The Complete Hair Loss Resource: Evidence, Treatment Path, and Trusted Sources

Hair loss is a complex topic and the information landscape is messy — clinics marketing treatments they profit from, forums amplifying unusual experiences, and consumer content mixing legitimate advice with fear-based clickbait. This is a curated map of the evidence, the resources, and the decision framework that's most likely to get you to a good outcome.

01Start with the diagnosis

Before any treatment decision: get an accurate diagnosis. The two most important distinctions: androgenetic alopecia (hormonal, progressive, treatable with specific medications) vs. other forms (telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, scarring alopecias, nutritional causes — each with different treatment paths). A telehealth evaluation is a good first step; in-person dermatology for anything atypical.

02The evidence hierarchy

03The decision tree

• Confirmed AGA, early stage: start Tier 1 immediately
• Confirmed AGA, medication plateau: add Tier 2, consider dutasteride escalation
• TE from identifiable cause: address the cause; support with minoxidil if prolonged
• Alopecia areata: dermatology — JAK inhibitors for severe cases, steroids for localized
• Medication + stable loss, considering surgery: consult hair restoration surgeon

04Reliable information sources

• ISHRS (ishrs.org) — professional body for hair restoration; patient resources
• AAD (aad.org) — American Academy of Dermatology; evidence-based consumer guides
• PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) — primary source for clinical trials
• r/tressless — broad community; reasonable signal-to-noise for practical protocols