This post outlines all of the supplements, medications, and steps I am taking to support my hair regrowth after a diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia. I admit it is pretty long, but if you are losing your hair it’s worth reading to the end!
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Recently a close friend asked me “What is your hair regimen? I’ve never seen your hair so voluminous!”
I almost cried, because just a couple of months ago I believed I was going to lose most of my hair. My struggle with hair loss has consumed my life for the last two years. It’s been a source of stress and anxiety. Hair loss is especially devastating for women and takes a profound emotional toll.
When I received my diagnosis I knew immediately that I would not take minoxidil. Minoxidil is highly toxic to cats and I would never risk my cats’ health. I did extensive research to find out what I could do to slow my hair loss and encourage regrowth.
Ready for the regimen?
- Spironolactone
- Ketoconazole shampoo 3x a week
- Eva NYC Therapy Hair Mask
- pumpkin seed oil orally daily
- Moon Juice’s SuperHair
- Mary Ruth’s Liquid Iron Supplement
- Rosemary Oil scalp massage 3x a week
- The Ordinary Hair Density serum applied a few times a week
- Vitamin D3/K2 (2000 iui per day)
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- 120 grams of protein every day (this one is a challenge!)
Basically, I followed Dr. Shereen Idriss’s advice and threw the kitchen sink at my hair loss. The first step I took was to begin a daily dose of spironolactone. My dermatologist prescribed 50 mg a day along with ketoconazole shampoo. I am using the 2% version, but you can find the 1% version here and it will help if used consistently. I have been using rosemary oil on my scalp every other night and also recently started using rosemary water. The rosemary water is less messy and gives my normally flat hair a little extra volume. It’s easy and cheap to make at home, and more convenient than the oil.
Spironolactone works to stop hair loss because it is a DHT inhibitor. DHT is an enzyme that essentially suffocates hair follicles. Pumpkin Seed Oil has also been shown to inhibit DHT at the follicle, so I take pumpkin seed oil orally every day. Along with the pumpkin seed oil, I take liquid iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamin D every day. I have a history of low vitamin D, but each of these nutrients is vital to hair growth.
A note on protein:
Another crucial element for hair growth and health is an adequate level of protein in your diet. This was a challenge for me and I have to admit I was shocked when I learned just how much protein I was lacking. It is NOT easy to consume 120 grams each day as a busy working single mother on a tight budget. It has forced me to really think critically about the food that I eat and to focus on more nutrient dense meals and snacks.