FAQ

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How is an oral medication better than a topical?

Direct absorption: Oral treatments offer “systemic action” by being absorbed into the bloodstream. This addresses the underlying causes of hair loss from within, such as hormonal imbalances or genetic factors.  More effective: Oral minoxidil is effective in more women (upwards of 90% depending on the dose), while topical minoxidil is only effective in about 50% of people. This is due to many women having a biological shortage of sulfotransferase, the enzyme that converts topical minoxidil into its active form in the scalp. (source).  More convenient: Oral treatments are more convenient, require less frequent application, and strongly reduce the #1 cause of failure for hair loss medications which is compliance (actually using the medication consistently). They also remove issues of scalp sensitivity from topical treatments that can lead to skin irritation or allergies.

What causes female hair loss?

Female hair loss can result from various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, stress, and certain hairstyles. Here are the most common types of hair loss in women—in order of how commonly they occur:

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL): Genetic and usually hereditary, FPHL is the number one cause of hair loss in women and is influenced by sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can shrink hair follicles. It's more prevalent after menopause, suggesting hormonal changes also play a role.
Telogen Effluvium: Triggered by significant stressors like childbirth, illness, or major life events, this condition causes temporary hair shedding that typically resolves on its own over time, but can be solved quicker with Locklab.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss.
Traction Alopecia: The least common of the four, this is caused by hairstyles that pull tightly on the hair, such as ponytails or braids, leading to hair loss around the hairline.

The 4 most common types of female hair loss can all be treatment with Locklab. Other contributing factors include nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, and underlying health issues. Consulting a Locklab Provider can help identify the specific cause and appropriate treatment.

How is female hair loss different than male hair loss?

While both male and female hair loss can be genetic, they show up differently and are influenced by different hormonal factors. Male pattern hair loss typically starts with a receding hairline or bald spots at the crown, and can progress to complete baldness. It’s strongly linked to genetics and a genetic sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).Female pattern hair loss, on the other hand, usually presents as diffuse thinning across the crown, a widening part, or a smaller ponytail diameter, and women rarely go fully bald. It's also genetic but more heavily influenced by hormonal changes, especially:

Postpartum hair loss – After childbirth, hormone levels drop sharply, which can push a large number of hairs into the shedding phase (telogen effluvium). This is temporary and often resolves within a few months.
Perimenopause and menopause – A decline in estrogen and progesterone can tip the balance toward androgens (male hormones), leading to increased shedding or thinning.
Other hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can also contribute.

What are the potential side effects?

Side effects are uncommon, but like with all prescription medications, there is a possibility they can occur. You can see a list of potential side effects here.

How does this not make hair grow everywhere?

Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles to help follicles stay in the growth phase longer. This process typically targets weak, thinning hair, and since most of your body is already strong, Locklab primarily targets and grows the hair on your head.

You may notice an extra hair or two growing in other places, like your body. We know that additional hair growth isn't ideal, but it's a possible side effect of such a powerful treatment. That said, shaving, plucking, or waxing should do the trick.

In a clinical study of 1404 patients looking at the safety of oral minoxidil, 15% experienced increased hair growth on their face or body, but only 0.5% of participants stopped treatment as a result of that side effect.

If you experience more unwanted hair growth than you are comfortable with, you can message your Locklab Provider to customize a lower dose.

How long until I see results?

Most women will see regrowth around 3-6 months, but it may potentially take up to 12 months in some cases. It is also possible over the first 12 months for your hair to thicken significantly and thus have the appearance of regrowth, without new hair actually appearing.

Can I stop taking it once my hair grows back?

The results may or may not be permanent depending on why you were losing hair to begin with. If the pill was addressing a deficiency or hormonal issue—such as female pattern hair loss—the hair loss will likely return if you stop the medication. However, if you were experiencing temporary hair loss—including postpartum, stress-related, or weight gain/loss related hair loss—and if your underlying health is stable, it's possible to maintain the results even after stopping.

What’s the cost of Locklab compared to competitors?

With Locklab, you get more regrowth for your money. When including the cost of active ingredients, Locklab offers nearly double the dose of what regrows hair at a price point similar to industry standards.

When should I use a natural remedy vs. a prescription treatment?

Natural remedies may help with mild, temporary hair loss—like telogen effluvium from stress or diet—especially when paired with lifestyle changes. But if hair loss is ongoing, worsening, or due to conditions like female pattern hair loss or alopecia areata, prescription treatments are more effective and should typically be used. Learn more

Can I take Locklab if I’m trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding?

Speak to your doctor about taking Locklab if you are trying to conceive. Taking Locklab is not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can stress cause female hair loss?

Yes, stress can contribute to female hair loss—especially a type called telogen effluvium, where stress shocks hair follicles into shedding. However, the most common cause of hair loss in women is genetic, known as female pattern hair loss. Stress may worsen genetic hair loss or trigger temporary shedding, but long-term or progressive hair thinning is usually due to inherited factors. If hair loss persists, it’s usually best to turn to a prescription treatment for more lasting results.

What’s the best way to regrow hair?

There are several possible ways to regrow hair depending on what's causing it, but if you want to go straight to what works best, a prescription-strength oral treatment is the strongest, fastest way to solve your issue. If a Locklab Physician determines you can be safely prescribed treatment, we are confident this is your best chance medically possible to regrow your hair.

What else should I be doing for my hair?

Locklab was created to be an all-in-one treatment, so there is nothing specific you should be doing in tandem with taking the pill once daily. Shampoos, blow drying, and thickening products can create the appearance of fuller hair, but by taking Locklab you are doing what you need to address the underlying issues that are causing hair loss.

What if I've had laser hair removal?

If the follicles are dead as they should be from electrolysis (laser hair removal), they will not grow back. However, we cannot assure you any follicles are dead, since electrolysis can vary in its effectiveness. If the hairs are not dead, there is a chance they will grow back, and that would be something you'd have to weigh the pros/cons of.

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