Male Hair Loss: The Bare Bones

It is estimated that there are 35 million men in the United States who are suffering from male pattern baldness, or also known as androgenetic alopecia. While others are feeling comfy in bald heads, some are wondering what they can do to mask it. Here are some basic aspects of the condition called male hair loss.

Male hair loss is the most widespread of all hair loss types. It occurs when there is an increased sensitivity to androgens, or male sex hormones, in certain areas of the scalp. There are men who have scalp areas that are extremely sensitive to androgens that circulate in their blood. The activity made by these hormones cause the hair follicles to shrivel, which then leads to a stage where lost hair cannot be replaced anymore. Even though the hair follicles are still alive, they are not functional anymore.

Male hair loss occurs because of the presence of a chemical called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This DHT element builds up around the hair follicle and sooner or later destroys both the follicle and the hair. What’s genetic is the hair follicle's resistance to DHT. If you have relatives who are suffering from balding or thinning hair, there is quite a possibility that you will be most likely to have male hair loss, too.

The onset of male hair loss is usually from age 20 to 30, which then follows a normal pattern. The first phase involves a hairline that slowly recedes, where the hair atop the head also begins to thin gradually. When the two balding spots meet, they normally form a U-shape around the sides and the back of the head. The hair that remains is finer and is not anymore capable of growing fast as it once did. In male hair loss, all the hair may sooner or later, but not really necessarily, become involved in the process and may cover the area with hair of the fine type.

It is agreed that male hair loss is a progressive occurrence, which can be treated with the proper medications. The two medications that have been provided with an approval from FDA is minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil is a type of hair loss treatment available in topical product and liquid form. The formula is used by applying it directly to the scalp twice a day. Finasteride is available in pill form and is taken by mouth. Medications for male hair loss can work alone or can be used to supplement other therapy. The combination helps stop the progress of natural hair loss.

There are many other ways of stopping male hair loss. These can include surgical techniques for lasting hair replacement like hair transplantation and scalp reduction. There are also other male hair loss procedures that do not entail the use of surgical methods. One is laser hair loss treatment.

If you have observed that male balding runs in the family or if you are already experiencing it, immediately consult with your doctor. He will be able to assist you and help you sort through the thousands of products that will help you restore the health of your hair.