The most common cause male hair loss, male-pattern hair loss can start early. Sometimes, it begins in the late teens or early twenties.
Usually, it appears later. By age 50, more than half of white men show a clear sign of male-pattern hair loss such as significant hair thinning, receding hairline or baldness.
Male pattern baldness tends to develop slowly. Starting with a receding hairline or a bald spot on the top of your head, this type of hair loss can cause hair to thin and fall out for years.
Although you don't need to treat this type of hair loss, treatment options do exist. Treatment can reduce further hair loss, and some men regrow a little of their hair. Men who tend to see the best results begin treatment soon after they notice hair loss.
Medications approved for male hair loss
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications for male-pattern hair loss. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following medications for the treatment of male-pattern hair loss. Here's the lowdown on each.
1. Topical minoxidil
Widely available over the counter in stores and online, it is the most widely used treatment for male pattern hair loss.
- What the studies show: In clinical trials, minoxidil has been shown to reduce hair loss, stimulate hair growth, and strengthen existing hair strands. While minoxidil can help, you are unlikely to see full growth.
- How to use: Apply it to your scalp.
- When to use: Apply minoxidil twice a day, every day.
- How long does it take to see results: Some men respond to minoxidil better than others, and some men fail to notice any difference. If minoxidil is right for you, it may take up to six months to see results. It is important to follow the instructions, and apply minoxidil twice a day every day.
- Possible side effects: When using minoxidil, some men develop scalp irritation. The newer formula, a foam, appears to reduce this risk. Other possible side effects include an itchy scalp or headache.
- Can be used alone: Many men see results when they only use Minoxidil. If you see a dermatologist, the dermatologist may add a prescription to your treatment plan. This can improve results.
- If you stop using minoxidil: The new hair that has grown will fall out. This usually happens within three to four months. Dermatologists report that some men say their hair loss appears to be worse than it did before they started applying minoxidil. What happens is you see the hair loss that would have happened if you had not treated it before.
See: 22 Causes of Hair Loss For Men and Women
2. Finasteride (prescription drug)
Prescription medication This is a prescription that you may take on a long-term basis.
- What the studies show: Finasteride has been shown to slow further hair loss in about 80% to 90% of men who take it. Some men also see some hair regrowth, which tends to occur in men who start finasteride when they first notice signs of hair loss.
- How to use: Take a tablet.
- When to take: Every day.
- How long does it take to see results: If finasteride helps you, you will start seeing results in about 6 months.
- Possible side effects: Some men who take finasteride experience side effects. These include loss of libido, inability to have or maintain an erection, swelling and pain in the breasts, and depression. It has been reported that sexual side effects can persist after a patient stops taking finasteride. Because of the seriousness of these side effects, your dermatologist will want to know more about you before prescribing finasteride. Your dermatologist will give you a full examination and ask you about pre-existing conditions and medications you are taking.
- It can be used alone: If finasteride is part of your treatment plan, you can take it alone or use it with minoxidil.
- If you stop taking finasteride: To maintain results, you must continue to take one tablet each day. Once you stop taking this medicine, your hair loss will return.
3. Laser devices for male pattern hair loss
Many laser devices are now available to treat hair loss at home. Some have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. If you see “FDA cleared” on the packaging or in information about the laser, this means that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes the laser as a safe treatment.Procedures used in the treatment of male pattern hair loss
Depending on where and how widespread your hair loss is, your dermatologist may recommend one (or both) of these procedures:
Hair Transplant: If you are looking for a permanent solution, you may want to consider hair transplantation. This procedure no longer involves moving hair plugs from one part of your scalp to another. Today, hair transplantation can give you permanent, natural-looking results.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): While PRP is not a permanent solution, maintenance therapies can help you maintain results.
PRP can be used alone or before a hair transplant to improve results.
If your dermatologist recommends PRP for you, here's what you can expect. A small amount of your blood will be drawn and put into a machine that separates the red blood cells from the plasma.
Then the plasma is injected into your scalp. This takes about 10 minutes.
You will need to come back for more injections. For the first three months, she returns once a month. Then return every three to six months.
Within a few months, PRP can help reduce hair loss. Soon, some patients notice that their hair has thickened or re-grown.