Verbatim response from Perplexity
The treatments that actually work best for thinning hair in your twenties are usually minoxidil and, if you’re a man with pattern hair loss, finasteride; the right choice depends on the cause, so a board-certified dermatologist is the most important first step.[5][8] If the thinning is from iron deficiency, traction, stress, or another medical problem, treating that cause can stop or slow the loss too.[3][7]
What has the strongest evidence:
- Minoxidil: An over-the-counter treatment that can help many people regrow hair or slow further loss; Mayo Clinic says it helps people regrow hair or slow hair loss, and Harvard notes that continued use is needed to maintain results.[5][3]
- Finasteride: A prescription treatment for men that can significantly improve male pattern hair loss and slow progression.[5][4]
- Spironolactone: Sometimes used for women with androgenic alopecia when minoxidil alone is not enough.[3]
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT): An FDA-approved option for hereditary hair loss that may help some people.[5][1]
- PRP injections: Sometimes recommended, but the evidence is more variable than for minoxidil/finasteride.[3][7]
What usually doesn’t have strong evidence:
- Biotin unless you’re deficient; GoodRx notes there is no conclusive evidence it regrows hair.[4]
- Most supplements unless blood tests show a deficiency.[4][8]
- Most shampoos, oils, and “growth” products marketed for regrowth rather than breakage control.[4][2]
What to do now:
- See a dermatologist early to confirm whether this is male/female pattern hair loss, traction alopecia, telogen effluvium, or something else.[8][5]
- Ask about minoxidil first if your pattern fits hereditary thinning.[5][3]
- If you’re a man, ask whether finasteride is appropriate.[5][4]
- If you’re a woman, ask about spironolactone and whether you should check iron and other labs.[3]
- Reduce avoidable damage: tight hairstyles, bleaching/relaxing, high heat, and harsh brushing can worsen breakage and traction loss.[8][7]
If you want, I can give you a most-likely treatment plan by sex and cause for thinning in your 20s.