To stop hair thinning in males, it is best to have an understanding of how androgenic alopecia works and what causes hair loss in males. The American Hair Loss Association states that "male pattern baldness is responsible for the vast majority of hair loss in men." Male pattern hair thinning occurs when dihydrotestosterone (DHT) attaches to hair follicles that are genetically sensitive to miniaturization. Over time, these prone hairs get smaller and smaller. If DHT levels are lowered, hairs may get the chance to survive or even become thicker.
Step 1
Make a doctor's appointment. It is absolutely mandatory that you and your doctor determine that the cause of your hair is thinning is traditional hair pattern baldness before beginning treatment. The American Hair Loss Association estimates that 95 percent of male hair loss can be attributed to male pattern baldness.
Step 2
Ask the doctor about propecia. Propecia is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of male pattern baldness. It is available by a doctor's prescription only. It functions by reducing the blood levels of DHT in the body. When DHT is reduced, hair loss may be stabilized. Merck reports that 66 percent of men regrow hair when using Propecia.
Step 3
Buy minoxidil. Minoxidil is an FDA approved medication for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Although minoxidil does not reduce DHT levels, it increases blood flow to the scalp and can stimulate hair growth especially when it is used in accordance with propecia. It is recommended by the American Hair Loss Association.
Step 4
Get nizoral shampoo. Most shampoos have absolutely no effect on the hormonal processes that cause male pattern baldness. Ketoconazole, the active ingredient in nizoral according to Androgenicalopecia.com, prevents DHT from attaching to and thinning hair follicles.
Step 5
Stay on the treatment for at least a year. It may take several months to notice the effects of minoxidil and an entire year to notice effects from Propecia. Hair loss expert and hair restoration physician, Dr. Robert Bernstein, recommends staying on Propecia and minoxidil for 12 months before considering a hair transplant.
Tips and Warnings
- Use Propecia and minoxidil as directed. Stay on the treatment, coming off will make you lose all the hair you regrew within 12 months. Have patience, even the natural hair cycle takes a while to regrow hair. If you have side effects, report them to your doctor.
- Merck notes that sexual side effects occur in less than 3 percent of men taking Propecia.
Things You'll Need
- Doctor's appointment
- Minoxidil
- Propecia
- Nizoral shampoo
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