Male pattern baldness that is also known als androgenic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss in men. A survey showed that more than 50 per cent of all men over the age of 50 will be affected by male pattern baldness to some extent.
Contents
What causes male pattern baldness?
Each hair on the head has a lifecycle or a growth cycle. In a person who has male pattern baldness, the growth cycle of the hair weakens with age with hair follicle shrinking and thus producing shorter and finer hair. The result is that hair thinning and eventually, baldness happens as no new hair grows in the place of the fallen hair whose lifecycle has ended.
One cause of male pattern baldness is genetics or having a family history of baldness. Studies conducted over years have shown that male pattern baldness is connected with androgens (male sex hormones) whose function amongst others is to regulate hair growth.
Besides genes, medical problems like thyroid, fungal infections or nutritional disorders, medications like steroids and allergies too can cause hair fall in men.
Who can get Male Pattern Baldness?
While male pattern baldness may manifest in later adult life, for some people it begins in the 20s and 30s and even the teen years. Genes are the deciding factor.
What are the Patterns of Hair Loss?
Hair loss in men happens in a pattern. It begins at the temples or the crown of the head with a single bald spot at the back being formed or an ‘M’ shape being formed with receding hairlines. Often hairline continues to keep deepening till all or most of the hair is gone. Hairline correction through treatments is possible.
How to Address Hair Loss in Men
There are several solutions available for hair fall control. Afterall hair is the crowning glory of any person and is an important part of one’s personality. It is natural that due to impending baldness, men will be unhappy with their looks and would like a fuller head of hair. Today an array of treatments are available for the same; some of which are listed below.
- Medications
Topical medications are available that are to be applied to the scalp. The most famous one is Minoxidil or Rogaine which slows hair loss for men and stimulates hair follicles to grow new hair. Oral medications like Finasteride are also given that work by blocking the production of the male hormone responsible for hair loss. It takes a year to show results and for hairfall arrest to occur.
- Advanced Hair Design with Hairpieces
Wigs or hairpieces can cover thinning hair, receding hairlines, and complete baldness. These wigs or hairpieces are available in a variety of colours, styles, and textures and can be styled and fitted for a natural look. Wigs can also be woven with the existing natural hair. The advantage to weaves is they always stay on, allowing the wearer to lead an active lifestyle and not have to take them off during bathing, sleeping and even swimming and running. This form of advanced hair design is done in a manner so that it is comfortable for the wearer.
- Hair Transplant
Hair transplantsentail extracting hair from areas of the scalp that have active hair growth and transplanting them to thinning or balding areas of the head. These are done by plastic surgeons who usually moves hair from the hair rich regions (like the back or side of the head) to the hair-lacking regions (like the front or top of the head). Hair transplants are called surgeries as they use local anaesthesia and these days advanced treatments means no cuts, no stitches and no scars. The transplanted hair has the same lifecycle and new hair growth is seen within 3 months of the transplant with full growth taking up to a year to happen. Hair transplant results look more natural and it’s permanent.
Mesotherapy involves injections special cocktail of drugs into the scalp to boost hair growth. It is usually given in combination with other treatments and helps in hair fall arrest.
- Protein-rich plasma (PRP) injections
PRP treatment uses platelets from one’s blood and this concentration is injected into locations of hair loss, which may contribute to hair growth. It is the best treatment for Hair Density Boost to happen.
- Nutrition
According to studies, hair growth may increase if one increases the intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants. This certainly helps in hair fall control.
Is Male Pattern Baldness Reversible?
It has been seen that most men have androgenetic alopecia which is commonly known as male pattern baldness. The hair loss occurs in an anticipated pattern. Today several hair restoration solutions are available that make it possible for one to reduce hair fall and transpose baldness.
If one wishes to reverse male pattern baldness at an advanced hair transplant clinic, one should consult dermatologists at specialist medical centres like Clinic Dermatech, which is North India’s Most Awarded Skincare Clinic. The doctors will be able to suggest ways to counter hair fall.