The most common cause of hair loss in men is male androgenetic alopecia (MAA), otherwise known as male pattern baldness. Although hair loss is progressive and could escalate at different rates depending on the individual, it can quickly impact the person’s confidence and mental health. This is why you might be seeking treatment.
But there are three main treatment options available for those suffering from male pattern baldness. The treatment you select will depend on the result you wish to obtain. Thankfully, this post outlines the three treatments available.
Aesthetic Options
Despite not being the most permanent option, choosing an aesthetic way to cover baldness has been rather common in the past. There are numerous different options to choose from, such as hairpieces, particular hairstyles, and wigs, that can help with baldness, thinning, or receding hairlines. Although they are only temporary solutions, they are popular due to the convenience and the very short amount of time needed to see results.
Hairpieces and such are affordable and easy to access, which is why you might seek them out, if you want immediate relief. Sometimes, people will choose to dye their hair instead, and this can also give the impression of fuller hair. They can also be used in tandem with a hair transplant or medication, which will be discussed later in this post. This is helpful when the individual is just in the initial stages of other treatments.
Hair Transplantation
If you are looking for a more permanent solution, then a hair transplant might be the treatment you select. The procedure will include taking hairs from the back of the person’s scalp and placing the hairs in areas of balding. This hair should continue to grow normally without falling out or thinning. You can then cut, style, and wash your hair after the procedure.
There are three main types of hair transplantation techniques in use by professionals. According to the Physician’s Hair Restoration Center (PHRC), these techniques are follicular unit excision (FUE), follicular rigeneron micrografting, and follicular unit transplantation (FUT).
No matter which technique you are recommended, you must choose an expert in the field before going ahead with your procedure. Dr Carlos Puig founder of PHRC is deemed a specialist, with over 20,000 hair transplants completed over his 45+ years in the industry. This is the type of professional you should search for if you choose to undergo a hair transplant.
Medications
The final treatment option for male pattern baldness is the use of medication. There are several different types of medication that is used for this condition, including finasteride and minoxidil. Finasteride is a prescription medication that should be taken orally, while minoxidil is available in foams, lotions, and other topical formulations. These medications are primarily used to slow or stop hair loss.
However, like many other medications, it is best to speak with a health professional, such as a dermatologist, before beginning such treatments. This is important as there could be side effects linked to the medications that you need to be aware of. For example, finasteride could result in decreased libido, despite it being generally well-tolerated.
To conclude, if you suffer from male pattern baldness, then it is important to seek professional advice. While you could begin with aesthetic options, like wigs, you will need a medical expert’s assistance to proceed with medications or a hair transplant.