Hair Loss in Men: Causes, Treatment, Diagnosis & Prevention

Causes for Hair Loss in Men:

• Genetics: The most common cause of hair loss in men is hereditary. If your family has a history of male pattern baldness, you are more likely to experience it as well.
• Hormonal Changes: Androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a significant role in hair loss.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and scalp infections, can contribute to hair loss.
• Medications: Some medications can have side effects that include hair loss.
• Stress and Lifestyle: High stress levels, poor diet, and lack of exercise can also contribute to hair loss.

Diagnosis for Hair Loss in Men:

Classic male pattern baldness is usually diagnosed based on the appearance and pattern of the hair loss. A dermatologist may perform the following:

• Scalp Examination: To check the pattern of hair loss.
• Medical History: To determine any underlying conditions or genetic factors.
• Blood Tests: To rule out other medical conditions that could cause hair loss.
• Scalp Biopsy: In rare cases, a small piece of scalp skin is removed for laboratory analysis.

Treatments for Hair Loss in Men:

There are several therapies available for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia:

Medications

• 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: These medications, such as finasteride, reduce the production of DHT and can slow hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
• Minoxidil: A topical treatment that stimulates hair growth and slows balding.

Procedures

• Scalp Microneedling: This involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the scalp, which can stimulate hair growth.
• Hair Mesotherapy: A procedure that involves injecting vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients into the scalp to promote hair growth.
• Hair Transplantation: A surgical procedure where hair follicles from one part of the body are transplanted to the balding areas.

Prevention

Hereditary hair loss cannot be prevented, but there are medical treatments that can maintain, improve, and optimize hair growth. Preventive measures include:

• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress can help.
• Regular Check-Ups: Monitoring your hair health with a dermatologist can catch issues early.
• Proper Hair Care: Using gentle hair care products and avoiding harsh treatments can prevent further damage.

Other Hair Loss Conditions

One other common hair loss condition is alopecia areata (AA), where coin-shaped patches of hair fall appear suddenly on the scalp or beard. This condition is mostly associated with high success rates and responds well to treatment. All hair can be reversed by treatment within a few weeks.

Understanding the cause of hair loss and exploring the various treatment options can help men manage this condition effectively and maintain their confidence and appearance.

Why is hair loss in men very common?

Hair loss is prevalent in men due to:

• Genetics: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is hereditary and affects many men.
• Hormonal Changes: Higher levels of testosterone in men convert to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can shrink hair follicles and cause hair loss.
• Age: Natural aging contributes to thinning hair and eventual hair loss.

In contrast, the female hormone oestrogen helps protect against hair loss by limiting DHT production.

Male-Pattern Baldness: What to Expect

Male pattern hair loss starts in late teens or early twenties. Usually, it appears later. By 50 years of age, more than half of white men have a visible sign of male pattern hair loss like noticeable thinning, a receding hairline, or balding. Initially thinning and receding of hair starts on frontal hairline and or crown area. This happens gradually throughout years and ends up in partial or full baldness.

Early Stages

• Initial Thinning: Hair starts to thin on the frontal hairline and/or crown area.
• Receding Hairline: The hairline gradually recedes, creating a noticeable change in appearance.

Progression

• Gradual Thinning: Thinning progresses slowly over the years.
• Balding Areas: Bald spots may develop, particularly on the crown and temples.

Advanced Stages

• Partial or Full Baldness: The condition may lead to partial or complete baldness on top of the head, while hair often remains on the sides and back.

Understanding these stages can help in managing expectations and exploring treatment options.

Diagnosing Hair Loss

Effective treatment for hair loss begins with identifying the underlying cause. To get an accurate diagnosis, seeing a dermatologist is crucial due to their expertise in various hair loss causes and treatments.

Diagnostic Process

• Medical History: Your dermatologist will start by gathering detailed information about your hair loss and overall health.
• Physical Examination: A thorough examination of your scalp and hair will be conducted.
• Pull Test: This test helps determine the severity of active hair fall by gently pulling on a few strands of hair.
• Blood Tests: If a disease, vitamin deficiency, hormone imbalance, or infection is suspected, blood tests may be ordered.
• Scalp Biopsy: In some cases, a scalp biopsy might be performed to examine hair follicles more closely.

Male Pattern Hair Loss

• Straightforward Diagnosis: Typically, male pattern hair loss is diagnosed based on the characteristic pattern of hair loss, and additional tests are often unnecessary.

Types of Hair Loss Treatment for Men

Hair loss treatments for men fall into two main categories: at-home solutions and professional procedures.

At-Home Treatments

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical solution that helps stimulate hair growth and prevent further loss. When applied as directed, it can show results within 4 to 6 months. However, for best outcomes, it is often used alongside other treatments. Discontinuing minoxidil may result in a loss of benefits and increased shedding.

Finasteride (Propecia) is an FDA-approved oral medication designed to enhance scalp hair growth. Regular use is required to effectively manage pattern baldness.

