Hair loss treatment in men has been revolutionised following the development of transplant techniques and the launch of the prescription drug finasteride.
But none of these is much help for the eight million women also affected.
Finasteride isn’t licensed to treat female hair loss because it has been linked with birth defects when taken during pregnancy.
None of the men's hair loss treatments are helpful for the eight million women who have it
And hair transplants tend to be performed only on men, as treating the smaller hairline areas in which males generally recede is much easier than treating the overall scalp shedding more commonly experienced by women.
So can any DIY products help with female hair loss instead? We asked Dr Sharon Wong, a consultant dermatologist who specialises in hair loss at London Bridge Hospital, to review a selection. We then rated them.
WATERMANS GROW ME SHAMPOO
£13.50 for 250ml, amazon.co.uk
CLAIM: This product contains lupin protein, biotin and caffeine, said to ‘stimulate hair growth and strengthen follicles’. Simply apply to the hair, leave for four minutes, then rinse.
EXPERT VERDICT: Caffeine has been shown to reduce hair loss in two small studies using hair follicles.
It appears to work by increasing levels of a protein inside the follicles called IGF-1, which helps promote growth.
However, we don’t know how much caffeine would reach the hair follicle with a shampoo that is washed off.
There is no robust evidence that lupin protein (extracted from the bean of the lupin plant) has an effect on hair growth, either.
Biotin is widely used as a supplement for hair health, but a recent review found that, unless you have a deficiency of this nutrient — which is very rare — there is no benefit in taking it. We also don’t know if meaningful amounts would be absorbed when applied topically. 4/10
NOURKRIN WOMAN
£51.99 for 60 tablets, boots.com
CLAIM: This supplement contains the proteins Marilex and biotin. It is claimed to be ‘proven to help maintain a normal hair growth cycle and promote hair growth’. You take two tablets daily.
EXPERT VERDICT: Marilex, a fish protein extract, contains large molecules called proteoglycans, which are known to play a key role in supporting the normal hair growth cycle.
This three-stage cycle begins with a long, active period of growth, then a short transition period where the blood supply to the hair stops, followed by a third ‘resting’ phase which ends in the hair being shed. The follicle then starts growing new hair again.
In most forms of hair loss, this normal cycle has been disturbed.
A decent supplement such as this should help maintain a healthy growth cycle — especially in the growing phase, when the demand for nutrients is highest.
This should result in thicker and stronger hair over time, but it won’t help with genetic pattern baldness, which has more complex causes. 7/10
POWER GROW LASER COMB
£29.99, amazon.co.uk
CLAIM: This battery-operated comb contains red and blue lights to deliver low-level laser therapy (LLLT). It promises to ‘stop hair loss’ and ‘make hair grow thicker, stronger and healthier’. Brush hair for 15 to 20 minutes daily.
EXPERT VERDICT: LLLT for hair loss was discovered by accident in the Sixties when safety studies were being conducted on shaved mice to assess the risk of skin cancers when using lasers.
The lasers didn’t cause cancer, but did trigger hair growth. It is thought energy from the light is absorbed by the hair follicles, encouraging resting follicles to move on to the growth phase.
The success comes down to the quality and strength of the lasers used. This device uses LED lights, which cover a wider wavelength of light and won’t deliver the same amount of energy as medical-grade lasers. Any effect on hair growth will be much weaker. 3/10
REGAINE FOR WOMEN FOAM
£34.99 for 73ml, boots.com
CLAIM: This scalp foam contains minoxidil, which, the maker says, is proven to regrow hair in 80 per cent of women with female pattern hair loss. Apply to affected areas of the scalp once a day.
EXPERT VERDICT: Minoxidil is licensed for treating genetic hair loss in men and women. It’s thought to work by improving blood flow to the hair follicles, stimulating them to stay in the active growth stage for longer. This results in thicker hair — and more of it — over time.
Some users experience scalp irritation, and, more rarely, facial hair growth, but there is a weaker version with a lower concentration of minoxidil if this happens.
Bear in mind that you must keep using the
