Are these terms baffling you? Don’t worry! We are here to quickly explain to you what is male pattern baldness, baldness in men and what is male pattern baldness cure. In simple words, male pattern baldness is nothing but hair loss from your scalp and it can typically start happening in the form of a particular pattern begining initially with hair thinning that tends to grow more leading to complete loss of hair from your scalp. Hair fall is a very common delinquent which can be seen in numerous people. But male pattern baldness is one major cause of hair fall in men. Baldness in men generally occurs in adult males who are more than 50 years of age. A study also states that male pattern baldness is a very common hair loss type in men and more than 50% of the males can get affected by men's hair balding. The more they age, the more is the percentage of affected males. Male pattern baldness is also known as androgenic alopecia, androgenetic alopecia, this baldness in men which can affect about 80% of the total mass of males aged around 80 or above. The early signs of male pattern baldness like suppose thinning of the hair follicles can be noticed in the early twenties or thirties as well. Though people of Japan and China are less prone to get affected by this disease. During the primary stages, this male type of baldness tends to appear at the front part of your scalp or the top of your scalp. Before we move on to the types and treatments of male pattern baldness, we will quickly let you know about some basic causes of male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness happens due to various reasons. Some are:
Stress is a very important factor these days irrespective of male or female. You should plan and execute your work properly to stay away from any kind of stress. Stress can lead to telogen effluvium ( Type 2 hair loss ) or heavy shedding.
Genetics can have lots of effects on a person's life and it is a very common factor for male pattern baldness. In all likelihood, anyone in the family history who is suffering or has suffered from this problem will have more chances of spreading this problem to the coming generations. A son suffering from male pattern baldness generally happens from his parents.
Hormones play a vital role in your body and health. Androgens are also known as male sex hormones or testosterone and are related to hair growth. Well with age the hormonal effect also changes; thus, it can lead to shrinkage of your hair follicles. Hair follicles are weakened which shortens the hair growth and also leads to finer or thinner growth of hair strands. This cycle of shortening of hair growth continues to occur and after a certain age, no hair grows from that particular region of your scalp resulting in male pattern baldness.
Also Read: Iron Deficiency Hair Loss Treatment
Some other causes besides these main causes are: -
- Male pattern baldness can occur after any vital surgery or even as a side effect of some medicines.
- It can also be a symptom of any fungal infections or thyroid issues.
- DTH or dihydrotestosterone hormones can be effectively sensitive for your hair follicles. Though this doesn’t occur in all cases varying from person to person depending upon the level of sensitivity it causes to your hair follicles. The more sensitive your hair follicle the quicker the action begins of thinning and shortening of your hair strands. It’s the main hormone that causes male pattern baldness and thinning hair .
- Excess intake of Vitamin A, deficiency of iron, and malnutrition can lead to male baldness.
Type of Male Pattern Baldness
Undoubtedly you might be thinking of the types of male pattern baldness as you all are now aware of what is balding and what are the factors causing male pattern baldness. Let's deep dive into this topic so that it becomes easier for you to understand at which stage of male pattern baldness you are currently suffering.
Male pattern baldness or Baldness in Men, can be wrongly judged as normal hair fall at its initial stages. Hair loss is normal but it can become an issue if you suddenly notice that your hair Is becoming thin and lots of hair fall occurring in patches. Undoubtedly, you might be wondering how did you lose so much hair instantaneously. Won’t you? That’s when you realize that you are suffering from male type baldness and it was all but a secret to you all these days. Though it rarely has any physical health issues, mentally it can lead to depression because of the change in the look that happens overnight.
M-shaped Hairline is a type of male pattern baldness where you will notice that your forehead hairs are taking the shape like the English alphabet, leading to thin hair follicle growth and making your forehead more visible. This is a very early sign and hardly gets observed.
When you see that your hair is taking the form of numerous shapes like M, U or V naturally, understand that you are no longer at the basic stage of male pattern baldness. While you notice the change in your hairline, the problem becomes more visible. At this stage, you suffer from immense hair loss and this fall of your hair gradually moves from your forehead towards the top portion of your scalp; showing early signs of bald spots.
