Male pattern baldness is a common condition that can cause psychological distress. The physical changes as we pass a certain age can be quite depressing. It gets harder to get rid of belly fat. We exercise harder and feel exhausted by the afternoon. We eat less to stay in shape but lose stamina. Eyesight…teeth… Then male pattern baldness. How can it be treated? Can we have more hair? Of course not. There’s no magic unless you have like a million dollars to spare.
But you can manage your bald head - either by slowing down the receding process, disguising it, or making it look okay-ish. Let’s discuss it!
Did You Know?
- Prevalence by Age: By the age of 35, approximately two-thirds of American men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss.
- Advanced Balding: About 85% of men will have significantly thinner hair by the age of 50.
- Early Onset: Some men begin to see signs of male pattern baldness before the age of 21.
- Genetic Influence: Male pattern baldness is genetically determined in about 80% of cases.
- Global Impact: An estimated 50 million men in the United States and 80 million men worldwide suffer from male pattern baldness.
What is Male Pattern Baldness?
I don’t have to tell you that now, do I? There’s no reason why we should restate what we obviously know, but just for the sake of formality… Male pattern baldness is a common condition that affects many men as they age. It can be on the scalp, temples, and crown of the head too. It usually occurs after puberty and progresses slowly. Genetics and hormones both play a role in the development of male pattern baldness.
If you're concerned about your hair loss, there are several treatment options available. In this article, we'll discuss five different ways to treat male pattern baldness.
1. Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved medication for treating male pattern baldness. It is a topical solution that is applied to the scalp twice per day. Minoxidil has been shown to be effective in slowing down hair loss and promoting hair growth in some men. It is not clear how minoxidil works, but it is thought to widen blood vessels and increase blood flow to the scalp. Minoxidil is available over the counter or on Amazon and does not require a prescription.
Side effects of minoxidil include itching, redness, and flaking of the skin on the scalp. Most of these side effects are mild and disappear with continued use of the medication. Some men may also experience accelerated hair loss when they first start using minoxidil. This is usually temporary and will stop once the medication has been used for a few months.
2. Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)
Finasteride is a prescription medication that is used to treat male pattern baldness. It is a pill that is taken once a day. Finasteride works by blocking the hormone that causes hair loss. It can take up to six months for Finasteride to start working. Finasteride is relatively safe and well-tolerated, and it is relatively affordable.
Finasteride may not work for everyone, and it can cause side effects like decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.,
3. Hair transplants
Hair transplants are one of the most popular options for treating male pattern baldness. This involves healthy hair follicles taken from another part of the body and transplanted to the balding area of the scalp. Hair transplants are usually done in a series of procedures, and it can take up to a year for the new hair to grow.
This can provide a natural-looking result. You know hair transplants can be costly, but check with your local surgeries - they may recommend some good financing plans. So it’s not just for wealthy people, you may find it just affordable.
Did You Know?
- Hair Count: The average human head has about 100,000 hair follicles, with a daily loss of about 100 hairs being normal.
- Risk with Age: The risk of developing male pattern baldness increases with age.
- DHT Sensitivity: Male pattern baldness is mainly caused by the hair follicle's sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which leads to follicular miniaturization.
- Ethnic Variations: The prevalence of male pattern baldness varies significantly across different ethnic groups, with men of European descent being more prone to developing it than men of African or Asian descent.
- Psychological Impact: Approximately 29% of men with male pattern baldness report feeling depressed about hair loss.
4. Laser therapy
Laser therapy is one of the most popular options for treating male pattern baldness. Laser therapy helps to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. It can also help to slow down the progression of hair loss.
Laser therapy is usually done in a series of sessions. The number of sessions needed will depend on the severity of hair loss. Most people see some results after just a few sessions. However, it may take several months to see full results.
Laser therapy is generally safe and effective. However, there are a few side effects that can occur, such as redness, swelling, and itching at the treatment site. Most of these side effects are mild and go away on their own within a few days.
If you are considering laser therapy for treating male pattern baldness, be sure to talk to your doctor first. They can help you determine if this treatment is right for you.
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5. Microneedling
Microneedling is a treatment for male pattern baldness that involves using a device to create tiny punctures in the scalp. This stimulates the production of collagen and helps to thicken the hair follicles. The method is relatively new and it is said to be safe and effective in reducing hair loss and promoting hair growth in men with mild to moderate hair loss.
There are minimal side effects associated with the procedure, and it can be performed in a doctor’s office or at home. Speak to your doctor, and they may refer you to a specialist who can give detailed advice before you can consider going for micro needling.
Whichever the above options you choose, you should be aware that hair loss can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, so it is important to get checked out by a doctor to rule out any other possible causes. Because some treatments may not be suitable for everyone.
Did You Know?
- Treatment Seeking: Only about 25% of men who suffer from male pattern baldness seek treatment for hair loss.
- Efficacy of Treatments: Finasteride and minoxidil are the only FDA-approved treatments for male pattern baldness, with about 40% to 50% of men experiencing visible regrowth after using minoxidil.
- Hair Transplant: Around 100,000 to 300,000 hair transplant surgeries are performed annually worldwide.
- Surgical Success: Hair transplant success rates hover around 98% when performed by experienced surgeons.
- Cost of Treatment: The cost of hair loss treatment can range from $10 a month for minoxidil treatment to over $10,000 for a hair transplant surgery.
6. Shave It Out!
Virtually no cost, apart from your shaving razors and cream/form. Shaving your head is the quickest way to get rid of the problem. No chemicals are involved. By shaving it out instead of clinging to the back and sides of your head, you can feel more confident. The disadvantage of shaving your hair is;
- It can be painful to start with (you’ll soon get used to it.)
