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The results from hair growth drugs vary, with some people noticing reduced shedding after several months, while others see little to no improvement.
It is important to understand that hair growth drugs are not magic cures
Hair loss affects confidence more than most people admit. Whether it begins as extra strands on a pillow or visible thinning along the scalp, it often pushes people toward quick solutions. Shelves today are filled with pills, sprays, oils, and treatments promising faster growth and thicker hair. While some of these options can slow hair fall or encourage regrowth in certain cases, it is important to understand that hair growth drugs are not magic cures — and they do come with limitations and risks.
We speak to Dr Abhishek Pilani, MD Dermatology, Hair Transplant and Restoration Specialist, to understand what the alternative options to hair growth drugs are when dealing with hair loss:
Most hair growth medicines work in one of two ways. Some influence hormone activity in the body, while others increase blood flow to hair roots. This can help keep hair in its growth phase longer, allowing strands to grow thicker and fall less quickly. However, these medicines do not fix the original cause of hair loss – genetics, stress, nutritional gaps, hormonal shifts, illness, and lifestyle habits – which often remain unaddressed. As a result, once medication is stopped, hair fall usually returns.
Side effects are another important reality. Many users experience scalp irritation, itching, redness, flaking, or dryness when applying topical treatments. Oral medications may cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness, mood changes, or digestive discomfort in some people. While not everyone experiences these issues, doctors agree that side effects are real and should not be ignored.
Long-term use also raises concerns. Some hair growth drugs affect hormone balance, and hormones play a role in many body systems, including metabolism, mood, heart health, and reproductive health. Because many people use these medicines for years, researchers continue studying how prolonged use impacts overall well-being. The truth is, long-term effects are still not completely understood.
Another important fact is that results vary greatly. Some people notice reduced shedding after several months, while others see little to no improvement. Hair grows slowly, and meaningful changes often take six months to a year. This can lead to frustration, emotional stress, and unrealistic expectations.
There is also a psychological side that many don’t talk about. Constantly checking for new hair growth, worrying about missed doses, or fearing hair fall returning can increase anxiety. Ironically, stress itself can worsen hair shedding, creating a cycle that feels hard to break.
Doctors often recommend addressing basic health first before starting medication. Some of these issues can include poor nutrition, one of the most common triggers of hair fall. However, it can also mean looking into low iron levels, protein intake, vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, and crash dieting, which can weaken hair roots. Chronic stress, lack of sleep, thyroid problems, and hormonal imbalances also play major roles.
In many cases, correcting these issues leads to significant improvement, sometimes without the need for drugs at all.
Hair growth medicines are not automatically dangerous, but they are not harmless shortcuts either. They should always be used with realistic expectations, medical advice, and an understanding that they manage symptoms rather than cure causes.
February 26, 2026, 09:48 IST
