Hair loss on the temples and hair line is usually the first sign of hair thinning that men observe. Frontal-Hair-Loss.com reports that "nearly all men" will experience some degree of thinning on the hair line. This is caused by DHT--or dihyrdotestosterone--attacking hairs that are predisposed and genetically susceptible to thinning. Hair loss is not caused by clogged pores, bad circulation, hats or a lack of oxygen.
Step 1
See your doctor. This is important because you must determine that your hair loss is genetic hair loss or male-pattern balding from DHT and not some other condition.
Step 2
Ask your doctor about Propecia. Propecia reduces the male sex hormone DHT that attacks hair follicles. If you lower your DHT, hair can begin to thrive again. Since Propecia is by prescription only, your doctor must write you a script for it.
Merck, the manufacturer of the Food and Drug Administration-approved Propecia, highlights the results of its five-year clinical trial entitled "Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia" on the Propecia homepage. The Merck study published in the October 1998 "Journal of American Academy of Dermatology," earned Propecia FDA approval and a patent. Merck claims that two out of three men regrew hair on Propecia. Perhaps most significantly, 90 percent of men either maintained or increased their initial hair count over five years of observation. Use Propecia as directed.
Dr. Robert Bernstein, senior member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery and renowned hair restoration surgeon, believes that Propecia can be effective on the hairline and not just the top of the head. Bernstein suggests on BernsteinMedical.com, that although Propecia was clinically tested to regrow hair on the top of the head, it can regrow hair on the front part of the head so long as there is hair remaining. Hair follicles on the temples seem to be as sensitive to DHT if not more than hairs on the vertex of the scalp.
Step 3
Purchase minoxidil at the drug store. According to HairSite, minoxidil is the most popular hair-loss treatment of all time. Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, increases cutaneous blood flow to the areas of thinning hair when applied and stimulates new hair growth. Use minoxidil as directed.
Step 4
Purchase Nizoral shampoo at the drug store. Androgenicalopecia.com claims that Ketoconazole, the primary ingredient in Nizoral, can disrupt the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Like Propecia, Nizoral shampoo can lower DHT levels and allow new hair to sprout.
Tips and Warnings
- Use minoxidil every day. Take Propecia every day. Continue both of these treatments for 12 months. Be patient, results may take several month or even a year to appear.
- Merck, the manufacturer of Propecia, claims that in a five-year study of Propecia, sexual side effects occurred in 3 percent of males. Report any side effects you think you may be having to your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Propecia
- Minoxidil
- Nizoral
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