Men’s Health – 5 Effective Guidelines for Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness in men means that men start losing hair. The hair loss is clearly visible on the scalp. Generally, the hair loss patterns start to appear in the later years. This pattern affects almost 50 million men in the United States alone and in most cases, it starts to progress after men have reached the age of 50.

Also known as androgenetic alopecia, these baldness patterns occur due to change in the hormone levels. Genetic factors and age are also responsible for contributing to male pattern baldness. The scalp hair follicles begin to shrink, resulting in no hair growth after a certain time period. Stress, medications, chronic diseases, and psychological conditions are some causes of hair loss in men.

Doctors conduct various tests and exams to diagnose male pattern baldness. They look for any disorders, nutritional deficiencies, rash, patchy hair loss, and hair breakage to identify the main cause that is triggering hair loss.

Here are five guidelines for you to address male pattern baldness and how to deal with it:

• Choosing a hairstyle: People who are facing a limited amount of hair loss can easily look up for appropriate hairstyles to hide the bald patches. Consult your hairdresser to customize a hairstyle that suits your outlook and makes your hair look fuller. You can also try hair extensions to add volume to your hair.
• Hair transplant: Even though it is an expensive and invasive approach, it can address your hair loss problems. It makes your hair look more natural and fuller. During the treatment, follicles from dense regions of hair are implanted on the areas where hair growth isn’t visible. Your dense follicles act as a donor for the less dense regions. A hair transplant might not work for everyone. It is suited for people who are experiencing hair thinning and balding.
• Minoxidil topical: It is a medication that can treat male pattern baldness. It is applied to the scalp to stimulate hair follicles. This promotes hair growth. This medication takes a few months to one year to show results. It is easily available over the counter. Side effects include dryness, burning, and irritation.
• Prevention: There is no known method that can prevent hair loss. Male pattern baldness is often caused by stress and psychological conditions. You can reduce stress by engaging in relaxation techniques such as listening to soothing music or taking a walk in the park. Eat healthy foods to avoid hair loss.
• Embrace your baldness: It usually comes as a shock, when you first realize that you are suffering from male pattern baldness. Witnessing hair loss can often be discouraging and difficult to cope up with. You might have trouble accepting your new appearance for a long time. You can seek professional help or attend counseling sessions to feel better and comfortable.

Footnote

Male pattern baldness is a condition faced by a large number of men. It can affect adolescents too but it is most common in adult and aged men. Accepting and learning how to deal with the condition is necessary as it can negatively impact your self-esteem and cause emotional problems.