For a large proportion of men thinning hair is an inevitable part of the ageing process, although this often doesn’t make it any easier to accept. Baldness often leads to body image issues and can result in a lack of confidence and depression.
And it’s not always just the aesthetic effect that causes the problem; many cultures associate a good head of hair with masculinity and virility.
Hair loss has a real impact on dating success
A recent survey conducted by a dating agency in Southeast Asia, Paktor, reported 1,264 Malaysians listed balding as one of the worst traits in a romantic partner, whilst a Nielsen survey showed that 39% of Malaysian respondents had confirmed that thinning hair affected them greatly when it came to being popular amongst women.
There are a number of treatments and procedures that can arrest hair loss. The most well known and also most expensive treatment is the hair transplant. It has a good chance of success by migrating hair from a healthy area of the head to the balding patch. It’s a long term solution though and will probably require many visits to a clinic.
Less invasive solutions
If hair loss has been spotted early enough, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a potential option. This painless process works by penetrating the epidermis of the scalp and increasing the metabolism in the cells. By itself it’s unlikely to stimulate many hairs back into a growth cycle but it can be very effective in halting hair loss. Often this is used in conjunction with mesotherapy whereby a solution of vitamins and other compounds are injected directly into the scalp.
These compounds can include Finasteride and Minoxidil which are administered in tablet and mousse form. The key thing here is that the products only work as long as they’re being applied.
Other treatments include Scalp MicroPigmentation (SMP), which is a technique whereby microhairs are inked into the dermal layer of the scalp to create the illusion of a tightly cropped hairstyle. The results can be startlingly realistic and the process can be used in conjunction with a transplant to create the impression of denser hair.
Malaysian men need not give up all hope with such a wide variety of treatments now available globally to tackle hair loss.
