Can male hair loss be reversed?
Millions of men experience some form of hair loss every year. By far the most common condition is androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as male pattern hair loss. It is a genetic condition that affects every man differently, but can male hair loss be reversed? Here, we take a closer look at male pattern hair loss and explain what you need to know about treating this common condition.
So, can male hair loss be reversed?
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for male pattern hair loss, but there are a number of treatments that can halt hair loss and stimulate regrowth (more on this below). However, hair loss in men can be caused by a range of afflictions, and male pattern hair loss is just one of the conditions associated with hair loss. For instance, telogen effluvium is linked to trauma and certain medications and is not permanent. If you suffer from telogen effluvium, there’s a good chance that your hair will grow back naturally.
How to identify your type of hair loss
When seeking to answer the question - can male hair loss be reversed - it’s important to consider which type of hair loss condition you are suffering from. As mentioned, some conditions like telogen effluvium can be reversed, provided that you consult your doctor and undertake the required treatment. But if you’re one of the millions of people in the UK suffering from androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss), your condition cannot be reversed.
Male pattern hair loss appears as a receding hairline and thinning hair at the temples. Some people experience male pattern hair loss in their teens, while others don’t notice the symptoms until middle age. Ultimately, every man is different, and it depends on your genetic makeup. While it can’t be reversed, the good news is that male pattern hair loss can be treated, as we explain below.
How to treat male pattern hair loss effectively
Two medications have been clinically proven to treat male pattern hair loss - Finasteride and Minoxidil. Finasteride prevents a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from binding to the receptors on your hair follicles, which is the leading cause of hair loss in men. Minoxidil then increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected areas of the scalp, ensuring that your hair follicles have the nutrients they need to thrive. As a duo, Finasteride and Minoxidil represent your best chance of treating male pattern hair loss in the long term, even though they can’t permanently reverse the condition.
There are several other products that can also help to treat hair loss, such as Biotin and saw-palmetto shampoo. Biotin - also known as vitamin B7 - is integral in the growth of keratin, a protein that your body needs to maintain the health of your nails, skin, and hair. Saw palmetto is a natural DHT blocker and using saw palmetto shampoo can reduce the amount of DHT on your scalp. You will find all four products within our popular Full Works treatment plan.
So, the bottom line is that male pattern hair loss cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Browse through our range of medically-backed treatments today to take back control of your hair today.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.