Hair loss is a common concern for many men. By age 35, around 66% of men will experience some degree of hair loss, and by age 50, that number jumps to 85%. While losing your hair can be a blow to your self-confidence, the good news is that there are many hair loss treatments for men available today.
But with so many options, it can be tough to know which ones are really the best hair loss treatment for men. In this article, we’ll break down the most common hair loss treatments for men, examine the science behind them, and help you determine the best treatment for men’s hair loss based on your specific needs and goals.
Table of Contents
Understanding Male Hair Loss
Before we dive into the various treatment options, it’s helpful to understand the basics of male hair loss. The most common type of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. This condition is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors.
How Male Pattern Baldness Occurs
Male pattern baldness occurs when hair follicles on the scalp are sensitive to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a byproduct of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. When DHT attaches to receptors in hair follicles, it can shrink the follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle, leading to thinner, shorter hairs and eventual hair loss.
Stages of Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern baldness typically follows a predictable pattern, starting with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown of the head. Over time, these areas of hair loss can expand and join together, leaving a horseshoe-shaped ring of hair around the sides and back of the head.
Best Hair Loss Treatments for Men
Now that we understand how male hair loss occurs let’s look at some of the best hair loss treatment options available to men.
1. Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride, sold under the brand name Propecia, is an oral medication that is one of the most effective hair loss treatments for men.
How Finasteride Works
Finasteride works by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. By reducing DHT levels in the scalp, finasteride can slow down or even stop hair loss in many men. It can also help regrow hair in some cases.
Finasteride Results
Studies have shown that finasteride can effectively halt hair loss in around 90% of men and stimulate hair regrowth in about 65%. Results are typically seen after 3-6 months of daily use.
Finasteride Side Effects
While finasteride is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some men, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced ejaculate volume. These side effects usually resolve after stopping the medication.
2. Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil, commonly sold as Rogaine, is an over-the-counter topical treatment that is another one of the best treatment for men’s hair loss.
How Minoxidil Works
Minoxidil belongs to a class of drugs called vasodilators. It works by widening blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which can stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil also extends the growth phase of the hair cycle, leading to longer, thicker hairs.
Minoxidil Results
When used twice daily, minoxidil has been shown to slow hair loss and promote hair regrowth in many men. Results can be seen as early as 2-4 months, with optimal results usually seen after 6-12 months of consistent use.
Minoxidil Side Effects
Minoxidil is safe for most men, but it can cause side effects like scalp irritation, dryness, and flaking. It can also cause unwanted hair growth on the face and hands if it comes into contact with these areas.
3. Hair Transplantation
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the scalp (usually the back and sides) to bald or thinning areas. It can be an effective hair loss treatment for men who have more advanced hair loss.
Types of Hair Transplantation
There are two main types of hair transplantation: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).
- FUT involves removing a strip of skin from the back of the scalp, dissecting it into individual hair grafts, and transplanting those grafts to the bald areas.
FUE involves extracting individual hair follicles directly from the scalp and transplanting them to the desired areas.
Hair Transplantation Results
Hair transplantation can produce very natural-looking results that are permanent. Transplanted hairs will fall out within a few weeks after the procedure, but they will start to regrow after 3-4 months. Full results are usually seen within 6-12 months.
Hair Transplantation Considerations
Hair transplantation is usually considered a last resort hair loss treatment for men, as it is the most invasive and expensive option. It also requires sufficient healthy hair on the back and sides of the scalp to use as donor hair. Hair transplantation does not prevent future hair loss, so additional procedures may be needed over time.
4. Low-Level Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level lasers to stimulate hair growth. It is sometimes marketed as “laser combs” or “laser caps.”
How LLLT Works
LLLT works by delivering low-level laser light to the scalp, which is thought to increase blood flow and stimulate cellular metabolism in the hair follicles. This increased activity may extend the growth phase of the hair cycle and promote new hair growth.
LLLT Results
While more research is needed, some studies have shown that LLLT can improve hair density and thickness in men with androgenetic alopecia. Results may be seen after 3-6 months of regular use.
LLLT Considerations
LLLT devices are generally safe, but they can be expensive. Results are often not as dramatic as with medications like finasteride or minoxidil. LLLT is usually used as a complementary treatment alongside other hair loss therapies.
5. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a newer treatment that involves injecting a concentrate of a patient’s own platelets into the scalp to promote hair growth.
How PRP Therapy Works
Platelets are blood cells that contain growth factors that can stimulate tissue regeneration. In PRP therapy, a sample of the patient’s blood is drawn and processed to concentrate the platelets. This platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the scalp in the areas of hair loss.
PRP Therapy Results
Some studies have shown that PRP therapy can increase hair count and thickness in men with androgenetic alopecia. Results are usually seen after 3-6 months, and multiple treatments may be needed for optimal results.
PRP Therapy Considerations
PRP therapy is generally safe, as it uses the patient’s own blood cells. However, it can be expensive, and results are not always predictable. More research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness as a hair loss treatment for men.
Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Hair
In addition to medical treatments, there are several lifestyle changes men can make to support healthy hair and potentially slow down hair loss.
- Manage Stress: High levels of stress can contribute to hair loss. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to keep stress in check.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals like biotin, iron, and zinc can help support healthy hair growth. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Be Gentle with Your Hair: Avoid harsh treatments like high heat styling, tight hairstyles, and aggressive brushing, which can damage hair and contribute to hair loss.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the scalp, which can contribute to hair loss. Quitting smoking can improve overall hair health.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best hair loss treatment for men, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best treatment for men’s hair loss will depend on factors like the extent of hair loss, overall health, and personal preferences. FDA-approved treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are proven to be effective for many men, while surgical options like hair transplantation can provide permanent results for those with more advanced hair loss.
Newer therapies like LLLT and PRP are promising but require more research. Ultimately, the key to successfully treating hair loss is to start early, be consistent with treatment, and make healthy lifestyle choices to support hair health. If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk to your doctor to determine the best hair loss treatment for men for your specific needs.
