How to Stop Balding and Hair Loss

Many people may first notice the signs of balding or hair loss notice because their hair starts to feel a little thinner each time they run their hands through it.  

Hair loss or alopecia doesn’t just affect older men. Millions of women and younger men struggle with thinning hair and balding, too. 

In fact, male pattern baldness affects up to 85% of men by age 50[1], and over half of women experience noticeable hair thinning by age 50 (often after menopause)[2]. Losing hair can be stressful and hurt your self-esteem. Studies show it can lead to anxiety or depression, especially in women[3].

It can seem frightening, but don't worry there are ways to reverse hair loss and to slow it down.  This article will explain why balding happens and the best proven treatments to stop hair loss. 

What Causes Balding?

The most common reason for balding is androgenetic alopecia known as male or female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is largely genetic and hormonal.

A hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a stronger form of testosterone is the main culprit. In people with pattern baldness, DHT binds to hair follicles on the scalp and makes them shrink over time[4].

As the follicles get smaller, the hairs they produce become thinner, weaker, and shorter until it stops producing hair. 

• Shortened growth cycle: DHT causes the hair’s growth phase to shorten. . Over time, you lose more hairs than you regrow, so your hair looks thinner. If this goes on, follicles can go dormant.
• Male pattern baldness: In men, this usually starts with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown.  DHT is the key factor.
• Female pattern hair loss: Women can also have hormone-related thinning, especially after menopause when estrogen drops and the relative effect of DHT increases. Women usually get diffuse thinning on the top of the head.  About half of women will notice hair thinning in their lifetime, particularly after age 50[2].

Other causes of hair loss: Not all hair loss is genetic or hormonal. Other factors can include:

• High stress
• Certain illnesses or medications
• Poor nutrition.
• Autoimmune conditions like alopecia
• Smoking
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• high doses of Vitamin A [6]

Treatments To Stop Hair Loss That Are Backed by Science

With hair loss treatment, consistency and patience are crucial. Why? Hair grows slowly at a rate of 1 cm per month.  So it takes time to see improvement.

Most treatments need at least 3 to 6 months before you notice results[7][8]. You might not see any big change at 3 months, but by 6 months of sticking to a treatment, you should see a difference.

It's really important to stick it out for the full 6 months.  Also, most treatments only work as long as you continue to use them.  If you stop, the benefits can fade and hair loss can resume. Below are the best evidence-backed ways to slow balding and encourage hair regrowth

It's also best to start early.  The sooner you start, the less likely the hair follicles have completely died.    

Microneedling 

One of the newer and most exciting methods to combat hair loss is microneedling the scalp or hairline. 

This involves using a device with many tiny needles (like a derma roller or derma stamp) to create microscopic pin-pricks in the skin of your scalp. It might sound strange, but yes, tiny micro-needles can help prevent hair loss and even regrow hair! Here’s how it works and why it’s getting a lot of attention:

• How microneedling helps: The small needle pricks act as controlled micro-injuries. Your body responds by kicking on its natural healing processes in the scalp. This leads to the release of growth factors and signals that can reactivate dormant hair follicles or strengthen existing ones[13][14]. 
• Boosts absorption of treatments: the tiny micro channels in the skin help topical treatments penetrate better. If you apply something like minoxidil or a serum after microneedling, it can seep deeper into the follicles and be more effective. Studies have found that combining microneedling with minoxidil gives far better results than minoxidil alone[15][16].
• Proof it works: In a study of 100 men with genetic hair loss one group one used 5% minoxidil alone, the other used minoxidil plus weekly microneedling.  After 12 weeks, the microneedling group had dramatically better results.  82% of them reported over 50% improvement in hair growth, compared to just 4.5% of the minoxidil-only group[15]! 
• The best needle length: You might wonder, how deep do the needles need to go? Interestingly, shorter needles (around 0.5 to 0.6 mm) may work best for hair regrowth. A 2021 study compared microneedling at 0.6 mm vs 1.2 mm in men with hair loss. After 12 weeks, the 0.6 mm group had greater increases in hair count and thickness out of all the groups. The researchers concluded 0.6 mm depth was more beneficial than 1.2 mm in promoting hair growth[18][19]. 

