The short answer would be “no,” genetic hair loss is not curable at all. But there are some treatments that can remedy its effect to a degree.
If you understand the causes of genetic hair loss, you’ll find that the answer to “Is genetic hair loss really curable?” is a bit more complex than a simple “no.”
What Causes Genetic Hair Loss?
As the “genetic” part of the name implies, the cause of this hair loss rests on the genes passed by one or both parents. When active, this set of genes has the ability to make you more sensitive towards the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT forms as a result of an enzyme called alpha 5 reductase converting testosterone into it. Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, which both genders share regardless. This is the reason why even women can go bald.
Once created, DHT sets out to bind to the androgen receptors located in your hair follicles. The resulting reaction shrinks the hair follicles in your scalp, which makes your hair start thinning.
The shrinking continues until the hair follicle is unable to grow again, effectively causing baldness. DHT is the hormone responsible for genetic hair loss, and some treatments seek to control its production for this reason.
Genetic Hair Loss Treatments
Your genes are the underlying cause of genetic hair loss, and no medication is able to treat those. Instead, the following treatments target several key functions in the process to limit its effects.
Minoxidil
Commonly known as Rogaine, since that is the most popular product featuring it. It’s a topical solution that encourages hair growth in the applied zone. It is available over the counter and comes in both liquid and foam presentation.
It comes in 5% or 2% concentration, with 2% being the only one advice to women. When applying on the skin, see that it does not spill into other areas since it can lead to unintended hair growth there.
The results start to appear six months after applying it two times a day. Minoxidil only grows hair; it does not stop it from falling out in any way.
Finasteride
It also goes by the name Propecia. It is a prescription drug mainly used for men with enlarged prostates. That was until people found out its ability to stop hair loss.
Propecia stops the alpha 5 reductase conversion of testosterone into DHT, thus preventing your hair follicles from shrinking as long as you are taking it. It also has a few side effects, including a decrease in sex drive.
“Curing” Hair Loss with a Hair Transplant
An FUE hair transplant procedure “cures” your hair loss by placing new hair follicles where original hairs no longer grow.
By extracting hair follicles from the base of the back of your scalp, our surgeon can graft them via microincision into the balding area. There, they will grow naturally as if they were still in their original place.
Our surgeons deliver results that blend in seamlessly by placing the grafts following your hair’s growth pattern. Contact us if you are looking for a definitive solution to your genetic hair loss problems.