Around 40% of women experience hair loss. I’m one of those women and trust me, this is a club you don’t want to be part of. Normal women lose around 100 hairs per day, I’ve never counted them, but that’s probably close to the amount I lose after a shower. Men are in the same boat, too, and 85 percent struggle with hair loss.
Maybe you’re all about embracing your baldness, which is GR8 for you. But, if you’re on the denial spectrum (like me), here are some hair loss treatments for every budget that may help. Or at least give us hope.
On a Budget: Around $50
When you’re tight on budget, hair loss treatments can seem out of reach. That’s why natural remedies and supplements come to play.
Rosemary Essential Oil, $10-$12
This one is quite promising. One clinical trial looked at rosemary oil against the big hair loss treatments like minoxidil, aka Rogaine. Results showed that rosemary essential oil was as effective as the real deal. Another study also claims that rosemary leaf extract stimulated hair growth production.
Vitamin D, $15
What’s good for your bones is good for your hair. One study suggests vitamin D can help create new follicles, which consequently will improve hair thickness and help you grow new hair. It’s recommended that adults need about 600 international units (IU) or 15 micrograms of vitamin D daily.
Keeping It under $100
If you’ve tried the essential oils with no results, you can try other hair loss treatments that are a bit pricier but might be what works for you.
Minoxidil, $50+
Also known as Rogaine, minoxidil is the only FDA-approved nonprescription medication to help hair growth. Unlike other hair loss treatments, there’s plenty, and I mean plenty, of research about this miracle product. In most cases, minoxidil was very effective in 16% of participants and effective in 48% of them. That’s promising enough if you ask me.
Splurging under $300
Step into any beauty store and explore its wide selection of hair loss treatments. These products can be more expensive, but there’s some research to validate their price tag. Make sure you know how to separate the fads from the real thing by doing some research beforehand.
Collagen Powder, $100
We’ve all heard about the wonders collagen can do for our skin. Well, consider collagen the gift that keeps on giving. Collagen has several amino acids needed to build keratin, which is the primary makeup of hair. According to research, free radicals may damage hair follicles. Collagen acts as an antioxidant to fight free radicals and prevent damage to hair follicles.
Also, collagen may help prevent hair thinning associated with aging. By replenishing cells in the dermis and supplementing collagen levels to maintain healthy bones, over time, it can help prevent hair loss.
Professional Treatment $500+
If you need serious help, head over to a healthcare provider. Hair loss can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. In this case, topical hair loss treatments may not be the solution.
Hair Regrowth Therapies, $200+
Laser treatments are widely popular, mostly for their effectiveness. The theory is that laser treatment can invigorate circulation and stimulate hair follicles to grow hair. However, more research is needed to prove their claims. So far, one study in 2014 found that laser therapy was safe for men and women. Another study showed a 39% increase in hair growth.
Surgical Hair Replacement, $5,000+
For those looking for the ultimate solution, a hair transplant can be the way to go. While this won’t stop your hair loss issue, it will give you some new hair follicles to give the appearance of fuller hair. The procedure takes anywhere from three to six hours, and you won’t see the full results until three to 12 months later.
A Word from GR8NESS
I know hair loss can be an extremely frustrating issue. I dread many hair-related activities like brushing or braiding my hair because I know I’ll lose so many strands. If you’re struggling with hair loss and it’s affecting your personal life, seek help. Speak to a healthcare provider to look at your options.