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Explore the science behind hair loss and hair growth. Our in-depth articles cover topics ranging from natural remedies to pharmaceuticals to breakthroughs in hair loss science. Want to request an article topic? Contact us.

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Does Spironolactone Cause Weight Gain?
By Cassie Hopton, PhD
Jan 12, 2026

Does Spironolactone Cause Weight Gain?

Spironolactone is a popular off-label treatment for female pattern hair loss, but many users worry about gaining weight while taking it. This article breaks down how the medication works, what the research actually shows about weight changes, typical dosing for hair growth, and simple strategies to ...
RU58841 for Hair Loss: Is It Legit?
By Sophie Grice, PhD
Jan 9, 2026

RU58841 for Hair Loss: Is It Legit?

RU58841 is one of the most talked-about research chemicals in hair loss forums, and the anecdotes are often surprisingly positive. Mechanistically, it makes sense: block androgen receptors in the scalp so dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can’t trigger follicle miniaturization. But the problem is that the h...
Oral vs. Topical Minoxidil: What’s Better for Hair Loss?
By Michael Williams, PhD
Jan 9, 2026

Oral vs. Topical Minoxidil: What’s Better for Hair Loss?

Oral vs topical minoxidil for hair loss: which works better, and at what cost? We break down the evidence on effectiveness, safety, dosing, and real-world tradeoffs to help you choose the right option.
Finasteride vs. Dutasteride: The Ultimate Guide
By Michael Williams, PhD
Dec 31, 2025

Finasteride vs. Dutasteride: The Ultimate Guide

Finasteride and dutasteride are the two most powerful medications available for androgenetic alopecia, but choosing between them isn’t straightforward. We break down how these drugs truly compare across efficacy, side effects, oral versus topical use, and real-world decision-making, so you can deter...
10 Ways to Reduce the Side Effects of Finasteride
By Michael Williams, PhD
Dec 31, 2025

10 Ways to Reduce the Side Effects of Finasteride

Finasteride is one of the most effective treatments for male pattern hair loss, but side effects can happen. This evidence-based guide outlines 10 practical strategies to reduce or manage finasteride side effects, from dose and formulation adjustments to lifestyle considerations, while emphasizing w...
Oral vs. Topical Dutasteride: What Studies Show
By Michael Williams, PhD
Dec 17, 2025

Oral vs. Topical Dutasteride: What Studies Show

Oral dutasteride is one of the most effective treatments for androgenic alopecia, but its systemic hormone suppression raises safety concerns. Topical dutasteride is often promoted as a way to deliver similar scalp-level benefits with fewer side effects, but does the evidence support that claim? In ...
Minoxidil Shedding – What to Expect & When it Stops
By Ben Fletcher, PhD
Dec 17, 2025

Minoxidil Shedding – What to Expect & When it Stops

Starting minoxidil and seeing more hair fall out? You’re not alone. This article breaks down the phenomenon known as the “dread shed”—a temporary spike in hair loss that can happen when beginning treatment. We explore why this shedding occurs, what it means for your hair cycle, and whether it’s actu...
Peppermint Oil for Hair Growth: Better Than Minoxidil?
By Perfect Hair Health Team
Dec 17, 2025

Peppermint Oil for Hair Growth: Better Than Minoxidil?

In 2014, a study on mice found that peppermint oil improved hair growth outcomes better than minoxidil. In 2015, a study on men with androgenic alopecia showed that topical rosemary oil (similar to peppermint) improved hair counts, and as effectively as minoxidil. While these studies appear promisin...
Caffeine For Hair Loss (AGA): Evidence & Recommendations
By Perfect Hair Health Team
Dec 17, 2025

Caffeine For Hair Loss (AGA): Evidence & Recommendations

Caffeine’s role in hair loss (and hair growth) is hotly debated. On the one hand, oral caffeine may indirectly exacerbate hair loss in those who are hyperglycemic or hypothyroid. On the other hand, topical caffeine does have efficacy as a potential hair loss intervention – at least when combin...
Microneedling For Hair Loss: 5 Strategies to Reduce Pain
By Perfect Hair Health Team
Dec 16, 2025

Microneedling For Hair Loss: 5 Strategies to Reduce Pain

Microneedling is an experimental therapy for androgenic alopecia and other hair loss disorders. One of its downsides is that it is painful to administer. However, there are simple and effective strategies to reduce pain levels while microneedling across the scalp:(1) opting for devices that ensure n...

Stop guessing which hair loss
treatments actually work

Instead, just read our cheat sheet

You’ll get the facts on nine “natural” and “conventional” hair loss treatments: how they work, how much hair they’ll regrow, their limitations, and what their marketers don’t want you know.