Best Hair Loss Treatments for Thinning Hair and Bald Spots

Hair thinning can be slow and subtle or fast and alarming. Either way, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling with it or think you’re out of options. The good news is that there are effective treatments that provide real results. At Ziering Medical, we’ve helped thousands of patients restore their hair and confidence with clinically proven treatments, including surgical and nonsurgical options. 

The first step is to BOOK A CONSULTATION with one of our hair loss doctors at Ziering Medical. During your consultation, they will evaluate your hair loss, discuss your goals, and recommend the best approach to get the results you want. While you’re here, let’s explore the best hair loss treatments doctors recommend. 

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is one of the most well-known and widely used hair loss treatments, and for good reason. It’s FDA-approved for both men and women, available OTC, and backed by decades of research.

It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which can help revive shrunken follicles and extend the growth phase of hair. It comes in liquid or foam, applied once or twice a day. Most people see results in 3 to 6 months, but you have to keep using it to maintain the results. 

Minoxidil is best for early-stage hair thinning and is commonly used to treat both male and female pattern hair loss. It’s a good option for people looking for a low-cost, non-invasive treatment they can use at home. 

Minoxidil tends to work best on the crown and top of the scalp, not on receding hairlines. You’ll need to use it daily to maintain long-term results. Otherwise, you’ll lose your hair again. Some users may notice increased shedding in the first few weeks, which is normal and usually a sign that the treatment is starting to work.

There’s also an oral version of minoxidil, originally used to treat high blood pressure, that has gained popularity for hair loss, especially in cases where topical minoxidil isn’t well tolerated or hasn’t worked. Oral minoxidil is taken as a low-dose pill and may offer convenience and potentially better absorption for some users. It’s typically suitable for both men and women, and like the topical version, continued use is key to maintaining results.

Finasteride

Finasteride is an FDA-approved prescription medication for treating male pattern hair loss. It works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT, the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles over time.

By reducing DHT levels in the scalp, finasteride slows hair loss and can even stimulate regrowth in many men, particularly at the crown and mid-scalp. Most users see visible results after 3 to 6 months of consistent daily use. 

However, it’s important to note that finasteride must be taken continuously to maintain results. Stopping the medication will likely reverse any progress. While generally well-tolerated, some men report side effects such as decreased libido or sexual function, though these cases are rare. 

Finasteride is not approved for use in women in their child-bearing years and should not be handled by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, as it can cause serious birth defects in a developing male fetus. Because of this risk, finasteride is only prescribed to postmenopausal women, and only when deemed appropriate by a doctor. It’s not considered safe for women of childbearing age. To get finasteride, you’ll need a prescription from a healthcare provider or hair loss expert who can

Dutasteride

Dutasteride is a prescription medication similar to finasteride, but more potent. Like finasteride, it blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. The main difference is that dutasteride blocks both type I and type II forms of the enzyme, while finasteride blocks only type II. 

This makes dutasteride more effective at reducing overall DHT levels, which can lead to better hair regrowth in some patients. It’s not FDA-approved for hair loss in the U.S. but is commonly prescribed off-label, especially for patients who haven’t responded well to finasteride. 

Dutasteride may come with a higher risk of side effects, including sexual dysfunction, so it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Like finasteride, dutasteride must be taken long-term to maintain results, and it’s not recommended for use in women during their childbearing years due to the risk of potential birth defects.

Low-Level Laser Therapy 

LLLT devices use red light to stimulate hair follicles and encourage growth. It’s FDA-cleared, non-invasive, and works best for early-stage hair loss. One standout option is the Ziering LaserCap, a prescription-strength device that delivers strong, consistent energy to the scalp and is designed for at-home use. Use it for just 30 minutes a day, a few times a week.

We’ve had amazing results with this laser device. Patients typically see thicker, fuller hair within a couple of months. It works for both men and women and can be used on its own or alongside other treatments like minoxidil or finasteride. It’s discreet, portable, and easy to use.

Hair Transplant

A hair transplant is the most permanent solution for hair loss. It involves moving healthy hair follicles from the back or sides of the scalp to thinning or balding areas. There are two main methods: FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and MDEE (Microscopically Dissected Elliptical Excision), formerly FUT. 

FUE extracts individual follicles, leaving tiny dot-like scars that are nearly invisible, even with short hair. It’s less invasive and has a quicker recovery. MDEE/FUT requires removing a thin strip of scalp to harvest follicles, which allows for more grafts in one session but leaves a linear scar. 

Both methods produce natural-looking results when done by an experienced surgeon. So the most important factor to consider is not how much it costs but who is performing the procedure. Choose a board-certified surgeon with a lot of experience in both FUE and MDEE/FUT methods and proven results. 

New Hair Loss Treatments Worth Considering at Ziering 

Ziering Medical has always been at the forefront of innovation in hair restoration. We’re proud to offer two of our latest hair loss treatments that deserve your attention. 

Z-Factors

Z-Factors is a non-invasive, topical treatment that delivers a high concentration of growth factors, peptides, exosomes, and hyaluronic acid directly to the scalp. Unlike PRP, it doesn’t require blood draws or injections, making it ideal for patients who want results without discomfort or downtime. It can be used on its own or paired with other treatments to improve hair density and support scalp health.

Stem Cell Banking (Acorn)

Through our partnership with Acorn Biolabs, we now offer stem cell banking from plucked hair follicles. These cells are cryopreserved for future use in regenerative therapies, including a hair growth serum. It’s a proactive step for anyone interested in staying ahead of aging and future-proofing their options in hair loss treatment.

What Is the Best Hair Loss Treatment for Me? 

The best treatment for hair loss depends on what’s causing your hair loss, how far it’s progressed, and what kind of results you’re after.

At Ziering Medical, we don’t guess. We specialize in advanced diagnostics, customized treatment plans, and cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical solutions. Whether it’s a transplant, PRP, or cutting-edge therapies like Z-Factors and stem cell banking, we match the treatment to you.

Call us or visit a Ziering Medical clinic near you to book a consultation. We serve patients all over the greater Tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as the greater Southern California area from Los Angeles and Beverly Hills to Newport Beach and San Diego. We also offer consultations for patients in and around Salt Lake City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my hair falling out? 

Hair loss can happen for many reasons, including stress, hormones, illness, medications, or nutrient deficiencies. But the most common cause by far is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern hair loss. A consultation at Ziering Medical will determine what’s causing your hair loss and how to treat it.

What is the best hair treatment for hair loss?

It depends on what’s causing your hair loss. The only way to know what’s right for you is to book a consultation and get a personalized treatment plan.

Can bald spots grow back?

Yes, bald spots can grow back, but it depends on the cause. Temporary hair loss from stress or conditions like alopecia areata may regrow with treatment. If it’s genetic, regrowth is less likely without options like minoxidil, laser hair therapy, or a hair transplant.

Do I need a hair transplant?

If you’ve lost significant hair and other treatments haven’t worked, a transplant may be your best option. A consultation at one of our clinics will tell you if you’re a good candidate.