Hairloss: Serums And Treatments That Work
Lena Williams
Excessive shedding and hair loss are quite common. Thankfully, the best hair growth serums can help reduce the appearance of sparseness stemming from a variety of causes.
Unlike hair growth shampoos and oil-based formulas, hair growth serums are leave-in treatments that penetrate the scalp. Essentially, they’re formulated with more active ingredients, explains trichologist and founder of Act+Acre Helen Reveay. To be clear, though, they’re not the ultimate fix. Many over-the-counter hair growth serums won’t significantly increase hair growth. For the best results, they can be used in conjunction with other methods, such as platelet-rich plasma injections and oral medications. However, their performance does depend on the specific ingredients included.
The most potent types contain minoxidil, which we note, is the only topical FDA-approved ingredient shown to be effective in triggering new hair growth. Backed by decades of clinical research, it works by increasing hair follicle size and stimulating the anagen, or growth phase, of the hair cycle.
Hair loss is an issue many people struggle with, and can have both physical and psychological effects. It is important to understand that not all hair loss is the same - there are different types and different causes for it. Identifying what kind of hair loss you have, and what may be causing it, is the first step in finding a successful treatment. There are two primary forms of hair loss: cicatricial alopecia and non-scarring alopecia. The most common cause of non-scarring alopecia is genetics or infection, while scarring causes range widely but may include radiation therapy, extreme stress, autoimmune diseases, or certain medications. Understanding which type of hair loss you are suffering from and its potential cause will help you greatly in determining the best course of action moving forward.