What Actually Works for Hair Loss
If you're reading this, you've probably already tried the shampoos that promise miracles, the supplements that do nothing, and maybe even considered options you swore you'd never explore. You're not alone. The average person spends £2,000 on ineffective hair loss treatments before finding something that works.
This guide cuts through the noise. No miracle cures, no exaggerated claims—just what published medical research says actually works for hair loss, including a regenerative treatment showing remarkable results that most people haven't heard about yet.
First, Why You're Losing Hair (And Why It Matters for Treatment)
Your hair loss type determines which treatments can help. Here's the breakdown that actually matters.
Androgenetic Alopecia affects 70% of men and 40% of women. It's the classic pattern hair loss—receding hairline, thinning crown, widening part. Caused by sensitivity to DHT (a hormone), it's progressive without treatment.
Telogen Effluvium happens after major stress, illness, or life changes. Hair falls out dramatically but usually grows back within 6-12 months. This type responds best to addressing the trigger plus supportive treatments.
Alopecia Areata creates patchy hair loss from autoimmune attacks on follicles. Requires different treatment approaches entirely.
Most reading this have the first type. The good news? It's the most treatable if you act before follicles completely miniaturise.
What the Research Says Actually Works
Let's examine each option through the lens of published clinical trials, not marketing claims.
Minoxidil (Regaine) The 30-year-old standby works for some people. Clinical trials show 30-40% of users see moderate regrowth, another 30% maintain existing hair. But here's what they don't advertise—you must use it twice daily forever. Miss a few weeks and gained hair falls out. Side effects include scalp irritation (18% of users) and unwanted facial hair growth in women (3-5%).
Verdict: Works modestly for some, requires lifetime commitment, results disappear when you stop.
Finasteride (Propecia) This pill blocks DHT formation throughout your body. Studies show 80-90% of men maintain hair, 60% see regrowth. Impressive numbers until you consider that 2-4% experience sexual side effects in trials (real-world reports suggest higher). Some men report persistent effects after stopping.
Verdict: Effective but systemic hormone manipulation concerns many users.
Hair Transplants Moving hair from back to front works—transplanted hair is permanent. Modern FUE techniques look natural when done well. Cost ranges £4,000-20,000 depending on extent. But here's the catch—you need sufficient donor hair, and non-transplanted hair continues falling out. Many need multiple procedures.
Verdict: Good for specific candidates with stable loss patterns and deep pockets.
Low-Level Laser Devices FDA-cleared devices cost £200-3,000. Clinical trials show modest improvements in some users—typically 10-20% increase in hair count. Requires 3-4 sessions weekly forever. Results vary wildly between individuals.
Verdict: Expensive, time-consuming, modest results at best.
The Regenerative Option Most People Haven't Considered
Platelet-rich plasma therapy emerged from sports medicine where it heals injuries by concentrating your body's repair mechanisms. Applied to hair loss, it's showing remarkable results without the downsides of other treatments.
A 2019 systematic review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology analysing 262 patients found significant improvements in hair density and thickness. A 2020 study in Dermatologic Surgery reported 31% increase in hair density after 3 sessions. Unlike medications, results come from reactivating your own follicles rather than artificially manipulating hormones.
Here's how it works. Your blood contains platelets packed with growth factors—PDGF, VEGF, EGF, and others. When concentrated and injected into the scalp, these factors wake up dormant follicles, improve blood supply, and reduce inflammation. Think of it as giving your follicles the resources they need to function properly again.
The process involves drawing blood (like a standard blood test), spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets 5-7 times normal levels, then injecting this golden plasma into areas of thinning. Takes about an hour, mild discomfort during injection, back to normal activities immediately.
Real Results from Real Studies
Rather than cherry-picked testimonials, here's what peer-reviewed research found.
A 2021 study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology followed 40 patients for one year. Results showed 32.4% mean increase in hair density at 6 months, maintained at 12 months with quarterly sessions. Importantly, 82% of participants rated themselves satisfied or very satisfied—higher than any other non-surgical treatment.
Another study in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (2020) compared PRP to minoxidil. The PRP group showed superior results at 6 months with no daily maintenance required. Patient compliance was 100% for PRP versus 68% for minoxidil (people get tired of twice-daily applications).
Key findings across multiple studies show PRP works best for people with hair loss less than 5 years duration, both men and women respond well, and results appear around month 3-4 with peak at 6-9 months. Maintenance every 4-6 months sustains results long-term.
Who Gets the Best Results
Based on published data, ideal candidates have thinning but not complete baldness, hair loss for less than 5 years, and realistic expectations. PRP can't resurrect dead follicles—it optimises struggling ones.
Poor candidates include those with complete baldness over 10 years, certain blood disorders, or unrealistic expectations of teenager hairlines returning.
Age matters less than hair loss duration. A 50-year-old with recent thinning often responds better than a 30-year-old with decade-old loss.
The Complete Cost Analysis
Let's talk real numbers over 5 years.
Minoxidil Route
Rogaine foam: £40/month = £2,400 over 5 years
Plus replacement hair from shedding if you stop
Total: £2,400 minimum, no end date
Finasteride Route
Generic finasteride: £20/month = £1,200 over 5 years
Potential cost of addressing side effects
Total: £1,200 minimum, no end date
PRP Route
Initial 3 sessions: £2,000-3,000
Maintenance 2x yearly: £600-800/year = £3,000-4,000 over 5 years
Total: £5,000-7,000 over 5 years
PRP costs more upfront but eliminates daily medications and their side effects. Many find the convenience and safety profile worth the investment.
Making Your Decision
The "best" treatment depends on your specific situation, budget, and risk tolerance. Consider these factors.
If you want the most evidence-based non-surgical option with no systemic effects, PRP shows excellent results in appropriate candidates. If budget is tight and you can commit to daily application, minoxidil offers modest benefits. If you're male and comfortable with hormone manipulation, finasteride remains effective.
For many, combination approaches work best. PRP can be combined with minoxidil for enhanced results. Some use PRP to optimise hair before transplant surgery.
What to Do Right Now
Stop the loss progression immediately. Every month of delay means more follicles potentially past saving. Whatever treatment you choose, earlier intervention yields better results.
Document your starting point with photos in consistent lighting—top, front, sides. You'll need these to track progress objectively.
Research providers carefully. For PRP specifically, ensure they use proper double-spin centrifugation, have extensive experience, and can show consistent patient results.
Have realistic expectations. No treatment returns you to teenage hair density. Success means significant improvement, not perfection.
The Bottom Line
Hair loss treatments have evolved beyond daily medications and false promises. PRP offers a scientifically-proven option that works with your biology rather than against it. While not magic, it provides real results for appropriate candidates without lifetime medication or surgical intervention.
The key is acting before follicles are beyond rescue. Every month you research without acting is a month of potential recovery lost.
For an honest assessment of whether PRP could work for your specific hair loss pattern, message our clinical team on WhatsApp. Send a photo of your current hair situation and we'll provide straightforward guidance on expected outcomes based on your loss pattern and duration. Because the right information at the right time could save your hair.
