Male-pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss that develops in most men at some point of time in a lifetime. Typically, at first you will notice that the hair begins to recede at the sides temples. At the same time, 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. A rim of hair is often left around the back and sides of the scalp. In some men, this rim of hair also thins and goes to leave a completely bald scalp.
Causes of Male Pattern baldness:
There can be a number reasons for losing hair, but male pattern baldness can be associated with both genetic and male sex hormones called androgens. Androgens have many functions, one of which is to regulate hair growth.
Each strand of hair grows out of a little hole in your skin called a follicle. Hair growth has a programmed life cycle: a growth phase, rest phase and shedding phase. Normally, an individual strand of hair grows for two to six years, then goes through a resting stage for several months. Later, they eventually 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.
One of the most common causes of male pattern baldness is heredity. Apart from this, other causes include medications, cancers, thyroid conditions, and anabolic steroids.
In this situation, all an individual can do is look for effective treatment solutions. You will find incalculable products and men’s hair loss treatments available in the market. However, some are just waste of money. The following are some effective techniques to hide those bald patches.
Solutions to Male-Pattern Baldness
Pattern baldness leaves smooth round patches of hair which looks weird. Men who are unhappy with the way they look can opt for other solutions. The goal is to give the appearance of a fuller head of hair. Common treatment options available are:
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Hairstyle – Men who do not wish to opt for Hair Loss Treatment often hide hair loss with haircuts or hairstyles. If you are willing to get a creative cut, ask your hairstylist that will make a thinning hair look fuller.
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Hairpiece – Hair accessories like wigs can cover receding hairlines, thinning hair and complete baldness. They come in a variety of colors, styles and textures. For a natural look, choose a wig that looks similar to your original hair.
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Weaves – In this method,wigs are sewn into your natural hair. The advantage to weaves is they always stay on, even during activities such as showering, swimming and sleeping.
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Medications – Minoxidil 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. Finasteride is an oral medication that slows hair loss in some men. It works by blocking the production of the male hormone responsible for hair loss.
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Hair Transplant – This is an invasive hair loss treatment. 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.
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Hair Extensions – Extensions add volume and length to the hair instantly. People who do not wish to go for long hair permanently usually opt for extensions. Made up of human hair, they easily blends with the original hair giving you the desired look.
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Low Laser Light Therapy – In this procedure, the laser stimulates the area around the scalp to produce red blood cells to increase the amount of oxygen reaching to the scalp resulting in an increased rate of respiration around the scalp. This stimulates the scalp to increase its cellular activity then triggers the hair follicles, particularly those that had gone into the resting phase to start a new cycle.
