Male Hair Loss
Male hair loss, also known as male pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss and is caused by a genetic sensitivity of the hair follicles to male hormones. This sensitivity causes the hair follicles to shrink and eventually become unable to produce new hair.
Male hair loss usually begins with a receding hairline and thinning hair on the top of the head. Eventually the balding areas converge and the hair that remains grows only at the sides and back of the head.
Male hair loss can be treated with surgery or medication. In hair restoration surgery, tissue containing follicles from the scalp in an area where the hair is still growing normally is removed and grafted onto the area with the dormant follicles. This surgery is the most effective and permanent treatment for male hair loss, but it is expensive at over $4,000 for an operation.
The most popular medications for male hair loss are minoxodil (best known under the brand name Rogaine) and finasteride (also known as Propecia). Minoxodil works by blocking the production of DHT, the hormone which causes the follicle to shrink. It is effective for approximately 60% of patients suffering from male hair loss, and must be taken continually to remain operative. Rogaine is a topical treatment that is available over the counter and costs approximately $50 for a three month supply.
Propecia is an oral medication that is available only with a doctor’s prescription. It both stimulates new hair growth and stops hair loss. Propecia is effective for approximately 80% of male hair loss, but it is expensive and many insurance companies limit coverage for it. Propecia also has some unpleasant side effects, so it is recommended to try other hair loss solutions first.
A purely cosmetic solution to male hair loss is hair weaves, in which natural-looking hair pieces are sewn into braided existing hair and then glued to hold them in place. Hair weaves can greatly improve the appearance of male hair loss, but they need to be replaced after several months and they can weaken the structure of the existing hair. They’re also difficult to apply to relatively short hair, so they should be done only by experienced practitioners and are only recommended as a temporary response to hair loss.
Another popular strategy for male hair loss is to simply shave the head and flaunt baldness. This solution was an unusual one when Yul Brenner and Telly Savalas chose it, but modern celebrities have made it more popular and most women today prefer the look of a natural bald head to artificial hairpieces. Some of the most well known celebrities who show off their male hair loss are Michael Jordan, Sean Connery, Bruce Willis, Patrick Stewart, Andre Agassi, Vin Diesel, Taye Diggs, Chris Daughtry, Jason Statham and Michael Rosenbaum.
The worst solution for male hair loss is the comb-over, in which one side of the hair is grown much longer than the other side and then is combed over the bald spot in order to cover it. This look is too obvious and is not recommended.
Filed under: Diseases & Conditions