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7 Common Hair Loss Treatments Available in Australia: Your Essential Guide

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July 31, 2025
hair loss treatments in australia

Are you finding more hair in the shower drain than on your head? Is your hairline receding faster than your patience? Does running your fingers through your hair feel like a game of “how many strands will I lose today?” If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re far from being alone. Hair loss is a common concern for many Australians, affecting both men and women [1].

The good news? There are now more treatment options offered by modern medicine than ever before, from TGA-approved medications to cutting-edge therapies. Let’s explore what you need to know about the seven most common hair loss treatments available in Australia today. 

1. Minoxidil (Topical and Oral)

Originally developed as a blood pressure medication, Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical medical drug available as a lotion or foam, and also as an oral prescription [2]. Regrowth may become apparent after six months [2,3].

How it works [3]: Minoxidil is thought to stimulate hair follicles and prolong the hair growth cycle, thereby promoting hair growth and slowing down hair loss.

Considerations [3]: Some individuals may experience temporary shedding (known as “minoxidil shedding”) when starting treatment, or side effects like a dry, red, or itchy scalp. Oral minoxidil might affect blood pressure, so it requires medical supervision.

2. Finasteride (Oral)

Finasteride is an oral prescription-only medication that has shown significant results for male pattern baldness [2,4]. Visible regrowth may take 6 months to two years [4].

How it works [4]: It works by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals.

Considerations [4]: Side effects may include reduced libido and sexual dysfunction, occurring in a small percentage of men. Pregnant women should avoid contact with crushed or broken tablets due to potential risks.

3. Spironolactone (Oral)

Often prescribed for female pattern hair loss, spironolactone is an anti-androgen tablet that results in hair growth that is generally noticeable after 6 months [2,5]. 

How it works [5]: It works by blocking the effect of androgen hormones, which may significantly contribute to hair thinning in women.

Considerations [5]: Potential side effects might include hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels), hypotension, increased urinary frequency, low energy, and irregular menstruation. It’s not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

4. Dutasteride (Oral)

While primarily approved in Australia for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia [7], dutasteride is sometimes used off-label for hair loss, particularly in more severe cases of androgenetic alopecia, often in combination with other antiandrogens [2,6]. 

How it works [6]: It works similarly to finasteride by blocking the androgen hormone DHT. 

Considerations [6]: Its use for hair loss is often considered for individuals who haven’t responded adequately to finasteride and requires careful medical supervision due to its potency and potential side effects.

5. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy is a non-surgical procedure that harnesses your body’s natural healing capabilities to stimulate hair growth. Many patients experience visible improvements within three months, including increased hair density and reduced shedding [8].

How it works [8]: It involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets (which are rich in growth factors involved in stimulating hair follicles, improving blood supply, and extending the hair growth cycle), and then injecting this platelet-rich plasma into the scalp.

Considerations [8]: It’s a minimally invasive procedure with typically minimal discomfort. As it uses your own blood, there’s likely very minimal risk of allergic reactions. Multiple monthly sessions for the first 3 months are usually recommended, then every 3 months for the first year.

6. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT devices, such as laser caps, use red light to stimulate hair follicles. These devices are designed for home use and deliver targeted light energy to the scalp. They work best in earlier cases of thinning and noticeable improvement may be seen in 4 to 6 months [9].

How it works [9]: The laser light is absorbed by hair follicle cells, converting into energy that promotes hair growth. It aims to stimulate follicles and lengthen the growth cycle, similar to minoxidil’s mechanism.

Considerations [9]: Like other non-surgical treatments, results may gradually decrease if use is discontinued. Side effects are likely to be rare but may include mild headache or temporary scalp itching.

7. Hair Transplant Surgery

For more advanced and permanent hair loss, hair transplant surgery offers a solution by relocating healthy hair follicles from one part of the scalp (donor area) to areas of thinning or baldness (recipient area) [10].

How it works [10]: Individual hair follicles or small strips of scalp containing follicles are surgically moved to the desired areas.

Considerations [10]: This is a surgical procedure with associated recovery time and potential risks like epidermal cysts. The success rate is high when performed by an experienced surgeon. It’s important to have realistic expectations about the density and coverage achievable.

Supporting Your Hair Health Beyond Treatments

While the above treatments might offer promising results, remember that a holistic approach to health and wellness is also involved in strongly supporting hair health:

Nutrition [11]: While severe deficiencies may impact hair health, there’s limited evidence that general supplementation helps those without specific nutrient shortfalls. Focus on a balanced diet over expensive vitamin cocktails unless health tests confirm a deficiency.

Stress management [12]: High stress levels might trigger temporary hair loss (telogen effluvium). Practices like mindfulness, yoga, and regular exercise may help manage stress.

Gentle hair care [13]: Avoid excessive heat styling, harsh chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles that may damage hair. Use gentle shampoos and conditioners.

Mental health care [14]: Hair loss might have a significant psychological impact, affecting self-image and confidence. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and there are resources and support available, such as the Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation and Beyond Blue if you’re experiencing anxiety or depression related to hair loss.

Wrapping It Up! 

Hair loss might be common in Australia, but suffering in silence doesn’t have to be! With these seven distinct treatment categories available (from pharmacy solutions to cutting-edge procedures), there’s likely an option that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Whether you choose minoxidil from your local pharmacy, seek prescription medications through telehealth services, or invest in cutting-edge treatments like PRP therapy, it’s primordial to start your journey with proper medical guidance and patience.

References

  1. Gan DCC, Sinclair RD. Prevalence of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss in Maryborough. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings. 2005;10(3):184-189. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1087-0024.2005.10102.x 
  2. Mayo Clinic. Hair loss – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic. Mayoclinic.org. Published 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372932 
  3. Badri T, Nessel TA, Kumar D D. Minoxidil. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/ 
  4. Zito PM, Bistas KG, Syed K. Finasteride. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513329/ 
  5. Majed Aleissa. The Efficacy and Safety of Oral Spironolactone in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus. Published online August 16, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43559 
  6. Arif T, Dorjay K, Adil M, Sami M. Dutasteride in Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update. Current Clinical Pharmacology. 2017;12(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.2174/1574884712666170310111125 
  7. RACGP – Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Racgp.org.au. Published 2019. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2018/july/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia 
  8. Paichitrojjana A, Paichitrojjana A. Platelet Rich Plasma and Its Use in Hair Regrowth: A Review. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 2022;Volume 16:635-645. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/dddt.s356858 
  9. Avci P, Gupta GK, Clark J, Wikonkal N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2013;46(2):144-151. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22170 
  10. Khanna M. Hair transplantation surgery. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. 2008;41(Suppl):S56. Accessed July 20, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2825128/ 
  11. Guo EL, Katta R. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatology practical & conceptual. 2017;7(1):1-10. doi:https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0701a01 
  12. Telogen Effluvium: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Regrowth. Cleveland Clinic. Published December 1, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24486-telogen-effluvium 
  13. Gavazzoni Dias MFR. Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology. 2015;7(1):2. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.153450 
  14. Aukerman EL, Jafferany M. The psychological consequences of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022;22(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14983 



All content and media on the Actually Healthy Website is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

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