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The shifting preferences of patients and physicians in nonsurgical hair loss treatment
Author(s) -
Gupta Aditya K.,
Quinlan Emma M.,
Williams Ken L.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of cosmetic dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.626
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1473-2165
pISSN - 1473-2130
DOI - 10.1111/jocd.13681
Subject(s) - hair loss , medicine , intervention (counseling) , medical prescription , minoxidil , hair removal , covid-19 , pandemic , dermatology , pharmacology , psychiatry , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Background There are multiple etiologies for hair thinning and loss, including genetic, hormonal, immune, scaring, and infectious. Hair loss treatment involves both surgical intervention and nonsurgical therapies such as pharmaceuticals, haircare products, vitamins, and low‐level laser therapy (LLLT). While pharmaceuticals have been extensively researched, the efficacy of other therapies remains inconclusive. With so many available treatments, consumers often research their options using search engines such as Google and/or seek help from hair restoration physicians. Aims To identify and analyze changing trends in international consumer and physician interest in nonsurgical hair loss therapies. Methods Worldwide trends in Google searches of hair loss products (2004‐2020) were compared with product prescription frequency surveys from members of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (2004‐2019, ~29% response rate). Results Minoxidil and finasteride were the most prescribed hair loss treatments, while “minoxidil” was the most “Googled” term. Generic products were searched more often than their brand counterparts. Nutritionals and haircare prescriptions increased over time. LLLT was also increasingly prescribed, with Internet searches increasing following government regulation announcements. The COVID‐19 pandemic initially negatively affected hair loss treatment searches, which have since returned to, and surpassed, pre‐pandemic levels. Conclusion Regulations and social media have influence on consumer interest in hair loss products. A weak economy and coronavirus fears may persuade consumers to turn to cheaper hair loss treatment alternatives. Hair restoration specialists need to keep abreast of online trends to communicate effectively with their patients. Patients should be cognizant of the safety and efficacy of hair restoration treatments.