss. It’s reasonable to suspect that daily stress, long hours of staying up late, and an overall unhealthy lifestyle might be affecting our hair.
Whenever someone notices hair loss, a friend is likely to recommend eating more black sesame seeds, applying ginger, or advising you to rest more and brush your hair frequently to relax your scalp.
But the question is, can these small lifestyle changes really help increase hair volume?
01. Black Sesame Seeds
Rating: 0⃣️
Dermatologist’s Review: No evidence supports its effectiveness, eat it if you like.
Black sesame seeds are rich in nutrients like protein, vitamin E, vitamin B, and minerals, which are beneficial for the body. However, there’s no concrete evidence to suggest that eating more black sesame seeds can increase hair volume.
In short, if you like eating them, go ahead, but be cautious of the calorie content.
02. Applying Ginger
Expert Review: Controversial. Insufficient evidence for both hair growth and hair loss.
Rating: 0⃣️
Some studies have found that 6-gingerol, a component in ginger, promotes the apoptosis (cell death) of hair follicle stem cells, inhibiting hair growth. The more ginger is used, the stronger this effect might be, meaning frequent application could actually increase the risk of hair loss.
However, other studies suggest that consuming ginger-based drinks can reduce oxidative stress and improve alopecia areata. The problem is, there are no mature formulations for oral ginger, so it’s not advisable to experiment on yourself.
Of course, ginger is still a great spice, and ginger tea tastes pretty good too.
03. Brushing with a Wide-Toothed Comb
Expert Review: Theoretically helpful, but practical effects are yet to be seen.
Rating: 🌟
In theory, the teeth of a comb can massage the scalp while brushing, promoting blood circulation in the scalp and creating a better environment for hair follicles to grow. However, this remains mostly theoretical. No clear studies show how long, how often, or how to brush your hair to effectively improve hair loss.
For women with female-pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, hereafter referred to as “androgenetic alopecia”), where follicle miniaturization occurs, the hair becomes softer and thinner. It’s recommended to use a wide-toothed comb to avoid breaking already fragile hair, preventing further reduction in hair volume.
04. Reducing Late Nights and Ensuring Adequate Sleep
Expert Review: Adequate and regular sleep may not regrow hair, but it can help prevent further loss.
Rating: 🌟🌟
Inadequate sleep (for example, consistently less than 6 hours), or sufficient sleep time but poor sleep quality, and severely irregular sleep patterns have all been found to potentially affect the hair growth cycle and exacerbate hair loss. From an overall health perspective, adequate and regular sleep has many benefits.
Although the idea that staying up late is harmful and going to bed early is beneficial is well-known, not staying up late is easier said than done.
It’s recommended to treat going to bed early as an essential part of hair loss treatment. Just like taking medication on time, seriously prioritize going to bed early.
05. Wearing Hair Down
Expert Review: Reducing excessive pulling can decrease hair loss.
Rating: 🌟🌟
There’s a type of hair loss called traction alopecia, where some people tie their hair back so tightly that they develop receding hairlines or hair loss above the temples, leading the medical community to realize that excessive pulling can affect hair follicles.
Although a regular ponytail isn’t usually tied that tightly, a study in China found that for women with androgenetic alopecia, tying a ponytail increased the risk of worsening hair loss by 2.04 times.
But with the current weather, it’s really hot to wear your hair down…
Good lifestyle habits may have limited effects on hair maintenance, but we still hope everyone can eat a nutritious diet and get enough sleep. These healthy habits bring many positive effects to the body, benefiting us in numerous ways!
2. Daily Hair Care
Is it worth buying expensive oil-control and anti-hair loss shampoos?
In recent years, oil-control and anti-hair loss shampoos have become particularly popular, with many influencers promoting them. One reason is that they’re said to save hair volume.
Oil-control shampoos are particularly favored by those suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, as they control oil and reduce hair loss, killing two birds with one stone. Anti-hair loss shampoos are also a must-have for many people. When feeling stressed and noticing more hair loss, they quickly reach for these shampoos.
After all, you need shampoo when washing your hair, so if these products work, it’s worth buying them. But the question is, these shampoos, which claim to be effective, are relatively expensive. Since they only stay on your scalp for a few minutes, will they really work?
No one wants to waste money.
01. Oil-Control Shampoo
Expert Review: Great for faking volume, with immediate results.
Rating: 🌟🌟
Even though androgenetic alopecia, often called “seborrheic alopecia,” isn’t actually related to oily scalps, both oily scalps and hair loss are caused by androgens. While using oil-control shampoo might not improve hair loss, clean and fluffy hair does give the appearance of more volume, making it a bit of a “visual improvement” cheat.
Of course, whether you wash your hair or not depends on whether the people you meet that day are worth it.
02. Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo/Serum
Expert Review: Effective, but make sure it’s certified for anti-hair loss.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Anti-hair loss products don’t work as clearly as, say, whitening products, because hair loss has complex causes. A poor scalp environment, high stress, and irregular sleep patterns can all contribute to hair loss. Therefore, there are many different ingredients used in anti-hair loss products.
