Male-pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss in men. Usually caused by a genetic sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone, hair recedes along the hairline over time until it meets a balding crown, leaving a "horseshoe" of hair around the head. Although new genetic therapies show promise in the treatment of male-pattern baldness, currently there are only a handful of effective products available to prevent hair loss and regrow hair.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil, marketed under the brand name Rogaine or the generic version Headway, is the most common treatment for male-pattern baldness. The topical solution works by slowly lengthening and enlarging shrinking hair follicles. In addition, it may also extend the hair's growth phase, allowing it to become longer before it falls out.
With continual use, evidence of new hair growth will usually appear within three to four months, while another six months of applications may be necessary to evaluate minoxidil's effectiveness. Once treatment is stopped, however, hair will return to its original condition after about three months.
Finasteride
Finasteride, a steroid compound marketed under the brand name Propecia, is a once-a-day prescription pill used in the treatment of male-pattern baldness. The compound in Propecia inhibits the production of dihydrotestosterone, which prevents existing hair follicles from shrinking and allows them to become normal hairs. Propecia, like minoxidil, must be taken for at least three months before you see any benefits.
Propecia is generally more effective than minoxidil in slowing hair loss, but it is also more expensive. Like minoxidil, hair loss returns when the treatment is stopped.
Tretinoin
Originally used an acne treatment, tretinoin, marketed as Retin-A, is a vitamin A gel that has been found to promote hair growth either on its own in combination with minoxidil. Side effects of Retin-A include light sensitivity, blistering and skin discoloration.
Other Treatments
Zinc, especially in combination with vitamin B6 and azelaic acid, has been found to inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone and therefore may be effective in the treatment of male-pattern baldness.
Azelaic acid, like Retin-A, is usually used to treat skin conditions such as acne but may also be useful for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, although studies are ongoing.
Similar to Propecia, saw palmetto extract is an anti-androgen that helps to block dihydrotestosterone. To date, however, no studies have been done with regard to saw palmetto's effectiveness as treatment for male-pattern baldness.
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