Male pattern baldness is a hereditary condition known as androgenetic alopecia. It concerns more than half of males over the age of 50, according to Medline Plus.
You can’t always stop your hair from coming out as you get older. However, there are treatments and therapies that may help to delay the process.
Learn which vitamins and special tonics have shown some promise in preventing or treating hair loss before you go out and buy them.
Here are 15 hair loss treatments you might discuss with your doctor.
1. Medication, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC).
The FDA has authorized two drugs for the treatment of male pattern baldness:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine) (Rogaine)
Rogaine is offered over-the-counter as a liquid or foam. Apply it twice daily to the scalp to promote hair development and prevent hair loss. It might take 4 to 6 months to notice benefits with minoxidil. The outcome is also dependent on the correct application and dose.
- Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)
Finasteride is a medication that you take on a regular basis. It is only accessible with a doctor’s prescription. According to the FDA, it will take at least three months of regular administration to observe the benefits of the medicine.
It may take up to a year to notice improvements from minoxidil and finasteride, and you must continue taking them to preserve the advantages.
2. Hair transplantation
Follicular unit transplantation and follicular unit extraction are the two most common hair transplant methods.
Keep in mind that both hair transplant treatments are considered surgery, so they may be costly and uncomfortable.
There are other hazards, including infections and scars. To achieve the desired result, you may need to undergo numerous hair transplant treatments.
Transplantation of follicular units (FUT)
FUT is the more “traditional” technique. It entails removing some skin, usually from the back of your head, where there is a lot of hair. The follicles are then removed from the skin by a surgeon. Finally, they reinsert the hair follicles into the scalp area where you’re losing hair.
Extraction of follicular units (FUE)
FUE involves a surgeon removing hair follicles from the scalp and transplanting them to bald areas of the scalp.
Direct hair implantation (DHI) is a modified variant of this method in which the treatment is completed using a specialized instrument.
3. Laser therapy
For some kinds of hair loss, such as alopecia areata, laser therapy is considered to lessen the inflammation in follicles that prevents regeneration.
A 2014 review indicates that treatment with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may stimulate hair growth through additional pathways for other forms of hair loss.
There have been few studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of laser hair loss therapies. However, according to a 2016 review, LLLT is safe and effective when used to treat male pattern hair loss.
More study on LLLT is still needed, according to a 2019 review.
4. Give up smoking
You’ve probably heard about all the terrible effects smoking has on your lungs if you’re a smoker. But did you know that smoking is linked to hair loss?
A 2020 research study
A study of 1,000 males discovered that the majority of those who smoked had some degree of hair loss, compared to fewer than half of those who did not smoke.
Quitting smoking may help reduce hair loss.
5. Massage of the scalp
Massages not only feel great, but they may also assist with hair loss.
The hair follicles are stimulated by massaging the scalp.
Healthy Japanese males who underwent 4 minutes of scalp massage each day for 24 weeks had thicker hair at the conclusion of the trial, according to a tiny 2016 study.
According to a 2019 study, scalp massages are connected with self-perceived increases in hair density.
6. A well-balanced diet
A healthy diet can help maintain your hair in good condition. Incorporate a mix of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, unsaturated fats, and lean proteins into your diet. Limit your consumption of sweets.
A look at 2019, certain vitamins and minerals present in diet have been linked to good hair, according to a reliable source. These include :
- Foods high in iron, such as lean steak, beans, green leafy vegetables, iron-fortified cereals, and eggs
- Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods include salmon, mackerel, tuna, flax seeds, egg yolks, hemp seeds, and walnuts.
- Meals rich in protein, such as eggs, lean meats, and shellfish.
Last but not least, make sure you’re getting enough water.
7. Decrease stress
Stress may be extremely damaging to the body, especially the hair. A hectic lifestyle may cause hair loss.
Stress-reduction techniques include:
- frequent exercise
- listening to music
- exercising,
- meditating,
- getting enough sleep
Evidence from a 2014 mouse study, peppermint oil can aid in hair development.
Rosemary oil has also been used for centuries to improve blood circulation to the scalp.
