33 Ways to Regrow Lost Hair, by a Dermatologist (Natural and Surgical)

Losing hair can be frustrating.

You might realize that your hair is much thinner than before looking at a mirror one day, and things might go downhill from there.

You see, the change in appearance is only the tip of the iceberg.

Studies found out that hair loss can also harm your mental health, hurting your self-image and confidence, and resulting in a low quality of life overall.

My years of experience as a dermatologist where I’ve done hundreds of hair transplants also confirm that.

So let’s change that.

I assure you, except for some extreme cases, there’s always a way to get back to your natural hair.

Just like there are many different ways to stop hair loss.

From natural methods to surgeries, I’ve compiled 32 different methods you can try to regain lost hair and treat male pattern baldness.

Let’s see if we can help you:

Ways to Naturally Regrow Hair 🌿

As always, natural should be your first choice.

Here are the natural ways that are known to promote healthy hair growth:

1- Scalp Massages

Scalp massage is one of the most popular and proven methods to stimulate hair regrowth.

It dilates blood vessels and promotes blood circulation in the scalp, which ensures optimal nourishment of hair follicles.  This makes it a lot more likely for you to achieve hair growth.

In addition, scalp massage simulates and stretches hair follicles to produce thicker and stronger hair.

You can massage your scalp by using a massage brush, a loofah, or simply using your hands. It should be done a little more gently than massages done to other body parts like the neck, back, or legs.

Make sure you have thoroughly washed your hair and then apply gentle pressure with fingertips on the scalp for 5-10 minutes per day.

It is shown that 4 minutes of standardized scalp massage per day for 24 weeks using a scalp massage device, increases hair thickness by 10% in Japanese men.

According to another research, 69% of 340 participants, doing a twice-daily scalp massage of 11-20 minutes with mean adherence for 6 months, reported hair loss stabilization or regrowth.

Thus, their ongoing alopecia has improved/come to an end with a consistent scalp massage.

2- Stress-free Life

Researchers have found that there is a direct correlation between hair loss and stress levels, I think it deserves a spot on this list early.

One of the most common stress-related hair loss types is Alopecia Areata which results in patchy bald spots on the head.

Make sure you’re reducing stress in your life to enable your body to function properly, stop losing hair, and eventually promote hair regrowth.

Here are simple methods to relieve the stress:

• Exercise: Putting physical stress reduces mental stress.
• Write things down: It helps you remove stress reasons out of the mind.
• Spend time / connects with loved ones: It helps your body to release natural stress reliever: oxytocin.
• Yoga: Yoga enhances the mood. It reduces both mental and physical stress.
• Pet: Playing/spending time with a pet also releases oxytocin.
• Deep breathing practice: Oxygenates your blood and keeps your focus on the present moment helping you forget.
• Reading a book: Books are new worlds that distract us from the daily stressors.
• Listening to music: Depending on your choices, you can easily become more optimistic and positive about life.

3- Exercise and Diet

In the 21st century, the eating habits of the average person have dramatically worsened. Also, people started to spend most of their lives in front of a computer, TV, or smartphone.

These two reasons cause the scalp not to get enough nutrients and oxygen to grow healthy hair follicles

Exercise and a proper diet will promote blood flow to the hair follicles, which will ensure that they are getting enough nutrients to firstly survive, and secondly grow.

Not only that but exercising regularly also promotes optimal hormonal balance in the body. And hormones play a large role in encouraging cell regeneration, thus hair regrowth.

The Mediterranean diet, which consists of raw vegetables and fresh herbs and is rich in phytochemicals, can reduce the risk of AGA (A.ka Androgenetic Alopecia or hereditary hair loss), according to a study. Try to consume raw vegetables and fresh herbs at least 3 times a week, in the form of salads, for example, to see the results of this diet.

4- Aloe Vera

⚠️ Make sure you don’t have Aloe Vera sensitivity before using.

Aloe Vera contains plenty of minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and vitamins; and as studies suggest, it is has a lot of uses in dermatology.

Vitamin B12 and folic acids are known to exist in Aloe Vera, which helps hair to regrow.

It can help fight dandruff and prevent you from having an oily scalp, which is known to obstruct hair growth.

It’s also packed with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the scalp, which is associated with the loss of hair. Inflammation has been linked to not only alopecia but various other hair problems too.

You can apply Aloe Vera gel directly on your scalp twice a day for about 10 minutes each time.

