Before you consider which are the best hair restoration products to buy, it is important to understand why we lose our hair in the first place.
Male pattern hair loss is called androgenic alopecia for a reason. Its the result of hormones (androgens) and a genetic predisposition. “andro-genetic”. Simply put, you’re losing hair because you are genetically predisposed to. Your follicles have been programmed to become sensitive to the changing hormonal activity in your scalp. Put another way, certain follicles become sensitive to your naturally occurring hormones, and the body begins to slowly reject them.
What is the significance of this? Only two types of treatments are going to work: hair restoration products that address the hormonal sensitivity, or treatments that stimulate growth despite it. Believe it or not, this eliminates about 99% of the products you see advertised.
Which products actually work?
When you hear about a new treatment – the only things that matter are the ingredients, and the data supporting them. Do those ingredients address the hormonal sensitivity? Do they stimulate hair growth despite it?
There are four types of hair restoration products you should focus on:
DHT Inhibitors
These work to reduce levels of DHT, by inhibiting its creation. The result is less DHT in your scalp, and relief for your follicles from the damaging effects it can bring. DHT inhibitors are found in products like Propecia and Revivogen. DHT inhibitors are equated with “stopping the cause of hair loss”, and are the foundational component to treating it.
Growth Stimulants
These include products like Rogaine Foam and Tricomin. There is a good side and a bad side to growth stimulants. While they create new hair growth, they do nothing to stop the cause, or further progression. Using only a growth stimulant can be an uphill battle. Two steps forward, one step back. Most people combine DHT inhibitors with growth stimulants for a beautifully synergistic effect. Both stopping the cause, and stimulating new growth.
Anti-androgens
The king of anti-androgens is topical Spironolactone Lotion, or S5 Cream. Whereas DHT inhibitors eliminate DHT, anti-androgens like Topical Spironolactone block DHT from reaching the follicle. This enables men to avoid systemic side effects of lowered DHT levels, and it is a phenomenally effective way of stopping the whole “hormonal” process from another angle. If you really want to go crazy, you can combine a DHT inhibitor, a growth stimulant, and an anti-androgen for a complete, multifaceted approach.
Anti-Inflammatories
These treatments work to reduce inflammation, itching, redness, and flaking caused by the hormonal and immune system reactions going on in your scalp. Without an anti-inflammatory, your treatments will not work. The best anti-inflammatory on the market today is probably Nizoral Shampoo, and should be included in every regimen. Use once every 3 days, allow to soak for the duration of your shower, and rotate with any other shampoo of choice.
