How to regrow your hair without surgery

As you age, your risk for hair loss increases dramatically. By the time you reach your 40s, there’s a pretty good chance you're well on your way to going bald.

But is there any hope? And are there alternatives to surgery?

Why Surgery Isn’t a Magic Wand

Hair transplant procedures are a popular solution for hair loss. There are a number of techniques and styles, but most entail some sort of graft in which hair is taken from one area of the scalp and repositioned or “planted” in another. Hair transplants are usually performed under local anesthesia. 

Although hair transplant procedures like follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT) can be quite effective, they can also feature plenty of risks and down sides. In addition to being expensive and painful, these procedures can cause:

- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scalp swelling
- Itching
- Folliculitis
- Numbness and tingling in the scalp
- Unnatural tufts of hair

If these are risks you’re willing to embrace, then you should feel free to consult with the appropriate medical professionals. However, if you – like millions of others – are not eager to go down this road, you’ll be happy to know that alternatives are available. 

Alternatives to Hair Loss Surgery

Hair loss surgery might seem like the fastest option, but if you’re looking for safe, natural, and effective, consider some of your non-surgical options. Here are several.

1. Laser Therapy

It’s impossible to turn back your biological clock, but you can reverse some of the effects of aging – particularly when it comes to your hair. 

Over time, every person experiences some degree of miniaturization, which is the process in which hair follicles weaken with each trip through the hair cycle. Eventually, this leads to thinner hair, and eventually no hair at all.

But low-light laser therapy, also known as LLLT, can help. “Low light laser therapy has demonstrated, scientifically, that it effectively stimulates and energizes the cells within the hair follicle, renewing and strengthening the follicle,” Kiierr explains. “The exciting result for you is noticeably thicker, healthier hair.”

LLLT can be safely performed at home using a simple laser cap. These caps carry dozens of LED lights that energize hair follicles safely and spur natural growth. Results may take several months to occur, but this requires only 30 minutes of treatment every other day.

2. Improved Lifestyle Choices

It’s not the sexiest answer, but if you want to regrow hair, simple changes to your lifestyle can go a long way. More specifically, you should focus on getting more sleep, staying properly hydrated, and eating a well-balanced diet that consists of the right vitamins and nutrients.

In general, you’ll want to eliminate as much processed foods, refined sugar, and artificial ingredients from your diet as possible. The bulk of your food intake should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and lean meat.

Great options for hair growth include eggs, berries, avocados, spinach, oysters, shrimp, red peppers, and beans.

3. DHT Blockers 

Miniaturization is often caused and/or accelerated by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a natural byproduct of testosterone. As DHT production increases, it clings to the hair follicle and gradually causes it to shrink. This often happens at the crown, temple, and front of the head.

Blocking DHT is one of the keys to stopping hair loss as you age. This can be done in a number of ways, but may be as simple as using a DHT-blocking shampoo. Applied daily, the right DHT-blocking formula can stop hair loss in its tracks and encourage regrowth. 

4. Medication

There are two FDA-approved hair loss medications on the market. There’s minoxidil (commonly branded as Rogaine), which can be purchased over the counter. This topical agent increases blood flow in the hair follicle and blocks excessive DHT production.

The second drug is finasteride (commonly branded as Propecia). This oral medication is available only by prescription. It works by blocking DHT and preventing miniaturization of hair follicles.

Adding it All Up

Hair loss surgery can work. But it also features a number of potential risks.

If you’d prefer a safer and more natural alternative, plenty of options exist. As always, it’s best to consult with your doctor and develop a plan that’s ideal for you based on your specific needs, circumstances, and health factors.