The Scalp Map

Also called Propecia, Proscar, Stercia

The best-studied pill for male pattern loss. Works while you take it.

Also called finasteride spray, fin solution, topical fin

A scalp-applied option with lower blood levels. Not side-effect-free.

Also called Avodart, Dutarid, dut

A stronger DHT blocker used off-label when finasteride is not enough.

Also called minoxidil tablets, minoxidil pills, LDOM

Off-label tablet with growing evidence. Body hair is the common trade-off.

Also called Aldactone, spiro

An anti-androgen some derms use for female pattern loss and PCOS.

Also called Regroe, Rogaine, Kirkland minoxidil

The first-line topical for men and women. Expect a shed before growth.

Also called Nizoral, Dermazole, keto shampoo

The go-to for balakubak and seb derm. A small add-on for pattern loss.

Also called Selsun Blue, Head and Shoulders, Clear

Good for mild dandruff and for rotating with ketoconazole.

Also called derma roller, dermapen, derma stamp

Promising add-on to minoxidil in small trials. Technique and hygiene matter.

Also called PRP hair treatment, vampire hair

An expensive add-on with mixed trial results. Not a replacement for the basics.

Also called ExoScalp, exosome hair treatment

Heavily marketed, thinly studied. No PH first-hand reports found.

Also called FUE, FUT, DHI

Moves your own hair; it does not stop future loss. Stabilize first.

Also called laser cap, laser comb, red light therapy

Some trial support as an add-on. Devices vary hugely in quality.

Also called Serenoa repens

Weaker than finasteride in the one head-to-head study. Popular in PCOS stacks.

Also called vitamin B7, hair vitamins

Helps only if you are deficient, which is rare. Can skew lab tests.

Also called ferritin test, thyroid test, TSH

Worth checking in diffuse shedding. Correct a deficiency before buying serums.

Also called rosemary hair oil

One small trial against 2% minoxidil. Oiling can worsen seb derm.

Also called gugo bark, Zenutrients gugo

A traditional cleanser. No trial evidence for hair loss; some users report itch.

Also called androgenetic alopecia, AGA, MPB

Genetic, DHT-driven and progressive. Earlier treatment keeps more hair.

Also called FPHL, female androgenetic alopecia, Ludwig

A widening part with the hairline kept. Very treatable when caught early.

Also called TE, stress shedding, post-illness shedding

Sudden all-over shedding 2 to 4 months after a trigger. Usually temporary.

Also called post natal hair loss, postpartum hairfall

Starts about 3 to 4 months after birth and usually settles by the first birthday.

Also called polycystic ovary syndrome hair loss

Androgen-driven thinning on top. Needs both an OB-GYN or endo and a derm.

Also called AA, spot baldness, patchy hair loss

Round, smooth patches from an immune attack on follicles. See a derm.

Also called seb derm, SD, severe dandruff

Greasy, itchy flaking that heat makes worse. Controllable, not one-and-done.

Also called flakes, dry scalp

The mild end of seb derm. Usually fixed with the right shampoo used properly.

Also called rebond damage, bleach damage, traction alopecia

Rebond, bleach and tight styles break hair or pull it out. Stop the cause.

Also called hair breakage, split ends

Shed hairs have a white bulb at the root; broken hairs do not.