For the most common kind of hair loss, pattern baldness, two treatments have decades of strong evidence: finasteride (a prescription pill for men) and minoxidil (over the counter, for men and women). Used together, they stop further loss in most men and regrow some hair in many. Dutasteride is stronger than finasteride but used off-label. Microneedling boosts minoxidil. PRP and red light have moderate evidence. Transplants give the biggest change at the biggest price.
Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) are the newest name in the conversation, with interesting lab results and almost no human hair trials yet. Below, every option ranked, with costs in Canada and what changes for women.
Why hair falls out
Before choosing a treatment, it matters which kind of hair loss you have, because they respond to completely different things.
| Type | What it looks like | Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) | Receding temples and crown in men; widening part in women | Genetics + the hormone DHT shrinking follicles |
| Telogen effluvium | Sudden diffuse shedding all over | Stress, illness, surgery, childbirth, crash dieting, low iron. Usually temporary |
| Alopecia areata | Round smooth patches | Autoimmune attack on follicles |
| Traction alopecia | Thinning at the hairline | Tight hairstyles pulling for years |
This guide focuses on pattern hair loss, which is behind the vast majority of cases: it affects roughly half of men by age 50 and a large share of women after menopause. The key player is DHT (dihydrotestosterone), made from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. In genetically sensitive follicles, DHT gradually shrinks them until they produce thin, short hairs and then none.
If your shedding is sudden, patchy, or comes with other symptoms, see a doctor first. Thyroid problems, iron deficiency and autoimmune conditions are common, treatable causes.
The evidence scorecard
| Treatment | Strength of evidence | Best result you can expect | Prescription? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finasteride | Very strong | Stops loss in most men; some regrowth | Yes |
| Minoxidil | Very strong | Modest regrowth, men and women | Topical: no. Oral: yes |
| Dutasteride | Strong | More than finasteride | Yes (off-label) |
| Microneedling + minoxidil | Moderate | Boosts minoxidil results | No |
| PRP | Moderate, mixed | Thicker hair for some | Clinic procedure |
| Red light / laser | Moderate | Small increases in density | No |
| GHK-Cu (copper peptide) | Early (lab only) | Unknown in humans | No (research only) |
| Hair transplant | Strong | Biggest visible change | Surgery |
Finasteride: the most-proven pill for men
Finasteride blocks type II 5-alpha reductase, cutting scalp DHT by roughly 60%. It is approved in Canada for male pattern hair loss (Propecia and generics).
The evidence: in the landmark trials, about 83% of men on finasteride had no further visible hair loss after two years, versus 28% on placebo, and around two-thirds saw some regrowth (Kaufman et al., 1998). Long-term follow-ups show the effect holds for years as long as it is taken.
The downsides: a small percentage of men in trials reported sexual side effects such as lower libido or erectile problems, usually reversible on stopping. Labels also warn about mood changes, and a minority of men report persistent symptoms after stopping, a contested condition called post-finasteride syndrome. Finasteride is not for women who are or could become pregnant, as it can affect a male fetus.
A topical finasteride spray is also used, aiming to lower scalp DHT with less effect on the rest of the body. Evidence is promising but shorter-term.
Minoxidil: topical and oral
Minoxidil was originally a blood pressure pill; hair growth was a side effect. It works differently from finasteride: it does not touch DHT, but prolongs the growth phase of the hair cycle and enlarges follicles, likely partly through increased blood flow.
- Topical minoxidil (Rogaine and generics) is sold over the counter in Canada for men and women. In a 48-week trial, the 5% solution beat the 2% solution and placebo in men (Olsen et al., 2002).
- Low-dose oral minoxidil is prescribed off-label by a growing number of dermatologists, especially for people who find the topical messy or irritating. It must be prescribed and monitored, since it can affect blood pressure and heart rate and can cause body hair growth.
Expect an initial shedding phase in the first weeks; it is a sign the cycle is resetting, not failure. Benefits fade within months of stopping.
For men: finasteride plus minoxidil. They work on different mechanisms (blocking DHT and stimulating growth), and the combination outperforms either alone in studies.
Dutasteride: the stronger cousin
Dutasteride blocks both type I and type II 5-alpha reductase, lowering DHT more than finasteride. In Canada it is approved for enlarged prostate (Avodart and generics) and used off-label for hair. In a head-to-head trial, dutasteride produced more hair growth than finasteride at 24 weeks (Gubelin Harcha et al., 2014). The side-effect profile is similar, and it stays in the body much longer, which matters if side effects appear.
Microneedling for hair growth
Microneedling uses a roller or pen with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the scalp, which triggers wound-healing signals and may help topical treatments absorb. In one trial, men who used microneedling plus minoxidil had substantially more regrowth than men using minoxidil alone (Dhurat et al., 2013). It is cheap and low-risk when done hygienically, but it is an add-on, not a stand-alone cure.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections
A clinic draws your blood, concentrates the platelets, and injects them into the scalp, on the theory that platelet growth factors wake up follicles. Some trials show increased density; others show little. Results depend heavily on how the PRP is prepared, which is not standardized. Sessions are typically priced in the hundreds of dollars each in Canada, and a course usually involves several.
Red light and laser caps
Low-level laser therapy devices (caps, helmets, combs) shine red light on the scalp. Several are cleared by regulators as low-risk devices, and trials show small but real increases in hair density. They are a reasonable add-on for people who cannot or will not take medication, as long as expectations stay modest.
