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Hair loss research moved fast between 2023–2025. If you’re asking “what pills or treatments actually work?” here’s a concise, evidence-based guide to the most searched and clinically relevant options this year — and what to watch for before you try them.


1. Oral minoxidil — low doses, growing acceptance

Oral minoxidil (at low daily doses like 0.25–2.5 mg) has become a common physician-prescribed option for pattern hair thinning when topical minoxidil or finasteride isn’t suitable. Many clinics report good regrowth results with careful monitoring for side effects (blood pressure, fluid retention). It’s not FDA-approved specifically for hair loss in the U.S., but international guidelines and hair societies now recognize its practical use under medical supervision. ISHRS+1


2. Finasteride — gold standard for many men, but use carefully

Oral finasteride (1 mg) remains one of the most effective anti-androgen pills for male pattern hair loss when tolerated. However, recent regulatory attention has focused on compounded topical finasteride and telehealth prescriptions — the FDA has warned about risks because topical formulations are unapproved and adverse events have been reported. Always discuss benefits and sexual/mental-health side effects with a prescriber. PMC+1


3. JAK inhibitors — major advance for alopecia areata

For autoimmune hair loss (alopecia areata), oral JAK inhibitors are now established options. The FDA approved deuruxolitinib (Leqselvi®) and other JAKs have shown strong efficacy in regrowing hair for severe cases; these are prescription drugs with specific indications and safety monitoring needs. JAKs are NOT first-line for pattern (androgenetic) hair loss. NAAF+1


4. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) & regenerative techniques

PRP injections remain a widely used in-office procedure to improve hair density and stimulate follicles. Systematic reviews show moderate evidence of benefit, especially when combined with other therapies. Ongoing stem-cell and mesenchymal cell trials are promising but still emerging — they’re not yet routine standard of care. PubMed+1


5. Nutraceuticals & topical innovations

High-quality nutraceuticals (targeted supplements) have gained traction — some 2024–2025 trials reported measurable improvements in hair quality and patient satisfaction for certain formulations. Topical serums and new delivery methods (including novel fatty-acid serums in early research) are creating buzz, but many require larger human trials before definitive claims. Dermatology Times+1


Bottom line & how to choose


  • Match treatment to the diagnosis. Pattern hair loss is treated differently than autoimmune loss (alopecia areata) or telogen effluvium (stress-related shedding).

  • Combine when appropriate. Finasteride + minoxidil (topical or oral) often performs better than either alone. PRP can boost results for some patients. PMC+1

  • Prioritize safety. Ask about side effects, monitoring (labs, blood pressure), and FDA status — especially with topical finasteride and new off-label uses. U.S. Food and Drug Administration


If you’re in Los Angeles and exploring both medical and cosmetic options, Scalp Los Angeles offers consultations for comprehensive hair restoration plans — including medical therapy guidance and Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) as a non-surgical aesthetic solution to immediately improve perceived hair density. Contact us to combine evidence-based medical care with natural-looking SMP results.


Keywords: hair loss, hair loss pills, oral minoxidil, finasteride, JAK inhibitors, PRP hair treatment, stem cell hair therapy, nutraceuticals for hair, scalp micropigmentation Los Angeles, SMP Los Angeles, hair restoration Los Angeles.

 
 
  • Hayk Matsakyan
  • May 10
  • 3 min read

Have you ever wondered if the water you use affects your hair? The quality of water plays a critical role in hair health. Hard water minerals, including chlorine, are contaminants that can cause brittleness, dryness, and hair loss. Therefore, it is important to understand the impact of water quality on your hair. Read on!


Water Quality and Its Components


Water quality is its physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. You can assess water through different parameters, such as the presence of contaminants. Common contaminants in water are:


Chlorine


Chlorine is a disinfectant used in water treatment. A 2022 study published by Springer Link shows that chlorine is an effective agent that can kill dangerous pathogens, but it reacts with organic matter to form by-products like haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes. These compounds can cause different health issues, including cancer and reproductive problems in women.


Hard Water Minerals


Hard water has higher levels of magnesium and calcium. Although these minerals are not dangerous in smaller quantities, excessive hardness can cause dry skin, eczema, and hair damage. One study also suggests that hard water can also cause heart diseases.


Heavy Metals


Mercury, lead, and cadmium are heavy metals in water. These heavy metals are due to agricultural runoff, industrial pollution, and aging infrastructure. These metals have high toxicity, causing severe health issues. These include kidney failure, neurological damage, and increased cancer risk.