However, it should be emphasized that there is no standardized information on its use. Aloe Vera treatment is intended to support existing medical treatments. There is no guarantee that hair loss can be restored only with it, nor that it can completely protect the existing hair.

5- Ginseng

According to the study, there is evidence suggesting that ginseng and its bioactive constituents such as ginsenosides boost hair health by adjusting various chemical reactions in which groups of hair molecules work together to control hair growth.

It also enhances the proliferation of dermal papilla that is responsible to bring oxygen and natural ingredients to the lower layers of epidermal cells and nourish hair follicles

According to the same study, ginseng antiaging specs maintain skin integrity and manage hair-growth cycles.

Red ginseng extract can postpone the catagen phase (in which hair growth slows and hair follicles shrink) and promotes hair growth.

It is known that treatments with 5α-reductase inhibitors (e.g. finasteride) prevent Androgenetic Alopecia. Application of ginseng extract also enhances hair health by the same mechanism which inhibits the activity of 5α-reductase turning testosterone into DHT which shortens the anagen phase of sensitive follicles.

Ginseng also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the scalp as Aloe Vera gel does.

And again, you can apply Ginseng oil on your scalp twice a day for about 10 minutes each time for optimal results.

6- Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most efficient treatments for different types o hair loss.

One of the reasons behind its effectiveness is that it contains 50% Lauric Acid, which has been found to be very effective in combating fungi, bacteria, or yeast that can build up on your scalp thus creating dandruff formation which leads to hair thinning. Lauric acid also penetrates into the hair shaft and reduces keratin loss.

It also acts as a natural antioxidant and protects against free radical damage that causes premature aging and hair loss, as we’ve mentioned in the causes of hair loss article.

Again, you should apply Coconut Oil to your scalp after your hair is washed for optimal results. It will prevent protein loss. (Keep in mind that keratin is also a protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails.)

7- Onion Extract

⚠️ Watch out that direct exposure to the onion juice might be irritating for the skin. Only use extracts or products containing extracts.

Onion extract has been used for treating different types of hair loss since ancient times.

Back then, the onion was considered to be a symbol of purity and fertility because it was said to help the wearer build virility.

Onion extract contains amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, sulfur, magnesium, and oxygen… all very good properties when fighting hair loss and for promoting hair growth.

According to a study, onion extract containing shampoo

• Nourishes hair follicles,
• Prevents dry hair and moisturizes the scalp,
• Boosts hair growth.

The same study recommends using shampoo containing onion extract and keeping it on the scalp for 5 minutes for best results.

8- Fatty Acids

Fatty acids such as Omega-3 (found in fish) and Omega-6 (found in most nuts, seeds, and oils like sunflower or canola oil) have been proven to help induce hair growth.

When applied to the scalp, fatty acids form a protective barrier over the skin and also prevent dryness and itchiness of your scalp.

You can apply Fatty Acids directly on your scalp 3-5 times a week for about 10 minutes each time.

But, your body will be able to absorb these nutrients better if you eat them rather than putting them on your scalp.

So you can also directly take fatty acid supplements like daily capsules to make the most of their benefits.

9- Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis L.) Oil

Rosemary oil is a natural stimulant that has been proven to speed up blood circulation, which means your scalp will be getting more oxygen and nutrients.

So as you may already know this helps with strengthening the follicles inside your hair roots thus leading to healthier hair growth.

In addition, Rosemary essential oil is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

In the Mediterranean culture, it is widely used to promote healthy hair growth for centuries which could be used as evidence of effectiveness.

According to a very interesting study, Rosemary essential oil was found to be as effective as Minoxidil (2%) in hereditary hair loss treatment (Androgenic Alopecia). At the end of 6 months, both groups using Minoxidil and Rosemary oil experienced a significant increase in hair count.

In contrast to Minoxidil, which has side effects such as scalp sensitivity, skin dryness, irritation around the application site, and increased heart rate, it has almost no side effects (of course, if you don’t have allergy or skin sensitivity).

You can apply Rosemary Oil on your scalp 3-4 times a week for about 10 minutes each time after showering.

10- Geranium Oil

Geranium oil has been applied for treating female and male hair loss and also stimulating the growth of new hair for a while now.

It regulates the amount of sebum, dryness and balances secretions around hair follicles.

The effectiveness of Geranium oil is also supported by research as follows:

This study confirmed that GSE treatment significantly promoted hair growth. Therefore, we concluded that GSE could enhance hair growth and prevent hair loss.

You can apply Geranium oil directly on your scalp 3-4 times a week for about 5 minutes each time before washing off with shampoo.

