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Hair loss in men is very common.
It could be genetic or due to an external factor such as stress or autoimmune disease.
According to the American Hair Loss Association, more than 95% of men suffer from Male Pattern Baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia.
Though widespread, this condition can be treated.
Male Pattern Baldness is hereditary and usually starts with loss of hair at the crown and frontal area of the head.
It can be controlled and slowed down when diagnosed in the initial stages. But how?
Read on to learn some of the most effective treatments for Male Pattern Baldness.
Oral and topical medications
Usually, oral or topical medications are the first line of treatment for Male Pattern Baldness.
These are conventional treatment options that have helped to stop hair loss and promote regrowth.
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil is a US FDA-approved non-prescription medication to treat Male Pattern Baldness.
It helps to slow down the rate of hair loss and also helps in hair regrowth.
Minoxidil comes as liquid and foam that you must apply daily to the affected area.
It might take over six months to show visible effects.
Widely recommended medications containing Minoxidil are Tugain 5% and Hair 4u 2%
Some of the commonly observed side effects include:
- Acne
- Swelling of the face
- Inflammation, itching, or burning of the scalp
- Facial Hypertrichosis
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
You can read more about Minoxidil here.
Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride is a prescription-based, US FDA-approved medicine to treat Androgenetic Alopecia in men.
It is not prescribed for women and might not work well for men over 60 years of age.
Finasteride works by slowing down hair loss; for some people, it might show new hair growth too.
This treatment might take anywhere between a few months and years to show results.
Some of the common side effects of Propecia are:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Loss of libido
- Ejaculation Disorders
- Increase in size of breasts
- Skin rash
Finpecia and Finalo are some medications that contain Finasteride.
| Medications to treat Male Pattern Baldness | Average cost |
| Tugain 5% | $20.54 |
| Hair 4u 2% | $19.80 |
| Finpecia | $6.27 |
| Finalo | $19.00 |
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is amongst the newer treatment options to manage Male Pattern Baldness.
It not only prevents hair loss but also promotes hair regrowth.
In this treatment, plasma from one’s own blood is extracted in the centrifuge.
This plasma is then injected into the scalp to promote growth.
Since PRP injections are made up of one’s own plasma, the risk of allergic reactions is much less.
But, the platelet level can affect the effectiveness of the treatment for each person.
PRP therapy can also help stimulate hair growth after hair transplant.
Some side effects of this therapy include infection, nerve injury, and tissue damage.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another alternative medical therapy.
This technique was popularized in China.
It involves applying needles to specific pressure points on the body.
These pressure points might reduce the Testosterone level in the body, leading to modulation of the hair growth cycle.
But the effectiveness of this therapy is still unclear for Male Pattern Baldness.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure predominantly used as an anti-aging treatment.
It is also a method for the treatment of hair loss.
The process of microneedling involves using a skin roller that has tiny needles. This causes minor skin abrasions.
Microneedling can also be combined with other methods to treat Male Pattern Baldness.
It promotes the absorption of products you use to treat hair loss. It also helps to induce stem cells in hair follicles that might help hair growth.
Studies have proven the effectiveness of microneedling in patients for whom conventional methods of treatment did not prove helpful.
Derma roller for Male Pattern Baldness
Dermarolling is a type of micro-needling and is recommended to be performed by a medical professional.
It involves creating tiny abrasions in the outer layer of the skin. This stimulates the creation of collagen, elastin, and other structural proteins for your skin’s appearance and health.
Dermarolling might cause minor side effects, which usually go away on their own. It includes:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bruising
- Pain
Your doctor will guide you through the aftercare to help reduce your symptoms and boost hair growth.
Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy
Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy, or LLLT, is a modern, non-surgical, FDA-approved treatment to treat Androgenetic Alopecia.
It is also called Red Light Therapy and Cold Laser Therapy.
This treatment uses laser light, which penetrates the scalp and stimulates the stem cells that help in hair growth.
LLLT is a non-invasive and painless hair growth technique.
It has the same side effects that come with any therapy that involves injections, such as:
- Calcification at the injection points
- Scar tissue
- Injury to blood vessels or nerves
- Infection
Let your doctor know about your tolerance to anesthetics.
Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is a non-surgical treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia.
It uses derma rollers, derma pens, or micro scalp injections. They inject nutrients that promote hair growth.
It is a painless procedure and does not consume much time.
Some common side effects of Mesotherapy include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bruising
These side effects usually subside over time.
It is, however, suggested to see a doctor if they cause you discomfort.
Hair Transplant
Hair transplant is a surgery that involves taking hair from your body and using it to fill an area of your head with thin or no hair.
It can be done by removing individual hairs or cutting a strip of skin with healthy hair.
Patients mostly see results of this procedure within 6 to 9 months.
Post-surgery, Dermatologists usually recommend medicines that treat hair loss.
They do it to ensure slowing down hair loss and thinning.
“Short-term poorly-planned treatments usually are not successful. This applies to both medical and surgical treatment but particularly to the field of hair transplantation.”
Dr. Jeff Donovan, Hair Loss Specialist
Male Pattern Baldness prevention
Since Male Pattern Baldness is a hereditary condition, you can not prevent it.
Taking general care of your diet and lifestyle can, however, affect your physical health as well as the health of your hair.
Some treatments for Male Pattern Baldness are most effective in the initial stages of the condition.
It is when the hair loss is mild and can be controlled.
Consult a doctor if you are concerned and ask for more information and advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you stop Male Pattern Baldness?
Male Pattern Baldness is a genetic condition and hence cannot be stopped. However, you can treat it and slow its progression by starting treatment in the initial phase of hair loss. These include Minoxidil or Finasteride treatment, PRP therapy, Microneedling, Laser Therapy, Hair transplant, etc.
Can male pattern baldness regrow hair?
If treatment is started at the initial stages of the condition, you can notice a slowing down of the hair fall. In some cases, you might also observe hair regrowth.
How to reverse Male Pattern Baldness?
Male Pattern Baldness is a genetic condition that you can not reverse. You can only slow it down with treatments. Some of the treatments for Male Pattern Baldness include Minoxidil or Finasteride treatment, PRP therapy, Microneedling, Laser Therapy, Hair transplant, etc.
Is there a cure for Male Pattern Baldness?
Minoxidil or Finasteride treatment are some most commonly prescribed treatment options for Male Pattern Baldness. PRP therapy, Microneedling, Laser Therapy, Hair transplant, etc., are other treatment options.
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