Impact of Water Quality on Hair


One research study found that chlorine exposure can increase the friction between hair strands. So this can make your hair more prone to damage, thinning, and breakage. Chlorine can also interact with hair proteins, weakening the strand’s structure and leading to split ends.


Besides, hard water can cause mineral deposits on the hair. The accumulation of these deposits can clog your hair follicles and cause scalp irritation and dandruff. A study published by Euro PMC found that hard water can decrease the hair’s tensile strength and elasticity, making the strands prone to damage and breakage.


Similarly, heavy metals disrupt hair follicles’ normal structure and function, increasing shedding and reducing hair growth. A study conducted in Beijing, China, evaluated the impact of mercury and lead in hair samples. Researchers confirmed the negative effects of heavy metals in water on hair.


Signs Your Water Might Be Affecting Your Hair LOSS


Common symptoms of hair damage due to poor water quality are:


·       Dryness and brittleness

·       Frizziness and tangling

·       Dullness and discoloration

·       Scalp irritation

·       Hair thinning and breakage


You can identify if the water quality is the culprit by checking for residues, monitoring hair products, and observing changes in hair texture. For example, if your hair feels sticky or has a filmy residue after washing, it is usually due to mineral buildup from hard water.

Besides, if your usual haircare products are less effective, it is due to mineral deposits preventing them from working appropriately. Moreover, notice changes in your hair texture, such as increased roughness or frizz. These issues are also due to hard water.


Focus on your scalp, and if you find persistent itching, dryness, or dandruff, these are the signs of irritation from water contaminants. Furthermore, you can conduct water quality tests at home to identify the presence of heavy metals or chlorine.


Final Words


Water quality can significantly impact your hair health. Heavy metals, hard water minerals, and chlorine can cause dryness and hair loss. Therefore, you must recognize these signs to prevent hair damage. Testing the quality of water is a crucial step in mitigating this issue.

 
 

Achieving and maintaining healthy hair is a continuous endeavor for men and women. Hair care routines differ between women and men. It impacts the time and money spent annually. How does each gender approach their hair maintenance? Today’s article will answer this question by focusing on the average time and financial investment in hair care for women and men. Read on!


hair Care Routine for Women and Men – Breakdown


The following table gives a quick overview of the primary differences in hair care routines between women and men.

Aspect

Women

Men

Washing Frequency

2-3 times a week

Daily or every other day

Styling

Blow-drying, straightening, curling

Gel, pomade, wax

Treatments

Coloring, conditioning, hair masks

Occasional conditioning, haircuts

Time Spent on Hair Care


A woman spends an average of 30 minutes on hair care daily. It includes washing, drying, and styling. So, this amounts to about 3.5 hours per week and 182 hours per year. On the other hand, a man spends about 10 minutes on hair care daily.

Men usually focus on washing and quick styling. The average time a man spends is 1.2 hours per week and about 62 hours per year. Women spend significantly more time on hair care than men. For instance, women spend 3x more time than men.

The difference becomes more pronounced when looking at the annual figures because women spend nearly three times the hours than men. The disparity is due to more complex routines and styling practices for women. Men, on the other hand, have simpler routines that require less time.


Financial Costs of Hair Care


Women spend an average of $877 per year on different hair care products, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling items. Female individuals spend money on salon visits, hair coloring, and other treatments. On the other hand, men spend $592 on average per year. Haircuts and barber visits are the primary expenses.


Factors Influencing Time and Money Spent

Factors that influence the time and money spent on hair care for men and women are:

·       Societal and cultural expectations

·       Personal preferences and lifestyle

·       Impact of hair type and length


Societal and Cultural Expectations

Society often places different expectations on women and men regarding appearance. Women are generally expected to maintain more elaborate hairstyles, which can lead to spending more time and money on hair care. Men, on the other hand, may face less pressure to invest heavily in their hair.


Personal Preferences and Lifestyle

Individual preferences play a significant role in hair care routines. Some people enjoy experimenting with different styles and treatments, while others prefer a simple, low-maintenance approach. Lifestyle factors, such as professional requirements or social activities, can also influence how much time and money one dedicates to hair care.


Impact of Hair Type and Length

Hair type and length are crucial factors. Longer hair typically requires more care and products, leading to higher costs and more time spent. Similarly, different hair types (curly, straight, wavy) have unique needs that can affect the overall investment in hair care. For example, curly hair often requires specialized products and more intensive treatments to maintain its health and appearance.


Final Words


Women generally spend more time and money on hair care routines than men. Societal expectations, personal preferences, and hair types are primary factors that impact the time and money spent on hair care.

 

 

 

 
 
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