For women experiencing hair loss, the landscape of treatment options has expanded significantly, particularly in the age of social media. While this increase in choices can be overwhelming, understanding how to navigate these remedies is crucial. NPR pharmaceuticals correspondent Sydney Lupkin explores the best ways for women to approach hair loss remedies.
Allison Richards recalls her childhood fondly, when she had long, straight blond hair that drew compliments from friends and family. However, her journey took a turn in her 20s when she began to notice thinning hair, a situation that worsened during the pandemic. “There was one day, in the shower, where just I had hundreds of strands of hair. Like, fistfuls of hair coming out. It was a very scary experience,” Richards shared.
To effectively address hair loss, it is essential to understand the process of hair growth. Dr. Carolyn Goh, a clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA Health, explains that each strand of hair undergoes cycles of growth, transition, and rest. The rest phase, known as telogen, is when hair is shed. “At the end of that telogen phase is when your hair actually sheds,” Dr. Goh elaborates, noting that this shedding often coincides with new hair growth pushing older strands out.
Each hair strand operates on its own cycle, but external factors, particularly stressors like childbirth or illness, can lead to synchronized shedding, resulting in more significant hair loss. “Mostly it’s time will tell, and that’s really difficult to deal with,” Dr. Goh acknowledges. She notes that around half of all women will experience some form of hair loss during their lifetime, and while it may resolve for some, others require intervention.
Many women turn to various remedies they've discovered on social media, ranging from onion juice to rosemary oil. While Dr. Goh mentions a randomized controlled study suggesting that rosemary oil could be effective, she cautions against misinformation. “If cucumber worked, it would be monetized,” she quips, highlighting the necessity for evidence-based treatments.
When considering prescription options, obtaining a formal diagnosis is crucial, as different types of hair loss respond to different treatments. Unfortunately, some patients report feeling dismissed by healthcare providers or face challenges in securing appointments. In response, telehealth companies are stepping in to offer accessible solutions.
Dr. Jessica Shepherd, chief medical officer of Hers, emphasizes the company’s commitment to addressing women’s hair loss concerns. “We are going to be there when you’re scrolling your phone, on commercials. That’s really how we are exposed or how we introduce ourselves to our community,” Dr. Shepherd states.
However, Thea Chassin, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Bald Girls Do Lunch, cautions that telehealth may not always provide the comprehensive care needed for conditions like alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder affecting hair growth. “They don’t know because even with alopecia areata, there are look-alike conditions that are completely different,” Chassin explains, stressing the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Recent years have seen the approval of new drugs to treat alopecia areata, known as JAK inhibitors. For Allison Richards, who was fortunate to see a dermatologist in person, these advancements have made a significant difference. She is currently taking oral minoxidil—the same active ingredient found in Rogaine—along with spironolactone, both of which are prescribed off-label. “They’re working for her, and her doctor monitors her for side effects,” Lupkin reports.
Richards aims to inspire other women experiencing similar challenges, reassuring them that they are not alone. “There’s always going to be somebody to hold your hand, cheer you on. If you ever feel like your beauty is compromised, beauty gets redefined,” she encourages.
As the conversation around hair loss treatments continues to evolve, it is essential for women to stay informed and seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals to find the best solutions tailored to their unique needs.