11- Honey

Honey is mostly used as a natural humectant because it can retain moisture inside the hair.

Honey works perfectly in keeping the right balance of moisture to make sure all ingredients are absorbed deep into your scalp and moisturize it perfectly without leaving residue on top as some other oils might do.

This moisturizing feature adds a shine to dull hair.

It also promotes the growth of skin cells according to a 2013 review. Keep in mind that hair/scalp is full of skin cells.

You will need Raw Manuka Honey for this treatment or any other type of raw honey with high anti-oxidant levels (you can compare by looking at the labels).

Put one tablespoon of honey directly on your scalp and massage gently for about 5 minutes before washing it off.

12- Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has high levels of vitamins A, D, E, and lecithin which are important nutrients for hair regrowth.  

It’s also packed with antioxidants, biotin, essential fatty acids, and minerals like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, therefore, it can help with your iron deficiency which is known to reduce hair density.

You can apply half a teaspoon of Avocado oil directly on your scalp 3 times a week before washing it off with shampoo after 10 minutes or so.

Medications and Supplements 💊

If you’re looking for more effective and direct solutions, medications and supplements specifically designed to help with hair loss and hair growth might be what you’re looking for.

Here are some of the medications and supplements that are known to help with hair growth:

12- Minoxidil/Rogaine

FDA-approved Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, comes in the form of either a topical liquid which you can apply on your scalp or an oral solution that you can intake; in order to stimulate hair growth and prevent future hair loss.

Now, the common misconception about this product is that it will make your hair thicker overnight or something similar.

Well, it won’t so don’t get disappointed when you only see subtle results after weeks of regular use.

Minoxidil takes time to work and usually, people who respond well to it can expect thickening of their existing strands within the first year plus some additional new hairs growth from taking this medication over time.

In a study, 62% of the 984 men using 5 percent Minoxidil (Rogaine, FDA Approved) reported a reduction in hair loss.

Possible side effects of Minoxidil are scalp sensitivity, skin dryness, irritation around the application site, and increased heart rate.

Usually, if you’re interested in getting this product from your physician, they will initially prescribe you a foam version since it’s easier to apply. But studies have found that oral minoxidil is also as effective especially for those who are having trouble with the topical solution.

13- Procapil

This is a unique blend of natural ingredients specially formulated to help with hair loss and it’s clinically proven to slow down and prevent further hair loss.

It also comes in 2 different forms: either as a topical solution for male pattern baldness or as an oral pill that you can take on a daily basis.

It blocks the DHT mechanism that I explained above.

Both products work by nourishing the underlying cause of your unmanageable hair loss, so if you’re looking for something that will stop further thinning while improving your existing strands then I would recommend this product.

14- Finasteride

FDA-Approved Finasteride which is also known as Propecia is a popular drug used to treat male pattern baldness.

This medication comes in the form of a pill that you can take orally and it’s been reported to work for over 83% of men who give it a chance.

For this treatment for hair loss to work, you need to take a pill every morning on an empty stomach because it has been found out that taking Finasteride with food will significantly reduce its effectiveness.

In order for this treatment to be effective, you need to take it regularly for at least 3-6 months before seeing any results since hair loss doesn’t show up overnight and neither does your new hair growth.

However, be aware that it might cause side effects such as impotence, decreased sex drive, headache, trouble having an orgasm, and weakness.

15- Viviscal

Our bodies are constantly renewing themselves including our hair follicles, but sometimes this doesn’t happen as fast as it should.

Viviscal is a dietary supplement that contains marine proteins that support healthy hair growth by nourishing your existing strands and encouraging new ones to grow.

This product comes in the form of either a liquid or a powder which you can take either on its own or with some water.  And since it’s packed with high-quality ingredients, I would recommend getting the liquid version so you can get all of the benefits from this product.

16- Prostaglandins

This is a new treatment that has been clinically proven to help with hair growth by activating your body’s natural process of producing prostaglandins.

These are small naturally occurring molecules found in almost every cell in our bodies and they can affect many conditions including permanent hair loss.

Prostaglandins are produced by the adipose tissues which are the same cells responsible for creating new hairs, so if you want to encourage your body to produce more of these molecules then this might be what you’re looking for.  

Now, this product comes in an injection form where it’s first injected into your scalp before being absorbed into your bloodstream which will then cause your body to start producing more prostaglandins on its own through stimulating certain enzymes.

17- Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone your body releases when it’s time for you to sleep which helps induce restful slumber so if you have problems with insomnia then I would recommend using melatonin.

