How to prevent hereditary hair loss?
Effective strategies for prevention and treatment in men
When dealing with hereditary hair loss, many face the challenge: What remedy works against hereditary hair loss? And what should it be? Caffeine shampoo, grandma's home remedy, a hair transplant, or something completely different?
Here, you'll get an overview of remedies for hereditary and age-related hair loss.
Caffeine: Caffeine shampoo fights hair loss*
Caffeine is an efficient and practical method against non-disease-related forms of alopecia. The direct supply of caffeine to the hair roots maintains their activity and makes them more resistant to negative influences such as the metabolic byproduct of testosterone (DHT), which can promote hereditary hair loss.
Medication: Medication for hereditary hair loss
Those who want to combat hair loss* with medication often come across two active ingredients: finasteride and minoxidil.
Originally developed to treat an enlarged prostate, it prevents the conversion of testosterone into byproducts in the body.
Originally a medication for high blood pressure, where increased hair growth was observed as a "side effect" in users.
Both remedies are considered reliable in the fight against hair loss* and are available under various brand names. However, the use of these hair growth treatments is not simple and risk-free – both minoxidil and finasteride are pharmacy-only medications and, as drugs, have a certain potential for side effects.
Known side effects of finasteride & minoxidil
For example, mood swings and potency issues are known as possible side effects and aftereffects of finasteride.
With minoxidil, it can lead to a faster heartbeat or chest tightness.
Study: Alpecin Caffeine Liquid strengthens hair roots & offers an alternative to minoxidil
The study comparing Alpecin Caffeine Liquid to a 5 % minoxidil solution, conducted at five research centres under the direction of the Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital in Mumbai, impressively shows that the hair root activity of the participants is promoted by the regular use of Alpecin Caffeine Liquid. Compared to the use of minoxidil, a non-inferior effectiveness was even demonstrated.
Hair transplant: Last resort: hair transplantation
Since celebrities have openly talked about their hair transplants, the procedure has become socially accepted. However, hair transplants do not stop hereditary hair loss. Additional treatments are often necessary to mitigate long-term effects.
Those interested in hair transplants should consider the following:
- Hair transplants carry risks like any medical procedure
- High costs
- Cheaper options can lead to inadequate or unnatural results if inexperienced doctors or substandard equipment are used
- Scarring is possible
- Risk of the body rejecting the transplanted hair
- Sufficient donor hair is required for the transplant
Use Alpecin after hair transplantation
Stop the progression of hair loss* even after a successful hair transplant! Use Alpecin after healing to keep your new hair.
Home remedies: Coconut oil, rosemary, apple cider vinegar & co.
Most home remedies contain valuable nutrients that can promote healthy hair. However, they are only suitable as a supplement to reduce diffuse hair loss caused by deficiencies or improper care. They are not effective for hereditary hair loss.
¹ Fischer TW, Hipler UC, Elsner P. (2007): Effect of caffeine and testosterone on the proliferation of human hair follicles in vitro. Int J Dermatol.;46(1):27-35.
² C. Bussoletti, F. Mastropietro, M. V. Tolaini, L. Celleno (2010): Use of a caffeine shampoo for the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia. Journal of Applied Cosmetology. 28,4 (Oct. 2010), 153-162.
³ Otberg N, Teichmann A, Rasuljev U, Sinkgraven R, Sterry W, Lademann J (2007): Follicular penetration of topically applied caffeine via a shampoo formulation. Skin Pharmacol Physiol.;20(4):195-8.
Guide: Recommended for you
Help with hereditary hair loss
Find out how you can effectively counteract hereditary hair loss - without the use of medication!
Causes and reasons for hair loss
Genetic predisposition is not the only factor that plays an important role in hair loss. Reduced blood circulation on the scalp, external environmental factors, stress and illness can also contribute to hair loss.
Why caffeine against hair loss?
Caffeine stimulates the metabolism and is consumed globally. Find out more about the power of the active ingredient caffeine, how it strengthens your hair, and how it reduces hair loss.
* Hair loss not related to illness