16 Ways For Men To Improve Hair Growth

1. PRESCRIPTION AND OTC DRUGS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two drugs to treat male pattern baldness:

• Minoxidil (Rogaine): Rogaine is available over the counter as a liquid or foam. Apply it to the scalp twice a day to grow hair and prevent hair loss.

• Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar): This is a pill that you take daily. It’s only available with a prescription from your doctor.

For both of these drugs, it may take up to a year to see results, and you’ll need to keep taking them to maintain the benefits.

2. HAIR TRANSPLANTS

The two most popular hair transplant procedures are follicular unit transplantation and follicular unit extraction:

Follicular unit transplantation (FUT)

FUT is the more “classic” method. It involves removing some skin from the back of your scalp where there’s an abundance of hair, removing the follicles from that strip of skin, and then reinserting the hair follicles into the part of the scalp where you’re experiencing hair loss.

Follicular unit extraction (FUE)

In FUE, hair follicles are removed directly from the scalp and transplanted to the bald parts of the scalp. Keep in mind that a hair transplant is considered a surgery, so it can be expensive and may be painful. There are also certain risks, including infections and scarring. You may also need to do multiple hair transplant treatments to get the desired outcome.

3. LASER TREATMENT

Laser treatment is thought to reduce the inflammation in follicles that keeps them from regrowing. There are limited studies to support their effectiveness in treating hair loss, but a 2016 review trusted Source determined that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is safe and effective when used to treat male pattern hair loss. More research is still needed.

4. QUIT SMOKING

If you’re a smoker, you’ve probably heard about all the negative effects smoking has on your lungs. But did you know that smoking could cause hair loss — on top of facial wrinkles and premature graying of hair?

Research has determined that there’s a linkTrusted Source between smoking and hair loss. To prevent hair loss, it may be a good idea to quit smoking as soon as possible.

5. SCALP MASSAGE

Not only do massages feel wonderful, but they can help with your hair loss, too. Massaging the scalp stimulates the hair follicles.

In one small study trusted source, healthy Japanese men who received 4 minutes of scalp massage each day for 24 weeks had thicker hair at the end of the study.

6. A BALANCED DIET

A well-balanced diet can keep your hair in tip-top shape. Make sure you’re including a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, unsaturated fats, and lean proteins in your diet, and limit your intake of sweets.

Certain vitamins and minerals found in food are associated with healthy hair.

Try adding in these types of foods:

• iron-rich foods, including lean beef, beans, green leafy vegetables, iron-fortified grains, and eggs

• foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such salmon, mackerel, tuna, flax seeds, egg yolks, hemp seeds, and walnuts

• high-protein foods, like eggs, lean meats, and seafood

Last but not least, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.

7. GET A CHECKUP

Aside from your genetics, there are several medical conditions that can result in hair loss. You’ll be able to address your hair loss by treating the underlying condition.

The following conditions could lead to hair loss:

• diabetes lupus lichen planus sarcoidosis scalp psoriasis (due to scratching of the scalp)

• alopecia areata

• thyroid conditions

• eating disorders (due to poor nutrition)

• iron-deficiency anemia hair pulling disorder, known as trichotillomania

If you have any of these conditions, or you’re experiencing other symptoms besides hair loss, make sure you visit your doctor and get the treatment you need. Your hair loss should improve as your condition improves.

8. REDUCE STRESS

Stress can really do a number on the body, including your hair. Hair loss may be a result of a stressful lifestyle.

Strategies to reduce stress include:

• regular exercise

• listening to music

• doing yoga

• meditating

Getting enough sleep is also essential.

9. OILS

There’s some evidence from a trusted Source that peppermint oil can help with hair growth. Rosemary oil has also been traditionally used to increase blood circulation on the scalp. A 2013 study trusted source found that rosemary leaf extract improved hair regrowth in mice. Coconut oil, castor oil, and olive oil are also widely recommended, but research on their benefits for hair growth is limited.

10. SAW PALMETTO

Saw palmetto is a plant with small berries that are often used as part of a treatment plan for an enlarged prostate. While research is narrow on saw palmetto’s ability to treat hair loss, one study showed positive results for men treated with a topical formula.

11. BIOTIN

Biotin is a vitamin found naturally in foods like:

• nuts

• sweet potatoes

• eggs

• onions

• oats

There’s some evidence of a trusted source that taking biotin supplements by mouth may slow hair loss, but most of the research has been done on women.

12. ONION JUICE

An older study showed that the use of onion juice as a topical treatment resulted in significantly more regrowth than just tap water in people with patchy alopecia areata.

13. BHRINGRAJ

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), also called false daisy, is a species in the sunflower family with a reputation in Ayurvedic tradition as an herb that supports hair growth. Studies in mice have shown that extracts of the herb do show better hair regrowth than minoxidil (Rogaine). However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.

14. GREEN TEA

Another purported herbal remedy for hair loss is green tea. An older study trusted Source in mice on the polyphenolic compounds present in green tea showed promise as a natural remedy for hair loss, but human studies haven’t been done to confirm these effects.

15. HIBISCUS

Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis is marketed widely in India for hair growth. One older study in distrusted Source showed positive effects on hair follicles, but no studies have been done in humans.

16. STOP OR CHANGE A MEDICATION

Certain medications can lead to hair loss. Examples include:

• chemotherapy and radiation treatments

• blood thinners (anticoagulants)

• drugs to treat depression

• medications used to treat high blood pressure

• heart medications

• gout medications

• isotretinoin (Accutane), an acne treatment

Remember: If you’re concerned about your hair loss, don’t stop taking the medication right away. See your doctor find out if you have other options. You might just have to wait until you finish your treatment. In most cases, your hair should return once the treatment is stopped.

See your doctor if:

• you’re experiencing sudden patchy hair loss

• you think that a medication may be causing your hair loss

• you also have a rash

• your skin is scaly