So,  0.5 mm needle is a great choice . In fact, some experts note 0.6 mm as an optimal size found in studies[20][21]. Many home-use derma rollers or stampers come in 0.5 mm, which is close to that sweet spot. 

• Derma roller vs. derma stamp: There are two main types of microneedling devices:
• Derma rollers look like a small roller brush with needles that you roll across the scalp.
• Derma stamps (or “stamping” devices) are flat and you press them straight down onto the scalp.

Picking a derma roller vs a dermastamp.  Even through derma rollers are usually cheaper,  many people prefer derma stamps for the scalp. Why? Because stamps are less likely to snag or pull your existing hair[22].

When you roll a needle roller in a hairy area, there’s a chance longer hairs can get caught and yanked out.  A stamp just goes up-and-down, so it won’t tangle hair strands. 

One 2024 study found microneedling helped boost results of laser therapy for hair loss[34]. Another found it can enhance the effects of finasteride + minoxidil together[35]. So these tiny needles are a powerful add-on tool in fighting hair loss.

Recommended Tool: Banisher 3.0 home microneedling stamper with 0.5mm heads. 

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Minoxidil is one of the most popular and proven treatments for pattern hair loss. It’s available over the counter as a liquid or foam (brand name Rogaine, among others).

You apply it directly to your scalp. Minoxidil helps by widening blood vessels and improving blood flow in the scalp, which can stimulate hair follicles to stay in the growth phase longer.

• How to use it:
  • For men, apply minoxidil 5% twice a day to thinning areas.
  • Women apply minoxidil  2%-5%  once a day to avoid side effects. Daily use is needed for best results[9]. When you first start, it’s normal to see a bit of extra shedding in the first few weeks.  That’s the old weak hairs making way for new stronger hairs.
• When to expect results: Don’t expect miracles overnight. Typically, it takes 2 to 4 months.
• Side effects: Minoxidil is generally safe. The most common side effect is an irritated or itchy scalp. Some people get dry flakes or redness from the solution. In the rosemary oil vs. minoxidil study, the minoxidil users had more reports of scalp itching than those using rosemary[11]. 
• Be cautious if you're a cat owner - minoxidil is toxic to cats even in small amounts. 

Rosemary Oil - Natural Alternative

Believe it or not, rosemary essential oil has shown promise for hair growth. Rosemary oil may improve scalp circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Rosemary Oil Compared to Minoxidil

In a 2015 study, researchers compared 0.1 mL of rosemary oil  applied to the scalp twice a day with 2% minoxidil applied twice a day, in people with hereditary hair loss[12].

• After 6 months, both groups saw a significant increase in hair count, and they found that rosemary oil worked about as well as 2% minoxidil for new hair growth [7]. 
• Fewer side effects: The big advantage was that rosemary oil caused fewer side effects. Scalp itching was common in both groups, but less common in the rosemary oil group. [11]. 
• How to use: Essential oils should be diluted before applying to skin. You can mix a few drops of rosemary oil into a carrier oil (like jojoba, coconut, or olive oil) and massage it into the scalp daily. There are also premixed rosemary oil hair tonics available. Like minoxidil, it likely needs daily use for 4-6 months to see results.

Finasteride (Propecia) -  DHT-Blocking

For male pattern baldness, an internal treatment is finasteride (brand name Propecia). This is a prescription pill (1 mg daily for hair loss) that works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase to stop the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

Essentially, it protects the follicles from the shrinking process caused by the DHT hormone that we discussed earlier[4].

