The truth is, male pattern baldness is a condition men around the world experience, and technically, there is no outright cure. There are, however, treatments. MPB, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is characterized by a gradual and progressive loss of hair, primarily from the front and top of the scalp. It’s the most common cause of baldness, but thankfully there are many ways you can combat it. Though there are treatments, keep in mind that there is no outright cure. Treatments can, however, slow down hair loss and can briefly return hair to your scalp.
What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?
Male pattern baldness is primarily caused by genetics. The condition is inherited from one or both parents and is linked to the androgen receptor gene. This gene is responsible for controlling the hair growth cycle, and variations in this gene can lead to male pattern baldness.
Hormones also play a role in male pattern baldness. The hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is known to contribute to hair loss in men. DHT is derived from testosterone and is found in high levels in the scalp of men with male pattern baldness. DHT causes hair loss by binding itself to hair follicles, which causes them to shrink over time until, eventually, the hairs become so fine that they stop growing altogether. This is why thinning occurs before full baldness.
Symptoms of Male Pattern Baldness
A receding hairline is one of the key symptoms of male pattern baldness. This usually begins at the temples and progresses over time. Your hair may also start thinning on the crown of your head to create a bald spot. Eventually, your hair loss may progress to the point where only a horseshoe-shaped ring of hair remains on the sides and back of the head.
Male pattern baldness usually develops slowly over several years. The rate of hair loss can vary from person to person. Unfortunately, this means some men experience rapid hair loss.
Treatment Options for Male Pattern Baldness
The truth is that there’s currently no cure for male pattern baldness. There are, however, several treatment options available that’ll slow down and even reverse hair loss.
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Medication
One treatment you can use to encourage thicker hair growth is Minoxidil, which works to increase circulation in your scalp. It doesn’t require a prescription, so you can pick it up at your high street pharmacy. Keep in mind that this is more a holistic treatment than a cure-all, and while it may work for some, there’s no guarantee.
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Hair Transplants
The most effective way to not just stop hair loss, but reverse it, is with hair transplant surgery. One of the most popular methods to date is FUE, which works by extracting hair follicles from another part of your body (usually other areas of your scalp) and transplanting them to where your baldness is most prevalent. The UK hair transplant cost can range from £2000 to £15,000, though there are many factors that will determine your exact costs. In general, you’ll only need one or two transplants in your lifetime.
Preventing Male Pattern Baldness
There’s no sure-fire way to prevent male pattern baldness, particularly if there’s a genetic predisposition. Healthy living, however, can reduce the risks. The same applies to reducing your stress since unhealthy living and chronic stress can exacerbate hair loss issues. Know that if you are already experiencing baldness, hair transplants could provide you with a solution to bringing back some lost confidence.