A 2013 research found rosemary leaf extract increased hair regrowth in mice.
Coconut oil, castor oil, and olive oil are also popular. However, according to a 2020 review According to a reliable source, research on their effects for hair development is restricted.
9. Biotin (vitamin B9)
Biotin is a vitamin that occurs naturally in foods such as: oats, almonds, sweet potatoes, eggs
There is some evidence that taking biotin can help reduce hair loss, but most of the study has been done on women who are deficient in biotin.
9. Onion Juice
In a tiny 2014 research, persons with patchy alopecia areata who used onion juice as a topical therapy had much greater regrowth than those who only used tap water. More study on men with male pattern baldness is required.
11. Green tea
Green tea is another rumored natural treatment for hair loss Green tea polyphenolic chemicals showed promise as a natural cure for hair loss in an older 2005 study in rats. However, no human studies have been conducted to corroborate these effects.
12. Hibiscus
In India, Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is frequently sold for hair growth. An previous 2003 research on mice found that it had a favorable effect on hair follicles, but no human trials have been conducted.
13. Take care of your hair while styling
When brushing or styling your hair, try to be as gentle as possible. Twisting, twirling, or tugging your hair tight all the time might cause hair loss.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, you should avoid the following:
- Chemicals used in perms and hair straightening treatments
- Tight hairstyles such as pigtails, cornrows, braids, and buns
- Bleaching your hair with hot curling irons or straightening irons
If you do use chemicals or bleach in your hair, get expert assistance. Do not attempt to do it at home.
14. Schedule a checkup
Aside from genetics, a variety of medical disorders can cause hair loss. By addressing the underlying problem, you will be able to address your hair loss.
The following conditions may cause hair loss:
- Diabetes lupus lichen planus sarcoidosis Alopecia areata psoriasis
- Thyroid illnesses, eating disorders caused by insufficient nutrition
- A lack of iron anemia
- Trichotillomania is a hair pulling disorder.
- Syphilis celiac disease
- If you have any of these illnesses, or if you are suffering additional symptoms in addition to hair loss, consult a doctor to address the underlying condition. As your condition improves, your hair loss should improve as well.
15. Consult your doctor about your meds.
Some drugs might cause hair loss. Here are several examples:
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Certain blood thinners (anticoagulants) some depression drugs high blood pressure meds
- Certain cardiovascular medicines
- Medicines for gout
- Acne therapy isotretinoin (Accutane).
- Men’s Hair Loss Treatments Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of hair loss treatment?
The cost of hair loss therapy is determined by the procedure chosen.
As an example:
- A three-month supply of Rogaine costs roughly $40 to $50.
- A one-month supply of Propecia costs roughly $70.
- Hair transplants can range in price from $4,000 to $15,000.
Generic pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter vitamins are often less costly.
When should you see a doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor:
- Suffer from unexpected patchy hair loss
- Consider whether a medicine is causing your hair loss. You may also have a rash and scaly skin.
What is the best hair loss therapy for your hair loss?
Consult your doctor to determine which hair loss therapy is best for you. While OTC and home treatments may be effective for some people, they are not for everyone.
Is hair loss therapy effective?
Some people have success with hair loss treatments such as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, prescription medications, and home remedies. They do not, however, work for everyone.
Rogaine, for example, works best for patients who have congenital baldness towards the rear of the head, right under the crown.
Hair transplants are frequently more effective than over-the-counter treatments. They will, however, be less helpful if you have extensive thinning or baldness, or if your hair loss is caused by chemo or drugs.
What happens if I discontinue my hair loss treatment?
It is dependent on the therapy. If you’re using an OTC or prescription medicine, such as Rogaine or Propecia, you’ll need to continue taking it permanently to preserve your results.
How can I treat my hair loss permanently?
Hair implants are almost often permanent. However, depending on your goals, you may require many implants.
The Bottom Line
There are various hair loss remedies you might try. These include over-the-counter and prescription drugs, as well as hair implants and home therapies. Consult your doctor beforehand. They can assist you in determining the reason for your hair loss and the best treatment approach.
