Appreciable hair loss affects about two in three men in the United States in their mid-30s. That further shoots up to a staggering 85% among males in their 50s.
With that high prevalence rate, the odds are you have some degree of hair thinning, too.
Don’t lose hope yet, as there are now several options to restore a fuller-looking head. This guide on hair loss treatment for men discusses your primary choices, so read on.
In this article
Minoxidil
Minoxidil belongs to a class of drugs called vasodilators. The Food and Drug Administration approved its use for male and female pattern hair loss.
Vasodilators are medications that dilate (open or widen) blood vessels. Thus, minoxidil helps boost blood flow to the scalp.
That enhances the oxygen and nutrient supply to the hair follicles and roots. That may then help slow or stop hair loss and, as a result, promote hair regrowth.
Minoxidil is available as a hair loss shampoo, foam, or liquid topical solution. Studies have proven its efficacy, but it can take three to four months to work. You must also use it every day for continued results; otherwise, you can expect the regrown hair to fall.
Finasteride
An androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is one of the factors in pattern baldness. For instance, people with the condition have displayed higher levels of DHT.
DHT seems to cause pattern hair loss by making the hair follicles shrink. It may also shorten the anagen phase; the phase wherein the hair is actively growing.
If your hair loss is due to elevated DHT levels, then finasteride, a prescription drug, may help. It works by inhibiting the androgen, which may then slow or stop its hair-loss effect. Your doctor may prescribe you either an oral or topical version of the drug.
Like minoxidil, finasteride can take at least three months to produce results. You must also continue taking or using it to sustain its effects.
Scalp Micropigmentation
Some people refer to scalp micropigmentation (SMP) as a hairline tattoo. It involves using specialized needles to inject pigments into the scalp.
SMP artists use a technique known as pointillism to create many tiny dots on the scalp. They use varying pigment shades to mimic their clients’ natural hair color. The result is a fuller-looking head that appears to have a buzz cut.
While SMP is a form of tattoo, it usually takes more than one session to achieve the desired results. Moreover, skin conditions like scalp acne or psoriasis may deter you from getting it. However, if you’re a good candidate, know that its effects can last five to six years.
Get the Right Hair Loss Treatment for Men
As you can see, hair loss treatment for men is no longer limited to hairpieces or wigs. You can now regrow lost hair using medical options, such as minoxidil or finasteride. If you want longer-lasting effects, though, you may also consider micro pigmentation.
Regardless of which treatments for hair loss you choose, make sure you see a physician first. Your doctor can give you professional input on which one suits you best.
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