There is no one solution that works for all. The key is understanding the root cause of your hair loss and approaching it with the right strategy.
There are many types of hair loss, with many different contributing factors. The best place to start is with a comprehensive set of labs covering nutritional deficiencies, hormones, and thyroid function.
Broadly speaking, I think of hair loss as falling into two categories: androgen-driven and non-androgen-driven (such as stress, hormonal shifts, nutritional deficiencies, illness, etc.).
If you have androgen-driven hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), DHT blockers such as finasteride or dutasteride can help slow or prevent further hair loss and, in some people, produce modest regrowth. I wouldn't include spironolactone in this category, as it has broader anti-androgen effects rather than specifically targeting DHT. It works well for some people, but it's a less targeted approach. I guess pumpkin seed oil is also a DHT blocker, but the effects are obviously much milder than finasteride or dutasteride.
For non-androgen-driven hair loss, the underlying cause could be almost anything. People often underestimate the importance of good nutrition, adequate sleep, and optimal ferritin levels. Low or even suboptimal ferritin is a well-known contributor to hair shedding, and some people start DHT blockers wondering why they're still losing hair when the underlying issue is something else entirely. Low estrogen is also a very common reason for hair loss in women.
For hair regrowth, regardless of the cause, for both men and women, minoxidil remains one of the most effective options. It can be used topically, orally, or, in some cases, both.
