Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss that’s been experienced by men for decades. However, despite just how common it is, many men are still unaware of what it is, what causes it and why it happens.
If you’re searching for answers, below you’ll discover more about this frustrating and often embarrassing condition and how you can treat it.
Understanding male pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men and it can strike at any age. However, it does tend to affect more men later in life, which is why it is often associated as a sign of old age.
The truth is, there are several reasons why it can occur and largely it’s all down to genetics. If you have a family history of male pattern baldness, it’s a sure sign you’ll develop it too. It does appear to affect white men more than any other race.
Another factor which can influence the condition is hormones. Genetics once again come into play, as the hair follicles are genetically sensitive to what is known as DHT. This makes them shrink when exposed to high levels of DHT hormones and in turn they won’t live as long.
So, those are the main reasons it occurs, but what about treatments? The good news is, there are plenty of treatment options on offer these days.
Male pattern baldness treatments
Over the past decade, there’s been substantial advancements in the hair loss treatment industry. Long gone are the days you had to put up with an unflattering wig! Now, you can get help from:
- Medications
- Topical treatments
- SMP
- Hair transplants
Medications and topical treatments are ideal for those just starting to experience male pattern baldness. They can really help slow the condition down and in some cases, encourage healthy regrowth. However, these types of treatments, while effective, are only temporary.
If you’re looking for something a bit more permanent, SMP or a hair transplant would be the better option. SMP is a tattoo procedure, which aims to create a full, freshly shaved head appearance. It’s the cheaper option and has proven to be extremely successful. Hair transplants are another long-lasting solution, though they are known to be very expensive!
Overall, there is no cure for male pattern baldness, but there are excellent treatments available. Be aware that there are several different types of hair loss however, so you should also get a diagnosis from the doctor before seeking treatment.