Copper peptides (GHK-Cu): what the research shows
GHK-Cu is a tiny three-amino-acid peptide bound to copper, found naturally in human plasma. It is famous in skincare for collagen and wound-healing research, and copper peptides have come into hair-loss conversations because of a few lab findings:
- In a lab study on human hair follicles, AHK-Cu, a close copper-peptide cousin of GHK-Cu, increased hair follicle elongation and the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, the cells that control the hair cycle (Pyo et al., 2007).
- Gene-expression analyses suggest GHK influences many genes involved in tissue remodelling and repair (Pickart & Margolina, 2018).
- It is an ingredient in many over-the-counter cosmetic scalp serums.
What’s missing: controlled human trials showing that GHK-Cu regrows hair in pattern hair loss. Until those exist, it belongs in the “interesting research” column, not the “proven treatment” column. We dig into the details in copper peptides and hair: the research and why GHK-Cu is blue.
TrueLabs supplies GHK-Cu (from $49) and its cousin AHK-Cu (from $65), the copper peptide used in the follicle study above, as research compounds with third-party testing. They are for laboratory research, not for application to people.
Hair transplants: the biggest change, the biggest bill
Modern transplants move follicles from the back of the head, which are resistant to DHT, to thinning areas. The two main techniques are FUE (individual follicles, tiny dot scars) and FUT (a strip of scalp, a linear scar). Transplanted hair generally keeps growing for life.
Two caveats. First, a transplant does not stop the loss of your other hair, so most surgeons want you on finasteride or minoxidil to protect the result. Second, cost: Canadian clinics commonly quote in the thousands to well over $15,000, depending on the number of grafts, which is why many Canadians compare clinics abroad.
Hair loss in women: what changes
- Minoxidil is the first-line treatment and is approved for women.
- Finasteride and dutasteride are generally avoided in women who could become pregnant.
- Spironolactone, an anti-androgen pill, is commonly prescribed off-label for female pattern hair loss.
- Check the basics: iron (ferritin), thyroid and vitamin D levels, and causes like postpartum shedding, PCOS or perimenopause, are worth ruling out.
What it costs in Canada
| Treatment | Cost level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Generic finasteride | Low | Monthly prescription; rarely covered for hair |
| Topical minoxidil | Low | Over the counter |
| Microneedling (home) | Very low | One-time device |
| Laser cap | Medium | One-time device, hundreds to over a thousand dollars |
| PRP | Medium-high | Several sessions per course |
| Transplant | Very high | Thousands to $15,000+ |
How long until you see results
Hair grows about a centimetre a month and follicles cycle slowly, so every treatment takes patience. A fair rule: judge any medical treatment at 6 months and decide at 12 months. Taking monthly photos in the same light is the only reliable way to know if something is working.
Hair loss myths
- “Hats cause baldness.” No.
- “It comes from your mother’s side.” Both sides contribute.
- “Biotin regrows hair.” Only if you are deficient, which is rare.
- “Once it’s gone, it’s gone.” Shrunken follicles can often be partly revived; fully scarred or long-dead ones cannot, which is why starting early matters.
FAQ
Tap a question to reveal the answer.
What is the most effective hair loss treatment?
For men with pattern hair loss, finasteride combined with minoxidil has the strongest evidence. Dutasteride is stronger than finasteride but used off-label. A transplant gives the largest visible change.
Is finasteride or minoxidil better?
They work differently, so they are usually used together. Finasteride blocks DHT and is better at stopping loss; minoxidil stimulates growth and works for women too.
Do I need a prescription for hair loss treatment in Canada?
Topical minoxidil is over the counter. Finasteride, dutasteride, oral minoxidil and spironolactone require a prescription.
Does GHK-Cu regrow hair?
Lab studies show copper peptides (GHK-Cu and its cousin AHK-Cu) can stimulate hair follicle cells, but there are no solid human trials showing it regrows hair in pattern baldness. It remains a research compound.
How much does a hair transplant cost in Canada?
Commonly from several thousand dollars to over $15,000, depending on the number of grafts and the clinic.
What is the best hair loss treatment for women?
Minoxidil is first-line and approved for women. Spironolactone is commonly prescribed off-label. Iron, thyroid and hormonal causes should be checked first.
How long does hair loss treatment take to work?
Usually 3 to 6 months to see early changes and about 12 months to judge the full effect.
Related reading
- Copper peptides and hair: the research
- Retinol vs vitamin C vs copper peptides
- GHK-Cu side effects
- GHK-Cu in Canada
References
- Kaufman KD, Olsen EA, Whiting D, et al. Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998;39(4 Pt 1):578–589. PubMed
- Olsen EA, Dunlap FE, Funicella T, et al. A randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in men with androgenetic alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002;47(3):377–385. PubMed
- Gubelin Harcha W, Barboza Martínez J, Tsai TF, et al. A randomized, active- and placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of different doses of dutasteride versus placebo and finasteride. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;70(3):489–498. PubMed
- Dhurat R, Sukesh M, Avhad G, et al. A randomized evaluator blinded study of effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia. Int J Trichology. 2013;5(1):6–11. PubMed
- Pyo HK, Yoo HG, Won CH, et al. The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Arch Pharm Res. 2007;30(7):834–839. PubMed
- Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. PubMed
This article is general information, not medical advice. See a doctor or dermatologist to diagnose hair loss and choose a treatment. TrueLabs research compounds are sold for in vitro and laboratory research use only and are not intended for human or veterinary use.