The American Academy of Dermatology says that about 80 percent of all Caucasian men experience hair loss, called male-pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia, by the age of 70. Genes inherited from your parents are often the cause of hair loss, but a physician will typically rule out other underlying medical conditions before discussing treatment plans. Hair loss treatment for men ranges from over-the-counter solutions to surgery.
About Hair Loss
The average man has about 100,000 hairs on his head and loses up to 100 hairs each day through the normal shedding process, according to MayoClinic.com. Each strand of hair goes through a growing phase for two to three years and a resting phase for a few months before it falls out. Male-pattern baldness occurs when the growth time shortens and the new hairs are weak. Each phase produces weaker hair until it stops growing altogether in some spots. Although genetics are usually the primary cause, hormone changes, damage and scalp irritation can hasten the process of hair loss.
Medications
Medline Plus explains that the two most common medications for hair loss treatment are minoxidil, sold under the brand name Rogaine, and finasteride, sold as Propecia and Proscar. Minoxidil is an over-the-counter solution that is applied to the scalp. It stimulates the follicles to slow hair loss and may help some men grow hair. Hair loss returns once you stop applying the solution. Finasteride is a prescription pill that slows the production of dihydrotestosterone, a male hormone that may be responsible for hair loss. Finasteride also needs to be taken regularly to prevent hair loss from recurring.
Surgical Options
Surgery to treat male baldness uses existing hair to cover bald spots rather than cause new hair to grow. Two common options are hair transplants and scalp reductions. During a hair transplant, a surgeon take plugs of skin containing hair from the sides or back of your scalp and moves them to the bald patches, according to MayoClinic.com. In scalp reduction surgery, the surgeon removes the bald part of the scalp and stretches the remaining skin to cover the area. Surgical options can be painful and expensive. Risks include scarring and infection.
Non-Medical Alternatives
Hair pieces and wigs are common alternatives for those who do not respond to other treatments or wish to choose a non-medical option first. Hairpieces come in a variety of styles and lengths, and some can be woven directly into your existing hair. Acrylic hair pieces and wigs are easy to care for, explains the New Zealand Dermatological Society, but they are also easily damaged by heat and can be very hot in the summer. Wigs made from human hair are cooler, more natural looking and can last up to two years, but they may require professional cleaning and the color can fade.
Considerations
MayoClinic.com recommends researching your options thoroughly and under the guidance of a dermatologist or other qualified medical professional before investing money into a treatment. Avoid products that haven't been scientifically proved to work, especially those that can cause serious, harmful side effects. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of a treatment depends on the extent of your hair loss and more severe cases may not respond as well as those with minimal hair loss.
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