• Who can use it: Finasteride is approved for men only in most countries for hair loss. It is not typically given to women of child-bearing age because it can cause birth defects. 
• Effectiveness: Finasteride is one of the most effective treatments to stop balding. Clinical studies have shown that after 2 years on finasteride, 83–90% of men have no further hair loss [36]. It tends to work best at preserving hair on the crown and mid-scalp, but some men also get improvements at the hairline.
• When to expect results:  You might not notice much in the first 3–6 months[39]. By 6 to 12 months, you’ll likely see that your hair loss has slowed or stopped, and possibly some regrowth. The peak effect on regrowth is often at 1 to 2 years. Patience is key, but it’s easier to be patient when you know you’re preventing things from getting worse.
• Long Term Use: Once you stop finasteride, your DHT levels go back up and hair loss will resume  Fortunately, long-term studies over a period of 5+ years show it remains effective and safe for extended use[40]. 
• Side effects and safety: Finasteride is well-tolerated by most, but because it alters a hormone (DHT), it can have some hormonal side effects. The most discussed ones are sexual side effects: about 2-4% of men experience lower libido.  In most cases these side effects are mild and go away if the medication is discontinued[42].  Other possible side effects include minor breast tenderness or enlargement (also rare) and mood changes for some.

Always get finasteride from a legitimate medical source and under a doctor’s guidance, since it’s prescription. 

Low Laser Light Therapy

Low-level laser therapy is a light treatment for stimulating hair growth. You might have seen those red light “laser caps” or comb devices.   LLLT devices use safe red or near-infrared light to stimulate cells in your hair follicles. The light energy is thought to improve cellular function and blood flow in the scalp. 

• Effectiveness: Studies found that red light therapy increased hair counts by 35% to 51% more than placebo after 16 weeks of treatment[43].   It works for both men and women with pattern hair loss. 
• How to use: LLLT devices come as cap/helmet systems, combs, or bands. The cap or helmet style tends to be most effective because it covers a large area uniformly[46].   Combining with microneedling may help it work better. 
• Safety:  LLLT has virtually no side effects reported other than a warm sensation on the scalp.  

Conclusion: Be Patient

Balding can be an unwelcome surprise whether you’re a guy or a girl. It’s completely normal to feel self-conscious or upset.

Our hair is an important part of our identity. But remember, you’re not alone and there are solutions that can help.

Treatments like minoxidil, microneedling, and finasteride have solid science backing them up. Many people have regrown hair or stopped their balding in its tracks with these methods.

The most important thing is to start early and stay consistent. Don’t wait until it’s all gone, early intervention gives hair follicles a better chance. And once you start a treatment plan, stick with it for at least 6+ months to judge results. 

Think of it like a garden: you have to water and care for it consistently before you see new sprouts - once you stop watering it, the garden will gradually die down.  

Also, don’t neglect general health: eat a nutritious diet, manage stress, and get good sleep. 

In the end, it’s about doing what makes you feel comfortable and confident.  Do what feels right for you. You may even decide to embrace going bald which is totally fine and a normal part of aging.  And remember, even if results are slow, every little hair gained (or saved) is is small success!  Good luck on your hair journey! 

References:

• Shapiro J. NYU Langone Health – Most Men Experience Hair Loss—But It Isn’t Inevitable (2016)[51][5][6]
• Medihair (Pete Scott, MD). Hair Loss Statistics (2025)[52][2]
• Wimpole Clinic (Dr. Michael May). Derma Roller for Hair Growth – Expert Review 2025[15][53][22][20][21]
• Faghihi G et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 – Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia (0.6 mm vs 1.2 mm study)[18][19]
• Panahi Y et al. Skinmed. 2015 – Rosemary Oil vs. 2% Minoxidil for Hair Loss[7][11]
• Pardini C, Aungst C. GoodRx Health. 2025 – Minoxidil FAQ (Timeline to work)[8]
• NextClinic (Dr. Joshi). Debunking 5 Myths About Finasteride (2025)[37][38][42]
• Zareie M. Wimpole Clinic. 2025 – Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth[43]
• JAMA Dermatology. 2021 – Psychological impact of androgenetic alopecia[3]

• Repeated Microneedle Stimulation Induces Enhanced Hair Growth in a Murine Model - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Microneedles-015-mm-025-mm-05-mm-and-10-mm-in-length-were-applied-in-10-cycles-for_fig2_309740004 [accessed 13 Sept 2025] 

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