According to the Daily Star at the weekend Prince Harry is planning to “splash out £50,000 on a hair transplant in a bid to thicken his thinning locks”. The paper is never one to shy away from the big story, regardless of the evidence so at this stage the jury is out on whether or not the Prince is really opting for the procedure. What is for sure is that he showing signs of male pattern baldness. Photos from his first royal engagement along with his future wife brought attention to a large bald patch on the top of Harry’s head – the typical initial symptom of the condition.
Other members of the royal family are well known for their struggles with male pattern baldness, both Prince Charles and Prince William have lost most of their hair on their crowns.
What is male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia is an inherited condition which is caused by a genetically determined hyper-sensitivity to the effects of the hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Several genes are involved in the development of male pattern baldness, which account for differences in the age of onset, the progression, pattern and severity of the condition. The genes are inherited from both parents but currently there is no reliable form of genetic testing to predict balding.
Treatments available today
The condition is actually extremely common and it is estimated that up to half of Caucasian men will experience hair loss by the time they reach the age of fifty. Understandably, there is a high demand for treatment options as men can be affected by hair loss from as early as twenty years old.
Treatment options include hair transplants, scalp micro pigmentation and cosmetic solutions such as hair pieces. Minoxidil has also been approved by the FDA as an over the counter medication which is applied topically onto the scalp, this helps to stimulate hair regrowth. Finasteride tablets can be prescribed by a doctor and offers a similar result. Both Minoxidil and Finasteride must be used on a daily basis in order to sustain results; otherwise any hair which has regrown will shed.
Whether or not Harry does opt for some treatment we’re sure he’ll take appropriate advice first. If you want to discuss the condition in confidence then don’t hesitate to contact us by filling in the form on the right or by calling us on +44(0)845 604 4618 to book a free and confidential consultation with one of our team of friendly experts.