Among the more recognized ingredients are adenosine and aminexil.
For example, adenosine, while its mechanism isn’t fully clear, some studies indicate that long-term use can improve hair thickness and increase the proportion of hair in the growth phase, helping to prevent hair loss.
It’s important to note that anti-hair loss shampoos need to be certified. Only certified products are worth trusting.
Remember, all these methods primarily focus on preventing hair loss, which means maintaining the hair you already have. The following methods, however, add a hair growth “buff,” helping your hair become thicker and more abundant than it is now.
So, if you’re looking for more hair volume than you currently have, keep reading👇
3. Niche Technologies
Hair Growth Potential: Should You Try Them?
When dealing with hair loss, some people want quick results, so they turn to medical aesthetics. This has led to the popularity of three niche treatments: PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), and Microneedling.
Do these seemingly advanced treatments live up to the hype?
01. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Review: A potential auxiliary treatment for hair loss.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
PRP is a newer treatment for androgenetic alopecia. It involves collecting a patient’s own venous blood, centrifuging it to concentrate platelets and white blood cells, and creating a high concentration of growth factors. This is then injected into the superficial dermis of the scalp to stimulate collagen, elastic fibers, and gel formation, promoting hair growth.
Some preliminary level 2 or 3 evidence (with level 1 being the highest and level 4 the lowest) supports its effectiveness in treating androgenetic alopecia. However, these studies lack standardized procedures, so if you choose PRP, make sure to go to a reputable hospital for treatment.
According to our dermatologists’ clinical experience, PRP works well, but it can be quite painful. If you can handle the pain, it might be worth a try.
02. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Review: Best results when used consistently.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) uses low-intensity lasers to stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair regrowth and slowing down hair loss. This therapy is non-invasive and generally safe. It can enhance blood flow and cellular metabolism in the scalp, helping to rejuvenate weakened follicles.
However, the key to effectiveness is consistent use. The results can vary, and it may take several months to see noticeable improvements. It’s important to use the device as directed, and it’s advisable to consult with a dermatologist or a specialist before starting treatment.
03. Microneedling
Review: Promising but requires consistent use.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Microneedling involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the scalp. This process stimulates the scalp’s healing response, which can boost hair growth by increasing the absorption of topical treatments and promoting collagen production.
Microneedling has shown promise in increasing hair density and promoting regrowth, especially when combined with topical treatments like minoxidil. However, consistency and proper technique are crucial. It’s often recommended to have this procedure performed by a professional to avoid potential complications.
4. Medical Treatments
Is it worth trying medications for hair regrowth?
Medications for hair loss are a common topic of discussion, with many options available, including topical treatments, oral medications, and even hormone therapies. How effective are these treatments, and what should you be aware of?
01. Minoxidil
Review: Effective for many, but results can vary.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Minoxidil is a well-known topical treatment for hair loss. It is available over-the-counter in various strengths and has been shown to help stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss in many users. It works by dilating blood vessels in the scalp, increasing blood flow to hair follicles, and prolonging the growth phase of hair.
While Minoxidil can be effective, results can vary between individuals. Some users may experience significant regrowth, while others may see minimal improvement. It requires continuous use, and stopping the treatment can lead to a reversal of any gains made.
02. Finasteride
Review: Effective for androgenetic alopecia, but with potential side effects.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Finasteride is an oral medication that inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss. It is effective for treating androgenetic alopecia in men and can help to maintain and improve hair density.
However, it comes with potential side effects, such as sexual dysfunction and mood changes. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider are recommended to manage any adverse effects.
5. Alternative Therapies
Should you explore other unconventional methods?
Alternative therapies often promise a natural solution to hair loss. These might include herbal treatments, acupuncture, or other holistic approaches. But how effective are these methods?
01. Herbal Treatments
Review: Limited evidence of effectiveness.
Rating: 🌟
Herbal treatments like saw palmetto, ginseng, and green tea are popular in alternative medicine for their potential benefits in hair growth. While some herbs have shown promise in preliminary studies, there is limited conclusive evidence to support their effectiveness in treating hair loss.
It’s important to approach herbal treatments with caution and consult with a healthcare provider to avoid interactions with other medications and to ensure they are used safely.
02. Acupuncture
Review: Potential benefits, but more research needed.
Rating: 🌟🌟
Acupuncture is used in traditional Chinese medicine to balance energy and improve circulation. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help with hair growth by enhancing blood flow to the scalp and reducing stress, which can contribute to hair loss.
While some people report positive results, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness as a standalone treatment for hair loss.
Conclusion
In the battle against hair loss, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether through lifestyle changes, daily hair care practices, advanced treatments, or medications, the effectiveness of each method can vary based on individual circumstances.
The key to managing hair loss is a combination of approaches tailored to your specific needs. If you’re experiencing significant hair loss, consulting with a dermatologist or hair specialist is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
Ultimately, maintaining good overall health, being consistent with treatments, and setting realistic expectations will contribute to the best outcomes in your journey towards healthier hair.