The Complete Hair Loss Resource: Evidence, Treatment Path, and Trusted Sources
Hair loss is a complex topic and the information landscape is messy — clinics marketing treatments they profit from, forums amplifying unusual experiences, and consumer content mixing legitimate advice with fear-based clickbait. This is a curated map of the evidence, the resources, and the decision framework that's most likely to get you to a good outcome.
01Start with the diagnosis
Before any treatment decision: get an accurate diagnosis. The two most important distinctions: androgenetic alopecia (hormonal, progressive, treatable with specific medications) vs. other forms (telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, scarring alopecias, nutritional causes — each with different treatment paths). A telehealth evaluation is a good first step; in-person dermatology for anything atypical.
02The evidence hierarchy
| Evidence tier | Treatments |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 (multiple RCTs, proven) | Finasteride, minoxidil (topical and oral), dutasteride |
| Tier 2 (good evidence, adjunct) | Microneedling, PRP, ketoconazole shampoo, LLLT |
| Tier 3 (some evidence) | Rosemary oil, saw palmetto, scalp massage |
| No meaningful evidence | Most "hair growth" supplements, biotin (unless deficient), herbal blends |
03The decision tree
- Confirmed AGA, early stage: start Tier 1 immediately
- Confirmed AGA, medication plateau: add Tier 2, consider dutasteride escalation
- TE from identifiable cause: address the cause; support with minoxidil if prolonged
- Alopecia areata: dermatology — JAK inhibitors for severe cases, steroids for localized
- Medication + stable loss, considering surgery: consult hair restoration surgeon
04Reliable information sources
- ISHRS (ishrs.org) — professional body for hair restoration; patient resources
- AAD (aad.org) — American Academy of Dermatology; evidence-based consumer guides
- PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) — primary source for clinical trials
- r/tressless — broad community; reasonable signal-to-noise for practical protocols
If you've plateaued on finasteride and minoxidil and are weighing surgical options, Colombia has become a leading destination for FUE hair transplants — $2,000–$5,000 USD vs. $5,000–$15,000+ in the US, with ISHRS-member surgeons and JCI-accredited hospitals. Miami to Medellín is under 4 hours. No visa required for US, Canadian, or UK citizens.
Find your treatment match
Telehealth evaluation — start with the diagnosis
Paid link Book a visit →Combination topical and oral options
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