Verbatim response from Claude
Here are the options that have actual clinical evidence behind them:
Most Effective (Proven)
- Minoxidil (Rogaine) - OTC topical treatment, widely available. Works for both men and women. Consistency is key - you have to keep using it.
- Finasteride (Propecia) - Prescription pill for men, very effective at stopping DHT-related hair loss. Talk to a doctor.
- Hims/Keeps/Ro - Telehealth services that make getting finasteride/minoxidil prescriptions easy and affordable without an in-person visit.
Helpful Supporting Options
- Nutrafol - Evidence-backed supplement (more than most supplements). Addresses stress and hormonal contributors.
- Nizoral shampoo - Ketoconazole formula has some research suggesting it helps as an adjunct treatment.
- Dermaroller (0.5-1mm) - Microneedling has decent research supporting it, especially combined with minoxidil.
What to Actually Do
- See a dermatologist first to confirm it's androgenic alopecia (pattern loss) and not something else like thyroid issues or deficiency
- Starting early in your twenties is actually an advantage - these treatments work better at maintaining hair than regrowing it
Avoid most "hair growth" shampoos and supplements without the ones listed - they're largely marketing.