Male pattern baldness also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss in men. At some point of time, up to 50 percent of men will be affected by male pattern baldness. Initially, the hair begins to recede at the temples. Then the hair usually becomes thin on the top of the head. A bald patch gradually develops in the middle of the scalp. The receding sides and the bald patch on the crown gradually enlarge and join together, leaving a patch at the front. In this situation, it is important to find out how to stop male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness is both genetic, and associated with the male sex hormones called androgens. Androgens have many functions, one of which is to regulate hair growth. Each strand of your hair grows out from the follicles. Normally, an individual strand of hair grows for two to six years, goes through a resting stage for several months, falls out, and is replaced by a new hair strand. With male pattern baldness, the hair follicle becomes smaller. It grows shorter and finer strands, and eventually stops growing hair altogether.
There can be a number of reasons causing male pattern baldness such as hereditary, some sort of medications, thyroid conditions, and anabolic steroids. Male pattern baldness is diagnosed by the pattern of hair loss. A medical history and exam may be performed to rule out health conditions, fungal conditions of the scalp, or nutritional disorders that may be responsible.
How to stop male pattern baldness
With the increasing concern among people, various men’s hair loss treatments are introduced in the market. You will find everything from hair care products to treatment solutions. However, it is important to choose the best one in order to get the desired result in the least possible time. Following are some of the solutions to avoid male pattern baldness.
Wig or Hairpiece
Wigs can cover receding hairlines, thinning hair and complete baldness. As wigs come in a variety of colors, styles and textures you can choose one according to your preference. For a natural look, choose one that look similar to your original hair. Professional wig stylists can help in styling and fitting wigs for even more natural look.
Weaves
Hair weaves are another type of wigs which are sewn into your natural hair. You must have enough hair to sew the weave into. The advantage to weaves is they always stay on, even during activities such as showering, swimming and sleeping.
Medications
There are two medicines that are known to stop male pattern baldness – Finasteride and Minoxidil. Finasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. The hair follicles are then not affected by this hormone and can revert to normal. When it comes to Minoxidil, this is a topical medication applied to the scalp. In some men, minoxidil slows hair loss and stimulates the hair follicles to grow new hair. Minoxidil takes four months to one year to begin working.
Hair Transplant
A hair transplant is an invasive treatment for hair loss. Hair transplants work by removing hair from areas of the scalp that have active hair growth and transplanting them to areas of your scalp that are thinning or bald. Multiple treatments are often needed. The advantages of hair transplant are that it looks more natural and is permanent.
Laser Light Hair Therapy For Men
Low Level Laser Light Therapy is one of the most advanced and effective hair loss solutions available today that can help both men and women who are suffering from hair loss and willing to achieve fuller and thicker hair. LLLT works to stabilize further hair loss and stimulates the hair growth. Being a non-invasive method, it is a painless procedure and requires no time for recovery. Low Level Laser Therapy for men works by delivering light energy directly to the scalp and promoting cellular metabolism, increasing blood circulation and oxygen supply to the follicles. It is observed that with this therapy most hair gets stimulated from the resting phase to the growing phase.
