Androgenetic alopecia cannot be fully reversed or cured, but current treatments can halt its progression, regrow some lost hair, and restore coverage through transplantation. The condition is driven by a permanent genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that causes follicles to miniaturize over time. Roughly 50% of men are affected by age 50, and without intervention, the loss is progressive and permanent.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
What "Reversal" Actually Means
Understanding what reversal means in the context of androgenetic alopecia requires distinguishing between three separate goals: stopping further loss, regrowing miniaturized hair, and restoring hair to bald areas.
Stopping Further Loss
This is the most achievable goal. Finasteride blocks 70% of DHT production and halts further hair loss in 80 to 90% of men who take it consistently. Dutasteride blocks over 90% of DHT and may be slightly more effective. These medications do not cure the underlying genetic sensitivity, but they remove the hormonal trigger that drives miniaturization.
Men who start medication early (Norwood 2 to 3 on the Norwood scale) often maintain their current hair density for years or decades with consistent use.
Regrowing Miniaturized Hair
Follicles that have been miniaturized by DHT can sometimes recover when the hormonal stimulus is removed. Finasteride produces measurable regrowth in approximately 65% of users, typically in areas where follicles are thinning but not yet fully dormant. Minoxidil adds regrowth in 40 to 60% of men by stimulating the growth phase of the hair cycle.
The combination of both medications produces the strongest non-surgical regrowth outcomes. However, the degree of regrowth varies significantly between individuals and depends heavily on how long the follicles have been miniaturized.
Restoring Hair to Bald Areas
Once follicles have been dormant for an extended period (generally several years), no medication can revive them. Hair transplant surgery is the only option for restoring hair to fully bald areas. The procedure relocates DHT-resistant follicles from the donor area to the recipient zone, achieving 90 to 95% graft survival rates. See the FUE vs FUT comparison for details on surgical approaches.
The Window of Opportunity
Timing is the single most important factor in how much reversal is possible. Androgenetic alopecia progresses through stages, and each stage narrows the window for non-surgical recovery.
Early Stage (Norwood 2 to 3)
At this stage, most follicles are still alive but miniaturizing. Starting finasteride and minoxidil here offers the best chance of regrowth and can often restore the appearance of a full head of hair. Many men at this stage do not need surgery at all.
Moderate Stage (Norwood 3 to 5)
Follicle miniaturization is more advanced. Medication can stabilize what remains and produce partial regrowth, but visible thinning persists in most cases. This is the stage where combining medication with PRP therapy (30 to 40% density improvement) or hair transplant surgery produces the best cosmetic outcomes.
Advanced Stage (Norwood 5 to 7)
Most follicles in the affected areas are fully dormant. Medication can protect remaining hair and the donor area, but meaningful regrowth in bald zones is not expected from medication alone. Hair transplant surgery is the primary tool for restoration at these stages.
Why Androgenetic Alopecia Cannot Be Fully Cured
The genetic predisposition that causes certain follicles to respond to DHT is encoded in your DNA. No current treatment alters this genetic programming. Finasteride and dutasteride reduce DHT levels but must be taken continuously. Stopping medication allows DHT to resume its effect on susceptible follicles, and hair loss will progress again.
Research into gene therapy, hair follicle cloning, and stem cell treatments continues, but none of these approaches are clinically available as of 2026. The most realistic outlook is long-term management rather than a one-time cure.
What You Can Expect From Treatment
A comprehensive approach combining finasteride, minoxidil, and (when indicated) PRP or transplant surgery can maintain and improve your hair for the long term. The earlier you start, the more hair you keep.
Assess your current hair loss stage and get a personalized treatment plan with a free AI analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze.