Analyzing Male Pattern Baldness
Androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, is hair loss that occurs due to an underlying susceptibility of hair follicles to androgenic miniaturization. It is the most common cause of hair loss and will affect up to 70% of men and 40% of women at some point in their lifetime. Men typically present with hairline recession at the temples and vertex balding while women normally diffusely thin over the top of their scalps. Male pattern baldness is related to your genes and male sex hormones. It usually follows a pattern of receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown, and is caused by hormones and genetic predisposition.
The typical pattern of male baldness begins at the hairline. The hairline gradually recedes and forms an "M" shape. Eventually the hair becomes finer, shorter, and thinner, and creates a U-shaped pattern of hair around the sides of the head.
Wear all the hats that you want, for as long as you want! There are several myths about male pattern baldness. Some say that wearing hats will cause you to lose your hair quicker. This is simply untrue. Hair gels and sprays contain no active ingredients that promote male baldness, so don't worry about using them. Twiddling your fingers and always playing with your hair does not cause premature baldness. There are no viral infections that cause direct balding. Some powerful medications, however, may be culprits of hair loss since they kill off the hair's roots. In any case, always consult your physician.
Treatment is not necessary if you are comfortable with your appearance. Hair weaving, hairpieces, or change of hairstyle may disguise the hair loss. This is usually the least expensive and safest approach for male baldness.
Two medications are approved to treat male pattern baldness:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a solution that you apply directly to the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles. It slows hair loss for many men, and some men grow new hair. Hair loss returns when you stop using this medicine.
- Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) is a pill that interferes with the production of a certain male hormone linked to baldness. It slows hair loss. It works a bit better than minoxidil. Hair loss returns when you stop using this medicine.
