The Best Male Hair Loss Treatment in 2023
The bottom line
Male pattern baldness is linked to genes and to male hormones called androgens. Two medicines treat it: minoxidil, a liquid applied to the scalp, and finasteride, a prescription pill. Both take months to show results, results vary, and the benefit fades when you stop. A doctor can help find the cause of your hair loss first.
This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation.
Key takeaways
- Male pattern baldness is linked to genes and to male hormones called androgens.
- Minoxidil is a liquid you apply to the scalp twice a day; it can regrow hair but does not work for all men.
- Finasteride is a prescription pill taken once a day; it usually takes three months or more before it helps.
- With either medicine, hair loss returns when you stop using it.
Male pattern baldness is linked to genes and to male hormones called androgens; scalp infections such as ringworm cause other kinds of hair loss. There are several treatments available to stop hair loss or promote hair growth.
Androgenetic alopecia affects an estimated 50 million men in the United States, and more than 50 percent of men over age 50 have some hair loss. To prevent and treat hair loss in males, this article examines the finest hair loss treatment alternatives.
Use over-the-counter medications for hair loss
You may be familiar with over-the-counter drugs that aid in stopping hair loss. The FDA has authorized this drug at 5% strength, and it is offered as a solution or foam administered to the scalp. Since several studies demonstrate how beneficial and safe these over-the-counter medications are, several renowned doctors have considered utilizing modest doses.
Hair growth products
A dermatologist may prescribe various medications, ointments, lotions, and shampoos as part of treatment for hair loss. Several businesses specialize in male hair treatments. They often provide services to assist in determining the most effective approach and customize therapies to meet a person’s needs. One popular option can be the use of the medication finasteride, which works by blocking the production of a hormone called DHT, which can be a major cause of male pattern hair loss. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride can help to stop further hair thinning and can even stimulate new hair growth.
Reduce stress
Stress may have a substantial negative impact on both your hair and the rest of your body. A chaotic lifestyle can cause hair loss. These methods can reduce stress:
- Regularly exercising
- Listening to music
- Practicing yoga
- Meditating
- Getting enough sleep
Try Laser therapy
For some kinds of hair loss, such as alopecia, laser therapy is considered to lessen the inflammation in the follicles that prevents them from regrowing. According to recent research, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may promote hair growth for various forms of hair loss. This is supported by a 2016 evaluation that found LLLT safe and effective for treating male pattern hair loss.
Quit smoking
You’ve probably heard about all the harmful consequences smoking has on your lungs if yousmoke. Yet, did you know that smoking may cause hair loss? 2020 research of 1,000 males showed that more than half of the smokers had some degree of hair loss, compared to fewer than half of the non-smokers. Quitting smoking may lessen hair loss if you smoke.
Scalp massage
A technique that might slow hair loss is scalp massaging. According to a poll of 340 people of various ages, genders, and degrees of hair loss, scalp massage can make people believe their hair is growing more.
For around six months, the responders massaged their scalps for an average of 36.3 hours. More than 68% of respondents claimed their hair loss had stabilized or even increased. Results did not differ by demographic group, indicating that scalp massage could be helpful for anyone worried about hair loss.
The researchers point out that individuals who had overall hair thinning, as opposed to thinning only in one part of the scalp, were less likely to report improvements in hair loss.
Conclusion
There is various treatment for hair loss you might try. They include over-the-counter and prescription drugs and natural therapies. Consult your physician beforehand. They can help you identify the cause of your hair loss and the best treatment option.
