For most people, losing 100 or more hairs a day is normal. The hair loss is quickly replaced as new hair grows back in. As they grow older however, many men lose hair that is not naturally replaced, according to the National Institutes of Health. A disease such as lupus, thyroid complications or diabetes, may cause the hair loss. Genetics, poor diet, stress and various medications and medical treatments also contribute to permanent hair loss, or alopecia. The treatment and replacement options depend on the underlying cause of the alopecia as well the patient's budget and tolerance for pain.
Medication
Hereditary baldness can strike at any age and begin as early as a man's in his 20s. There is no cure for hair loss attributed to heredity, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Instead, men who lose their hair due to their genetic makeup often choose medication to replace lost hair. Minoxodil, the active ingredient in the brand name Rogaine, is a lotion that can stimulate hair growth when applied to the head two times a day. An oral prescription medication called finasteride blocks the male hormones in the hair follicles that cause the hair loss to prevent further baldness.
Wigs
Wigs, toupees and hairpieces can be made to look like natural hair and are an effective alternative for men losing their hair. According to Mayo Clinic.com, hairpieces made of real or synthetic hair are especially effective for men who don't respond to other treatments or who don't want to undergo the pain and expense of alternative treatments.
Transplants
Hair can be removed from the back of the head or other areas of the body and inserted into the balding spots on a man's head. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, transplanted hair is ideal for men who want a natural look because the transplanted hair will continue to be the same color as it was before it was removed. Small cuts are made into the donor area and the hair follicles removed with small needles and implanted with needles into the bald spot. While the initial transplanted hair falls out within a couple weeks, the implanted hair follicle will begin to show signs of new growth in about two to three months. Pain medication typically is used for a couple days and swelling subsides within about a week. Side effects can include infection from unsanitary instruments and scarring that usually is covered by new hair growth.
Scalp Reduction
Another popular surgery option for men losing hair in spotty patches is a scalp reduction. Like the name infers, the scalp is pulled tighter so that less bare skin is exposed. According to MayoClinic.com, skin on the head is flexible and easily moved around. Excess skin can be cut off. Parts of the scalp that still have hair then can be folded over any remaining bald areas. Full hair growth usually appears within about six months after a scalp reduction procedure. Side effects include risk of scarring and infection. As with transplants, pain relievers may be needed for a couple days after the work.
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