Hair loss treatment depends on the diagnosis
Hair loss treatment should start by identifying the pattern. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that dermatologists diagnose hair loss by reviewing the hair-loss pattern, scalp, medical history, medications, and sometimes testing.
That matters because shedding, traction alopecia, alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, thyroid disease, anemia, medication-related loss, and pattern hair loss are not treated the same way.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is commonly used for pattern hair loss. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that minoxidil may help early hair loss but cannot regrow an entire head of hair.
Minoxidil can be topical or oral depending on the clinical context and clinician judgment. Patients should not assume that more medication automatically means better results. Diagnosis, safety, side effects, expectations, and consistency all matter.
Finasteride
Finasteride is an FDA-approved treatment for male pattern hair loss. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that finasteride may slow hair loss and stimulate new growth in appropriate patients.
Finasteride is not a casual cosmetic product. It requires a medical review because patient selection, contraindications, side effects, pregnancy-related concerns, and expectations are important.
Spironolactone
Spironolactone may be used in some women with female pattern hair loss. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that spironolactone may help female pattern hair loss in appropriate patients.
It is not appropriate for everyone, and it should be considered in the context of medical history, medications, pregnancy status, and clinician judgment.
How CutisRx fits
CutisRx gives patients a structured hair-loss pathway so the question is not simply “which product should I buy?” but “what type of hair loss does this look like, and what options make sense?” Patients choose the hair-loss pathway, complete the intake, upload photos, and receive board-certified dermatology review when clinically appropriate.
Available in eligible U.S. states except Alaska, Mississippi, and New Jersey.
FAQ
Is minoxidil enough for hair loss?
Sometimes, but not always. It depends on the diagnosis, stage, sex, tolerance, and whether another condition is contributing.
Is finasteride only for men?
Finasteride is FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss. Use in other contexts requires clinician judgment and careful safety review.
Is spironolactone for female pattern hair loss?
Spironolactone may be considered in some women, but it requires medical review and is not appropriate for everyone.