This lovely substance has also been reported to stimulate hair regrowth especially in people who are suffering from alopecia areata, so feel free to give this one a try.

18- Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is an antifungal shampoo that’s been reported to help with hair growth by eliminating DHT buildup present on the scalp which can contribute to hair loss.  

This product comes in both forms of shampoo and as a cream, so make sure you choose the right one depending on your needs.

19- Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto is a flowering plant that works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT, so if you’re looking for something with natural ingredients then this might be an excellent choice.

However, keep in mind that it takes time before you see any results because saw palmetto has to accumulate in your body first before working effectively.

20- Dutasteride

This one is also known as Avodart, and it’s an FDA-approved medication that helps with male pattern baldness by blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT.

The only downside is that this treatment can cause some serious side effects which are irreversible. So if you have any pre-existing condition then I would talk to your doctor about any negative interactions before starting on this treatment.

21- Valproic Acid

This is one of the more interesting treatments because it’s used to treat epilepsy, but some research has shown that it can potentially stop the enzyme 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone into DHT which then lowers your risk of suffering from male pattern baldness.

However, keep in mind that this treatment only works when you take it for at least 6 months since stopping suddenly might cause your body to return to its previous state.

22- Collagen Supplement

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins and composes one-third of all proteins in the body.

It gives hair, bones, ligaments, muscles, tendons, skin, teeth, and blood vessels elasticity and strength to stay intact. It acts like an adhesive.

The body can produce collagen protein but taking a supplement gives it building blocks.

The dermis layer of the skin is known to consist of a high percentage of collagen and gets quite strong with the collagen supplement according to the study. It is logical to deduce that strong and healthy skin generates thick and resistant hair grafts.

Collagen is also known to be an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals harming hair follicles.

Its production slows down with age and decreases dramatically after 30 causing collagen levels in the skin and hair to drop which weakens hairs. Oral collagen support is helpful to slow down this process.

Type 1 collagen is best for the skin and it is pretty affordable and accessible (even without prescription in many countries). You can start taking a collagen supplement after consulting with your physician.

Surgical and Physical Treatments 🩺

Medications and supplements also boost your bodily functions to grow hair and should take some time to actually produce results.

And these results might vary, as they promise a certain amount of success, unlike some surgical and physical treatments.

So let’s take a look at these direct treatments that most consider as “last resort”, but experts and dermatologists agree should be considered as effective primary solutions:

23- Hair Transplant Surgeries

Hair transplantation is the most common and the most effective method on this list.

Every year, tens of thousands of mainly male patients undergo hair transplantations and achieve success to start the better part of their lives.

The high rate of success and the huge popularity of this method depends on two things:

1️⃣ Its background: Hair transplant is a widespread and effective treatment for hair loss that dates back to the 1950s. Over the years, there have been many studies that hinted at its effectiveness, with millions of successful patients to prove its value.

2️⃣ Its effectiveness: The technique is simple and very mechanical; you extract hair from the better part of the scalp and implant it directly into the balding areas. Results are immediate and direct, and you get the exact hairline you’ve asked for almost 99% of the time.

In a hair transplant surgery, whether it is FUT or FUE, as I’ve mentioned just now, your own hair is extracted preferably from the back of your scalp to be implemented into the thinning or balding areas.

For most, hair transplantation is a permanent solution that is done in less than 3 days (if you don’t take the post-operation care into account) with a one-time price, and the least risky one if you ask me as a dermatologist.

But beware: most clinics that do hair transplant surgeries are full of inexperienced and inattentive staff that do not follow up with patients post hair transplant. Also, they do not take the physical and medical conditions of patients into consideration for hair transplant eligibility. These two reasons can cause hair transplant failures.

So I would suggest going with a clinic that has dermatologists operating the hair transplant surgeries, like UnitedCare:

And here’s more on these surgeries if you’re asking “do hair transplants work“.

24- Growth Factors Injection

This treatment works in the earlier stages of your balding when most hair follicles haven’t been destroyed.

In the first stage, your own blood is used to create growth factors through a harvesting system. Then, these harvested growth factors are injected throughout your scalp area to promote hair growth.

As we’ve said, this will only work in the early stages of male and female hair loss and will slow down hair loss while promoting hair growth.

25- Stem Cell Injection

Stem cell injection is a therapy mostly considered by female patients.

Again, your blood is used to create stem cells through a harvesting system. Later, these stem cells are injected into your scalp, where balding happens.