Laser devices, such as laser caps and combs, are available for at-home use. While evidence from studies is limited, these devices may offer some benefits for hair growth.

Professional Procedures at SKIN111

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:

At SKIN111, PRP therapy is a popular choice for improving hair growth and thickness. Often combined with microneedling, this procedure uses your own PRP to stimulate hair follicles. Typically, 3 to 5 sessions are recommended, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, to achieve the best results.

Exosome Therapy:

SKIN111 offers cutting-edge exosome therapy, which utilizes extracellular vesicles rich in growth factors to support hair growth. This advanced treatment helps control inflammation, manage autoimmunity, and promote tissue regeneration, potentially extending the hair growth phase and enhancing follicle development.

Stem Cell Injections:

For hair regeneration, SKIN111 provides stem cell injections that use concentrated growth factors to rejuvenate hair follicles. These injections are delivered directly into the scalp to stimulate new hair growth effectively.

Microneedling:

Our microneedling procedure involves a device with tiny needles to promote hair growth. Studies have shown that this technique can improve hair density, making it a valuable option for enhancing your hair's appearance.

Hair Transplants:

For a permanent solution to significant hair loss, SKIN111 offers hair transplants. This procedure involves transplanting hair follicles to thinning or bald areas, providing a long-term fix for pattern baldness.

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP):

At SKIN111, we also offer scalp micropigmentation, a non-surgical tattoo technique that helps cover bald spots and thinning areas. This cosmetic solution creates the appearance of fuller hair, giving you a more confident look.

Corticosteroid Injections:

For those dealing with alopecia areata, SKIN111 provides corticosteroid injections. These injections are used to stimulate hair regrowth in bald patches, helping to restore hair in affected areas.

At SKIN111, we tailor each treatment to meet individual needs, and often recommend a combination of approaches to achieve optimal results.

Who needs Hair Loss Treatment? 

If you're experiencing thinning hair or noticing an increase in hair loss, it’s important to seek treatment. A dermatologist can help address these concerns by identifying and treating the underlying causes of hair loss.

The process typically begins with a physical examination, a review of your complete medical and family history, and possibly some diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation helps the dermatologist understand the reasons behind your hair loss and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Benefits of Hair Loss Treatment for Men

Hair plays a crucial role in defining appearance, and its loss can significantly impact one's self-esteem and confidence. Men often seek hair loss treatments not just for aesthetic reasons but also to address emotional and psychological effects. These treatments can help restore a more youthful appearance, boosting self-confidence and self-image.

Beyond cosmetic benefits, addressing hair loss can also contribute to overall health by managing underlying causes. Effective hair loss treatments can play a vital role in anti-aging, as well as in the prevention and control of further balding. Whether for enhancing appearance or improving self-esteem, hair loss treatments offer substantial benefits for those experiencing premature hair loss.

What medications are available to treat male pattern (hereditary) baldness?

There are several different medications available to treat male pattern hair loss with variable success rates.

• Minoxidil: Topical minoxidil stops hair from thinning and stimulates new hair growth. Now oral minoxidil is also available. 
• Finasteride: Oral finasteride is a prescription medication for men who have male pattern hair loss. Topical finasteride is also available now. 
• Dutasteride: One solution for baldness is Dutasteride, an antiandrogen medication that thickens the hair and stops it from falling out. It is effective in the early stages of male pattern hair loss.

Results of Hair Loss Treatments

Hair loss treatments, while often minimally invasive and cost-effective, are known for delivering long-term results. They can effectively reduce hair loss, promote regrowth, and enhance overall hair quality. Visible results typically appear a few months after starting treatment. Most patients experience successful prevention of further balding and restoration of hair volume and health. Men who undergo hair transplants often report increased self-confidence with permanent improvements in their hairline and volume.

Prevention of Hair Loss in Men

While male pattern hair loss cannot be completely prevented, early intervention can halt its progression. To help maintain healthy hair and minimize loss, consider the following steps:

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Ensure your diet includes adequate calories, protein, and iron.
• Manage Stress: Find effective ways to cope with stress, which can impact hair health.
• Address Medical Conditions: Manage any underlying medical conditions, such as thyroid issues, that could contribute to hair loss.
• Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Refrain from hairstyles that pull on the hair tightly, which can cause additional damage.  

Conclusion

Accurate diagnosis and timely intervention are key to successfully managing hair loss and achieving hair regrowth. Early treatment increases the likelihood of seeing positive results.

However, it is important to note:

• Not All Hair Loss Can Be Treated: While many types of hair loss can be addressed, some may only be manageable, not fully reversible.
• Patience Is Required: It can take several months to observe noticeable results from treatment.
• Individual Variability: Treatments may not be universally effective; what works for one person may not work for another, even with similar hair loss types.
• Persistence May Be Necessary: Finding an effective treatment might require trying different options to achieve desired results.

In addition to professional treatments, self-care is crucial in both preventing and managing hair loss. By combining medical interventions with healthy lifestyle practices, you can optimize your hair health and overall well-being.