- The results may be unpredictable.
- You’ll have to make sure you have time to shave every few days.
- It’s not a permanent solution.
Alternative Treatment Options for Male Pattern Baldness
There are some alternative treatment options available for men suffering from male pattern baldness. A number of home remedies may help with hair loss, such as using green tea or onion juice on the scalp - believe them or not!
How to Prevent Male Pattern Baldness
There are a few things you can do to prevent male pattern baldness from occurring. First, you can try to reduce the amount of stress in your life. Stress can cause hair loss, so reducing stress may help to prevent baldness. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and refrain from smoking. These lifestyle choices can help to keep your hair healthy and prevent baldness.
…Or Stay Bald!
But think about the other way, there are a few benefits to being a bald man.
A Bald Man Can Be Sexy
A lot of people think that a man with baldness is not attractive. However, this is not always the case. There are many bald men who are considered to be very sexy.
Some of the most popular and attractive bald men include Dwayne Johnson, Vin Diesel, and Jason Statham. These men are all considered to be some of the sexiest men alive. They have all embraced their baldness and used it to their advantage.
Baldness can actually make a man look more masculine and intimidating. This can be a turn-on for many women. So, if you are a man who is dealing with baldness, don’t despair. You can still be sexy!
Did You Know?
- Non-Surgical Options: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for hair growth is an emerging non-invasive treatment option, with studies showing varying degrees of efficacy.
- Natural Remedies: Despite their popularity, natural remedies and supplements lack robust scientific evidence to support their efficacy in treating male pattern baldness.
- Perception of Age: Men with hair loss are often perceived as being older than their actual age.
- Social Impact: About 60% of men who experience hair loss say it negatively affects their self-esteem.
- Preventative Measures: While there is no sure way to prevent male pattern baldness, maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, and avoiding harsh hair treatments may help to preserve hair health.
Bald Men Are More Attractive To Women (If You Are Heterosexual)
According to this study, women find bald men to be more attractive than men with hair. The study showed that baldness is associated with masculinity, which is a quality that women find attractive in a partner.
Bald Men Can Be Stronger
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that bald men are more likely to be physically strong than men with hair. The study looked at a group of men between the ages of 18 and 35 and found that those who were bald were more likely to have higher levels of testosterone, which is associated with physical strength.
Bald Men Can Be More Masculine
A study published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science found that bald men are perceived as more masculine than men with hair. The study showed that baldness is associated with strength, power, and dominance.
Bald Men Can Be More Confident
A study published in the journal Psychological Science found that bald men are more confident than men with hair. The study showed that baldness is associated with self-esteem and self-confidence.
Questionnaire Time
Questions
1. When did you first notice you were losing hair?
- A) Under 20
- B) 20-30
- C) 30-40
- D) Over 40
2. How do you feel about losing your hair?
- A) I'm okay with it
- B) I'm a bit concerned
- C) It bothers me a lot
- D) I'm seeking treatment options
3. What have you tried to combat hair loss?
- A) Over-the-counter treatments
- B) Prescription medication
- C) Hair transplant or surgery
- D) Natural remedies
- E) Nothing yet
4. How much are you willing to spend on hair loss treatments per month?
- A) Nothing
- B) Up to $50
- C) $50-$100
- D) More than $100
5. What's your biggest concern regarding baldness?
- A) Appearance
- B) Social perception
- C) Aging
- D) Nothing, I'm not concerned
6. How do you currently manage your hair situation?
- A) Shaving it off
- B) Hairpiece or wig
- C) Styling the remaining hair
- D) Doing nothing
7. Have you considered or undergone a hair transplant?
- A) Yes, I have
- B) Considering it
- C) No, not interested
- D) I need more information
8. What's your preferred source of information for hair loss?
- A) Doctor or dermatologist
- B) Internet and social media
- C) Friends or family
- D) Books and magazines
9. How does hair loss affect your self-confidence?
- A) Not at all
- B) A little
- C) Quite a bit
- D) Significantly
10. Would you participate in a support group for men dealing with baldness?
- A) Yes
- B) Maybe
- C) No
Advice
- Early noticing: Regardless of when you noticed, it's never too early or late to start caring for your scalp and remaining hair. A good scalp care routine can be beneficial.
- Feelings about hair loss: Your feelings are valid. If it bothers you, looking into treatment or ways to boost your confidence, like stylish hats or embracing the shaved look, might help.
- Combat strategies: Every option has pros and cons. Research and professional advice can help you find the best fit for your lifestyle and goals.
- Budgeting for treatment: Be realistic about what you can afford without stressing your finances. Sometimes, simpler solutions are just as satisfying.
- Biggest concern: Identifying your concern can guide you towards solutions that align with your values, whether it's finding the right style, seeking treatments, or boosting your confidence in other ways.
- Managing the situation: There's no one-size-fits-all. From shaving to styling, choose what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
- Hair transplant consideration: It's a big decision involving time, money, and recovery. Thorough research and consultations are essential before making a choice.
- Information sources: Trustworthy information, especially from healthcare providers, is crucial. While the internet and social media offer a wealth of advice, verify the credibility of your sources.
- Self-confidence impact: If hair loss affects your self-esteem, consider counseling or support groups. Sometimes, talking about it can make a big difference.
- Support group participation: These groups can provide a sense of community and shared experiences. Even if you're unsure, attending once might show you what's possible in terms of support and understanding.
6 Options For Treating Male Pattern Baldness: Conclusion
Male pattern baldness is a common condition that can be treated in a number of ways. If you are suffering from male pattern baldness, it is important to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment for you.
As you can see, several options are available, from medication to surgery, and each option comes with its own set of risks and benefits. Weigh your options carefully and make the decision that is right for you.