The very next stage is when you are losing lots of hair in patches. The occurrence of bald spots is more evident and hair falls from the back end of your head.
The next type is when your hair is taking a U shape from the front part of your forehead and progressively increasing towards the middle of your scalp. This is a severe stage of balding and treating your hair from this stage can become enormously problematic.
The very next step can make almost the entire scalp of yours visible as the bald patches get engorged and the middle or top part of your scalp becomes completely bald. The growth of hair follicles becomes extremely short and this in this type of male pattern baldness.
The last stage or type of male pattern baldness is when you have lost almost all your hairs from the crown part and very little, thin hairs remain at both the sides of your scalp. Unfortunately, you can hardly opt for any treatment or natural remedy if have reached this stage. Well, you can try out some alternatives though. The best way would be if you accept and embrace this new natural look of yours. Otherwise, you can try out some fedoras or toupees or you can simply try out with hair wigs.
You might be thinking if this is what your future appearance looks like. Right? Don’t worry! We have covered up some male pattern baldness treatment for you so that you can take proper care of your hair and restrict it from reaching the deadly stage of complete hair loss. Let's have a look at what are those.
Male Pattern Baldness Treatment
You all think hair loss very common phenomenon. That’s completely true. But you need to understand the rate at which you are losing your hair. Many of you ignore this fact and think that there is no need for treatment. It's of course not always necessary. But treating your hair properly is a sign of taking proper care of your hair. Some male pattern baldness treatments are: -
Minoxidil is a medication treatment. Generally applied to your scalp it is also known as rogaine. It is available in various pharmacies and is sold in the form of a lotion or even as a foam. This was initially used for treating blood pressure, but gradually it has shown signs of growth of new scalp folliculitis especially at the crown part of your head. Another thing that you should be aware of is, always be patient if you are choosing minoxidil for male baldness treatment. You can witness evident results after three to six months or even after a year. As you stop using it, you can visibly notice hair fall like before. Use it open-endedly but be conscious of its side effects as well. Though minoxidil does not cause any effect on DHT or hormone production, it can cause itching, swelling, weight gain, respiratory and breathing troubles, an increase in heartbeat, hives. Some rarely happening side effects include headaches and blur in vision.
Finasteride is also known as Propecia is an oral treatment for male pattern baldness cure. Unlike minoxidil, this is available only on a prescribed basis. It is sold in the form of tablets and is generally prescribed for once in a day intake. It helps in the reduction of your hair fall and can take a maximum of three to six months for you to achieve visible results. It has been tested that finasteride has more to do with your hair loss than minoxidil. But same with minoxidil, once you stop its intake it can lead to reverse male pattern baldness. This tablet can prevent baldness in the male by blocking the formation of hormone which is responsible for the growth of your hair. These too have certain side effects. This can lead to initial hair loss which will regrow with time. Other than this it can lead to diarrhea, skin irritation or rashes, wooziness, headaches, depression, face, and lips swelling, and breast problems which can further lead to breast cancer. Though this is a very rare effect of finasteride.
- Hair Transplantation
Hair Transplantation is another male baldness treatment. As the name suggests it involves the transplantation of hair from one place onto your scalp. This is an expensive male pattern baldness treatment. It is being studied that hair that grows at the back portion of the scalp is more resilient to androgen hormone. Thus, that area of the scalp has vigorous hair growth. Hair growing in those sections is taken and placed in balding areas. Since this procedure has several sessions it has its effects as well. It can lead to infection and scarring. Although expensive it is a more natural remedy for baldness and unlike finasteride and minoxidil, it is an everlasting solution as the hair transplanted to the balding areas is more resistant to androgen hormone. Hence, it is a plus that can help in hair regrowth for them suffering from male pattern baldness.
- Wigs and Weaves
Wigs and hairpieces can be a great solution to male pattern baldness. As you all might be very well aware, wigs are available in distinctive varieties. You can choose hair wigs according to your preference as a variety of texture and color is available and it can naturally change your look. Add on to this a hairstyling expert setting up your hair. Won't you have a perfectly natural appearance? The best thing is it does not have any adverse effect as such. This is one of the best remedies for baldness in men.