This treatment too slows down the loss of hair and promotes new hair growth by strengthening your hair follicles, and is a preferred method at the early stages of hair loss.

26- Adipose-Derived From Stem Cells

Adipose-derived stem cells are, as the name suggests, are derived from adipose tissue which is mainly made up of fat.

Once the stem cells are harvested from your adipose tissue, they’re then injected into your scalp, multiple times over the course of a year to naturally promote hair regeneration.

In a Japanese study, 100 patients, men, and women, from different stages of alopecia went through this treatment. They found that this method had no side effects, and was somewhat effective in all patients.

The only downside would be the high number of treatments, required to achieve a visible improvement.

27- PRP

The body can heal itself and this is the best kind of treatment: 1000% natural!

In this treatment, practitioners make use of this ability. Platelets, a component of blood that helps with healing, is derived from a patient’s blood. Then, this plasma is injected into your scalp where hair loss happens.

According to a study, a reduction in hair loss is observed between 1st and 4th PRP injection. And hair count is increased by almost 30% in participants.

The number of injections required can be determined by a dermatologist. Each injection is comparably low cost making it a convenient treatment.

And It is pretty safe since it is autologous (the own blood of a patient is used in the procedure).

28- Mesotherapy

In this treatment, a medical specialist injects your scalp with a mix of various nutrients, mainly made up of vitamins, minerals, and other agents related to hair growth.

It aims to combat hair loss by providing your hair follicles with the necessary nutrients and reversing the effects of DHT. However, as popular mesotherapy is, there isn’t much-documented evidence regarding its effectiveness.

29- Microneedling

In micro-needling, a roller with small needles is used on your scalp to create small injuries.

It is speculated that using this method will help release factors that promote hair growth and regenerate hair follicles. Since it creates openings in your scalp, micro-needling is often followed by a topical treatment such as minoxidil.

However, there are numerous side effects involved and documented results are limited.

30- Laser Therapy

Laser therapy, also referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a process where your scalp is exposed to laser beams, and photons are irradiated into your scalp area.

Compared to other hair loss and regeneration treatments, low-level laser therapy is often considered safer but takes much more time and frequent (up to several sessions a week) sessions to yield results.

There are different types of lasers that can be used for promoting hair growth:

Non-ablative Fractional 1550nm Er:Glass Laser:

“Non-ablative” lasers cause minimal damage to skin tissue, so non-ablative Er glass laser preserves skin surface while causing thermal injuries. It works to a depth of 0.4–2.0 mm.

Ablative Fractional 2940 nm Er:YAG Laser:

“Ablative” lasers destroy skin tissue to some extent. Ablative Er: YAG laser is a lesser-known laser for the treatment of hair loss and only has documented results on mice.

Ablative Fractional 10600 nm CO2 Laser:

The ablative CO2 laser is a more common laser type used for hair growth. It was shown in a study conducted on 28 male patients with AGA that an Ablative CO2 laser is effective in hair restoration when followed with the topical treatment, minoxidil.

31- LED Light Therapy

LED (light-emitting diode) lights, especially LED red lights can also be used on the scalp to promote hair growth, however, they’re less powerful than lasers and therefore, less effective.

Though, LED light therapy is much more affordable compared to laser therapies since the equipment for laser therapies is relatively expensive.

Also, there are laser caps that work in the same principle as LED Light Therapy and LLLT, and can be acquired online.

32- Electrotrichogenesis

In Electrotrichogenesis, hair follicles are stimulated with rhythmic electric pulses, from an electrostatic field.

A 1990 study has found that electrotrichogenesis proved 96% effective in promoting new hair growth or complete halt to hair loss in the balding areas of the scalp.

A session of this treatment takes around 12 minutes and has to be done on a weekly basis for 9-weeks on average.

33- Carboxytherapy

Carboxytherapy is the therapeutic application of CO2 gas, and for hair restoration, it consists of a direct injection of CO2 into the scalp area.

It is thought to improve circulation and oxygenation of the scalp.

A study conducted on 9 male patients has found carboxytherapy to be only 66% effective, which makes it a much less effective alternative to the more popular treatments of hair loss.

So, what to choose?

Everybody is unique and the right treatment for you totally depends on your case.

Without a dermatologist review of your scalp and hair conditions, it is impossible to make an inference and create a holistic treatment that will result in long-term success.

So what are you waiting for; it is getting worse every second. Preserving, thickening an existing hair is much easier than growing new ones.

Get a free opinion of UnitedCare’s dermatologists before it’s too late: