Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatments: Exploring Your Options
July 17, 2025
Ever caught yourself running a hand through your hair and pulling out more strands than usual? Or maybe your part looks wider than it used to?
If you notice increased shedding or changes to your hairline and thickness, you're probably not imagining it. The American Hair Loss Association says that hair loss is a shared experience – by age 35, two-thirds of American men face noticeable thinning, and nearly 40 percent of women will notice it by age 50. And while it’s often brushed off as “normal aging,” hair loss can have a real emotional toll – causing embarrassment, frustration and even anxiety.
The good news? You have options that don’t involve surgery.
Why Hair Loss Happens
Hair loss doesn’t have just one cause, and that’s why treating it effectively starts with figuring out what’s behind it. Genetics are one common culprit. The medical term for inherited hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, and it can affect both men and women. But other factors might be at play, especially for women, and those should be ruled out before jumping into cosmetic treatments.
“It’s important to make sure there’s no medical reason for the hair loss,” says Robin Ashinoff, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Hackensack Meridian Medical Group and Hackensack University Medical Center. “Especially for women, it’s important to get checked out and make sure you’re healthy.”
The most common medical causes of hair loss include:
Iron deficiency anemia
Low iron levels can starve hair follicles of the nutrients they need to grow strong, healthy hair. A simple blood test can confirm if your iron is low. If it is, iron supplements or changes in your diet may help reverse hair shedding.
Thyroid disease
Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can cause hair to thin or fall out. In these cases, managing the underlying thyroid condition often helps stabilize hair loss over time.
Stress or recent surgery
Severe emotional stress, illness or even recent surgery can shock the body into a condition called telogen effluvium, where a larger than normal number of hairs shift into the shedding phase.
“It’s a temporary loss of hair that will correct itself in three to four months,” Dr. Ashinoff explains.
Once underlying conditions are ruled out or treated, your dermatologist may determine that your hair loss is genetic, meaning it’s time to explore hair loss treatment options.
Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatments That Work
“There are a number of non-surgical options I recommend to patients,” says Dr. Ashinoff. “It’s often a matter of combining a few different treatments for the best result.”
Dr. Ashinoff’s go-to recommendations include:
Topical Minoxidil (Rogaine foam)
Often the first treatment Dr. Ashinoff recommends, Minoxidil is a proven hair growth stimulant available over the counter. “I usually recommend the foam, not the liquid,” she says. “The foam blends in better, doesn’t make the hair greasy and lets you style your hair like normal.”
You apply a small amount of the foam to areas of thinning hair twice a day. While some users notice more shedding initially, that usually subsides, and continued use can help with regrowth.
“It’s sort of a lifelong adventure,” Dr. Ashinoff says. “But overall, it has minimal risk of side effects.”
Oral Minoxidil
Minoxidil was originally developed as a blood pressure medication, but doctors now prescribe it in very low doses to treat hair loss – especially when the topical version doesn’t do enough.
“We use it in very, very low doses,” says Dr. Ashinoff. “It actually works pretty quickly, within a month or two, to stop the fallout. It also helps people hold on to the hair they have and grow new hair.”
Though this use is considered “off-label,” studies and clinical experience have shown it to be effective and generally safe when monitored by a physician.
Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride is a prescription pill that blocks the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – the hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink. It’s FDA-approved for men and often used “off-label” in women as well.
“It can decrease libido and has been linked to depression in some young men,” says Dr. Ashinoff. “But for many, it’s very effective and worth considering.”
Another option that’s sometimes used in women is dutasteride. Like finasteride, it lowers levels of DHT. Dutasteride blocks more of the enzymes that make DHT, so it may work better for some people. It’s not FDA-approved for hair loss, so doctors use it off-label and monitor patients carefully.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
Red light therapy caps, combs and headbands use low-level lasers or LEDs to stimulate hair follicles. “They are FDA-approved,” says Dr. Ashinoff. “But you have to be consistent – 15 minutes at least three times a week.”
These devices can be pricey – they range from a couple hundred to a thousand dollars – but they’re a one-time purchase and may help slow shedding and improve hair quality over time.
Hair systems & wigs
While not a treatment in the medical sense, wigs and hair systems are more advanced than ever and offer an immediate cosmetic solution.
“Wigs and hair systems are much, much better than they used to be,” says Dr. Ashinoff. “For some patients, it’s the right option, especially if they don’t want to use medication or wait for regrowth.”
Final Takeaways on Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatment
It’s true that hair loss can be frustrating, emotional and difficult to navigate, but you're not powerless:
- First, rule out underlying health issues. Conditions such as iron deficiency, thyroid disease or recent stress could be the root cause, and they’re treatable.
- Next, explore non-surgical options. From topical foam to oral medications, light therapy and more, there are effective tools available.
- Combine treatments for best results. “Multiple interventions work better than one thing alone,” says Dr. Ashinoff.
And perhaps most importantly, remember that you’re not at the mercy of your genes. There are solutions, and the sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving the hair you have.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, start with a visit to your primary care doctor or a dermatologist. They’ll help you rule out medical causes and build a treatment plan that’s right for you – no surgery required.
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our expert: Robin Ashinoff, M.D.
- To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Learn more about our dermatology services.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
