Stop Wasting Money on Serums: The Treatments That Actually Regrow Hair
Hair thinning and loss can feel deeply personal, but the truth is it’s also very common. By the age of 50, around 40% of women and over half of men will experience noticeable hair thinning. The good news? Modern medicine and science offer a number of options to support hair growth. Here’s what doctors and researchers say actually works, and what doesn’t.
The Gold Standard: PRP Therapy
If you’ve spent any time researching hair growth, you’ll have come across countless shampoos, serums and supplements promising miracles. The reality is no topical product can match the results of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.
PRP involves drawing your blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to isolate the plasma rich in platelets (which contain powerful growth factors), and injecting it directly into the scalp. Clinical studies have shown PRP can:
Increase hair density and thickness
Reduce shedding
Stimulate dormant follicles
Unlike cosmetic products, PRP delivers growth factors straight to the hair root. Multiple randomised controlled trials have confirmed its efficacy, making it the most effective non-surgical treatment available today.
Medications: Minoxidil and Beyond
Minoxidil, available over the counter as a topical solution or foam, is the only clinically approved topical treatment for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). It works by extending the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle and improving blood flow to follicles. It isn’t instant, results often take 4–6 months of consistent use, but it is backed by decades of research.
Other agents being studied include caffeine-based topicals and castor oil. While both show some promise in lab studies (caffeine for stimulating follicle activity; ricinoleic acid in castor oil for anti-inflammatory effects), the human clinical evidence is far weaker compared with minoxidil. They may support scalp health but should not be seen as standalone treatments.
Growth factor serums are also increasingly popular, but without the delivery mechanism of PRP injections, their penetration and impact remain limited.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil has gained attention as a natural option for supporting hair growth. Interestingly, one small clinical trial compared rosemary oil to 2% minoxidil and found that both groups experienced similar improvements in hair count after six months. Participants using rosemary oil also reported less scalp itching compared with minoxidil.
While the study was limited in size and more research is needed, rosemary oil shows potential as a complementary treatment, particularly for those who prefer plant-based approaches or who experience irritation from stronger pharmaceuticals. Still, it should be seen as an adjunct, not a substitute, for evidence-backed therapies like PRP or minoxidil.
The Role of Diet
Hair is made primarily of keratin, a protein. Ensuring adequate dietary protein is key, think lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes and nuts. Micronutrients also matter:
Iron: low ferritin is linked to shedding
Vitamin D: deficiency is associated with hair loss
Zinc and biotin: essential for keratin production
Omega-3 fatty acids: support scalp health and reduce inflammation
A varied, whole-food diet is your foundation for strong, healthy hair.
When to Consider Blood Tests
If you’re noticing persistent shedding, especially diffuse thinning, it’s worth requesting blood tests. Doctors often recommend checking:
Hormone levels (thyroid function, androgens, oestrogen, progesterone)
Ferritin and vitamin D
Markers of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), which can drive excess androgens and hair loss in women
Identifying and correcting deficiencies or imbalances can make a substantial difference before pursuing more advanced therapies.
When it comes to evidence-backed interventions for hair growth, PRP therapy and minoxidil are the most reliable options currently available. Diet, lifestyle, and addressing underlying medical issues (like hormonal imbalance or vitamin deficiencies) form the essential foundation.
Castor oil, rosemary oil, caffeine shampoos and growth factor serums may have a place as adjuncts, but they won’t rival the effectiveness of PRP or minoxidil.
If hair loss is affecting your confidence, speak with a GP or dermatologist. With a science-led approach, there are genuine solutions available, no miracle shampoo required.
~The Wellness