Weaves are nothing but hair wigs that are attached to your natural hair. You will have to remove your artificial hairpiece while performing certain activities like swimming or while taking a shower and even during sleep. This is where weaves can be a better solution as this is joined with your natural hair and does not require any wear and open theory. It can be a constant companion and does not require any kind of removal. But it has a shortcoming too. It can cause hindrance to the growth of your natural hair and you need to stitch the hair wigs again and again whenever a new hair grows.
- Opting for shampoo and oiling treatment.
Shampoo treatments like Ketoconazole and Pyrithione also commonly known as Nizoral and Head and Shoulders respectively can help reduce male pattern baldness. This process though does not require prescribed certifications.
Organic oils like sesame oil and neem oil, extra virgin coconut oil, rosemary oil, tea tree oil are some of the best hair regrowth oil for baldness.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Male Pattern Baldness
Medicinal science is no wonder more advanced now. But the age-old ayurvedic treatments still have their charm. Here are some basic ayurvedic treatments for male pattern baldness. They are: -
- Ayurvedic Shampoos for your hair
The use of non-chemical and herbal shampoos is always a better option than opting for chemical-based products. Some natural ingredients that are readily available which you can use are –
Triphala: It has antibacterial properties because of the presence of some ingredients named haritaki, bhibhitaki, and Amalaki which helps to reduce the DHT build-up which leads to more hair loss in a person who is already suffering from male pattern baldness. Triphala Churna is known as a cooling agent and provides moisture to your hair which helps in hair growth increasing the volume of your hair. It also help to reduce the causes of dandruff. Water mixed with Triphala power will give you a fine paste. Apply the paste all over your scalp and wash with water.
- Ayurvedic Oils for your hair
Hot oil massages are always a boon for your hair. And if it is some herbal oil it can spring even better results for your hair. Ayurvedic Oils can be a prodigious resolution for male pattern baldness. Certain herbs are extracted from oils that provide deep nourishment to your hair and can aid in dipping hair loss. This can also reverse male pattern baldness.
The use of amla is best for nourishing your hair. Amla mixed with reetha and shikakai can be a blessing.
Bhringraja oil and leech oil or jonk oil can be used as an ayurvedic treatment for male pattern baldness.
You all must be acquainted with the benefits Brahmi leaves provide. Brahmi oil or Brahmi leaves can help prevent baldness in men.
- Some other popular ayurvedic ingredients
Ashwagandha is a very common ayurvedic ingredient used to thwart male pattern baldness. It controls the hormone responsible for the slow growth of your hair. Same as Triphala, make a paste with the help of water and apply it all over your scalp.
Methi is another ayurvedic ingredient that can help reduce male pattern baldness. It helps in scalp rejuvenation and makes the hair roots stronger. It is an intense ingredient to fight baldness in men. For best results roast the methi first and then grind it to form a powder and then make a smooth paste.
- Yoga asanas
Vajrasana, Sarvangasana, Bhujangasana, Pranayama, Sirsana, Kapalabhati and Anuloma viloma can help prevent hair loss and helps in hair growth and proper blood circulation to your scalp.
Genetic problems are something that cannot be avoided but that does not mean you cannot afford to overlook hair loss by any means. Hair loss leads to an enlarged forehead which further leads to pattern baldness and thin hair strands. These are all interlinked with each other. Hair loss is a common phenomenon as you age so is balding. Getting afraid or depressed cannot be a solution. All you can do is start treating your hair from the very initial stages to prevent men’s hair balding.
At Traya Health, you can also book an online appointment for free, that will allow our team of experts to make the necessary diagnosis and approach your case in the proper way. We understand that each case merits a separate approach, and have therefore customised hair fall solutions for men. All you need to do is send us a selfie of your scalp, answer a few lifestyle questions, then sit back to let the hair honchos take over as they provide some excellent hair fall solutions.
