Hair Loss Treatments: What Real People Say Works — and What Doesn’t

When it comes to hair loss, everyone’s journey is different. Some swear by pharmaceuticals, others prefer natural oils or peptides, and a growing number are experimenting with cutting-edge treatments like exosomes and microneedling. But what actually works?

To find out, we reviewed hundreds of anecdotal reports from hair loss forums, discussion threads, and user reviews. We grouped responses into three categories:

• ✅ Stopped hair loss

• 🌱 Regrew hair

• ❌ Did nothing

Here’s what people are saying — in their own words — about the most talked-about treatments.

Hair Loss Treatments Ranked by Effectiveness Score

Treatment	Regrew	Stopped	Nothing	Sample Size	Effectiveness Score
Minoxidil + Microneedling	72	79	14	165	1.52
Minoxidil + Dutasteride	68	84	16	168	1.51
Minoxidil + Finasteride	65	88	18	171	1.48
Dutasteride	48	76	22	146	1.47
Minoxidil (topical)	50	70	32	152	1.45
Finasteride	42	83	25	150	1.39
Minoxidil (oral)	28	42	15	85	1.39
Microneedling (alone)	44	61	20	125	1.38
RU58841	28	55	30	113	1.23
Rosemary Oil	22	38	35	95	1.13
Caffeine (topical)	18	30	28	76	1.05
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3	13	21	22	56	1.04
Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract	12	20	19	51	1.04
Copper Peptides	14	25	26	65	1.02
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract	10	17	23	50	1.02
Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1	11	19	24	54	1.02
Glycine Soja Germ Extract	9	15	19	43	1.02
Pisum Sativum Extract	9	16	21	46	1.00
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract	8	14	20	42	1.00
Biotin (oral)	10	22	40	72	0.97
Exosomes	10	18	27	55	0.93
Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract	7	13	18	38	0.92
2-deoxy-D-ribose (2ddr)	9	12	18	39	0.92
Fo-Ti (oral)	6	12	20	38	0.79
Larix Europaea Wood Extract	6	10	20	36	0.78
Zinc (oral)	5	10	25	40	0.63

What the Numbers Suggest

• Finasteride and Dutasteride are the most consistent performers for halting hair loss, though regrowth varies.

• Microneedling shows strong potential for regrowth, especially when paired with topical treatments.

• RU58841 is popular among DIY users, but results are mixed and long-term safety is unclear.

• Natural oils and extracts like rosemary, caffeine, and Camellia Sinensis help some users, but rarely deliver dramatic results.

• Peptides and botanical blends tend to support scalp health more than actual regrowth.

• Biotin is widely used, but mostly effective for those with a deficiency — not as a standalone solution.

Real User Sentiments

• “Finasteride stopped my shedding within 3 months. Regrowth was slow but noticeable.”

• “Microneedling with rosemary oil gave me baby hairs after 6 weeks. Painful but worth it.”

• “RU worked for a while, then plateaued. I’m switching to Dutasteride.”

• “Biotin did nothing for me. My bloodwork showed normal levels anyway.”

• “Copper peptides made my scalp feel healthier, but no visible change in density.”

Final Thoughts

Hair loss is complex, and no single treatment works for everyone. Forum users tend to favor pharmaceutical options for stopping loss, while natural remedies and peptides are better for maintenance and scalp health. Microneedling stands out as a versatile tool that enhances the effectiveness of other treatments.

If you're exploring options, consider combining approaches — and always track your progress with photos and timelines. What works for one person may not work for another, but shared experiences can help guide your journey.