Male Hair Loss – Take It or Leave It

Most of the time, male hair loss is caused by androgenic alopecia or, less tongue twisting: male pattern baldness. This type of hair loss in men is caused by a genetic propensity, and if you have male hair loss in your family, you very well may experience it.

This kind of male hair loss begins most commonly with a receding hairline. It then gradually spreads to encompass the entire head. Men who carry this genetic trait often begin to notice it in their thirties, with some beginning to notice it in their twenties.

If you are one experiencing signs of male pattern baldness and want to do what you can to prevent it from progressing, options are available. Minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine) has been successful in many cases of male hair loss from androgenic alopecia.

First used to treat high blood pressure, minoxidil surprised researchers by growing hair on patients, which was considered a side effect. More than half of the men with male hair loss who have used minoxidil as a topical treatment report success. However, once you stop using this medication, the problem returns.

Male Hair Loss and Propecia 

Another male hair loss medication, finasteride – also known by its brand name “Propecia” – works with success in even greater numbers. About 80 percent of finasteride users report new hair grown and hair-loss reduction when under its prescribed use.

Used orally, finasteride blocks the results of male hormones that cause male pattern baldness. This drug must be taken from three to six months before benefits can be realized, and it must be taken continually afterward to prevent further male hair loss. These are several answers to the male hair loss problem; there are many more, including transplants and plastic surgery.

But one other solution to the problem of male hair loss is to realize it as a normal, natural occurrence. Many men intentionally shave their heads today as a clean, modern style that has now become an “in” look. So whatever you choose to do, or if you choose to do nothing, take heart – at least nowadays you do have a choice!