The Best Treatment for Hair Loss: What Really Works?

The Best Treatment for Hair Loss: What Really Works?

Hair loss is something many men have to deal with, whether it’s a gradual process or already quite noticeable. The good news: there are proven treatments that slow down hair loss, sometimes stimulate hair growth, and give you back control over your situation. But which treatment is right for you? That depends on the cause, the stage, and how consistently you stick with a treatment. At Fellos, Dutch doctors guide you step-by-step: from diagnosis to a tailored treatment plan that really works.

Why is an accurate diagnosis important?

Hair loss has multiple causes. The most common in men is androgenetic alopecia, also known as hereditary baldness. The hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) plays a central role in this: it shrinks the hair follicles until hair no longer grows back. But hair loss can also be caused by stress, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, or other conditions.

A proper diagnosis is the foundation of everything. If you treat the wrong cause, no treatment will work. The causes and prevention of hair loss are extensively documented, and a doctor can determine the type of hair loss you have and the appropriate treatment through an online consultation.

Which treatments are proven to be effective?

Proven treatments for male hair loss currently include finasteride and minoxidil. Both are approved, extensively researched, and available through Fellos.

Finasteride (1 mg per day) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that blocks the production of DHT. It stops hair loss in 83% of men. After more than a year of use, some men even see a 24% increase in hair density. Minoxidil (5% solution) works differently: it improves blood flow to the hair follicles and extends the hair’s growth phase. Minoxidil stimulates hair growth in 73% of users, provided it is used consistently.

The strongest results come from the combination. Comparative studies show that combination therapy with finasteride and minoxidil stops hair loss in a significantly larger proportion of men than either agent alone, with studies reporting results of up to 94% depending on the formulation. You can read more about finasteride and minoxidil combined for hair loss in a separate knowledge base article, including a comparison with a hair transplant.

What can you realistically expect?

Honesty is important: no single treatment produces results within a week. Finasteride takes three to six months before you notice a change. With minoxidil, you’ll see after four months whether it’s working. In the first few weeks, minoxidil may even cause temporary increased hair shedding. This is normal and a sign that the treatment is working: the hair follicles are transitioning from the resting phase to the growth phase.

Effectiveness and expectations for hair loss treatment depend heavily on the stage of hair loss and how soon you start. Treatments work best in Norwood stages 1 through 4. In later stages, it is more difficult to regrow lost hair, but stopping hair loss remains a realistic goal. The initial results of finasteride typically show stabilization within three months, followed by visible improvement after six to twelve months.

What factors determine whether it works?

Three factors are decisive: how early you start, how consistently you stick with the treatment, and whether the treatment matches your type of hair loss. All medication-based treatments require long-term use. If you stop, the effect will disappear within three to four months. Maximum results are achieved after 24 months of consistent use.

Genetic predisposition also plays a role. Some men respond more strongly to finasteride than others, depending on how sensitive their hair follicles are to DHT. That’s what makes personalized care, such as the guidance Fellos offers, so valuable. Want to know what finasteride side effects to expect? Fellos explains this transparently during the intake.

What can you do yourself to support the treatment?

Medication is the foundation, but lifestyle supports its effectiveness. Getting enough sleep, managing chronic stress, and following a varied diet rich in protein, zinc, and iron help support the health of your hair. Smoking reduces blood flow to the scalp and counteracts treatments. Aggressive hair treatments and tight hairstyles can put extra strain on the hair follicles.

What you should avoid: the endless array of shampoos, supplements, and gadgets that promise a lot but deliver little. The latest insights on hair loss treatment show that finasteride and minoxidil remain the best-documented options, and that new agents such as dutasteride and oral minoxidil are promising but require additional guidance.

How does Fellos support you with hair loss?

Fellos works with Dutch doctors who provide online consultations. You fill out an intake form, the doctor assesses your situation, and creates a treatment plan tailored to your stage of hair loss and overall health. The medication is then discreetly delivered to your home. There’s no waiting time, no trip to the pharmacy, and no awkward conversation with your family doctor.

The evidence-based guideline for androgenetic alopecia supports exactly the approach Fellos takes: finasteride and minoxidil as the first choice, tailored to your needs and with follow-up. You can treat hair loss with Fellos through a fully digital process that you start at home.

What do men say about their experience with Fellos?

Men who start with Fellos particularly appreciate the speed and barrier-free access to medical advice. Many of them have waited for years, assuming that hair loss was inevitable or that treatments wouldn’t help. Once they start, most see their hair loss stabilize after just three months. The combination treatment is most frequently rated positively, partly because doctors monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed.

Choose an effective approach to hair loss with Fellos

Hair loss is not a fate you must passively accept. With the right treatment, started at the right time, you can stop hair loss and, in many cases, partially restore your hair volume. Finasteride and minoxidil are the most well-supported options, with the strongest results when used in combination. Fellos makes this treatment accessible, fast, and medically sound. Start your intake today and take the first step toward an effective solution.