While male pattern hair loss is a common affliction that affects many men in the UK, it’s certainly not something to ignore if it bothers you. After all, thinning hair can impact your confidence and self-esteem. If you’ve recently noticed the areas around your temples thinning, or are concerned about your receding hairline, here are the first steps you should take if you would like to prevent further hair loss.
Don’t panic
Noticing hair loss can be stressful. However, it’s important not to panic. If you’ve seen hair on your pillow or in the bath, remember that it’s perfectly normal to lose between 50-100 hairs every day. Despite this, if you’ve noticed a consistent change over a more extended period of time, it’s best to check in with your doctor. A quick appointment can rule out a range of underlying conditions and is an important first step towards your hair loss treatment.
Consider your options
If you’re suffering from male pattern hair loss, you are not alone. The condition affects approximately 6.5 million men in the UK, with most men experiencing some type of hair loss by the time they reach their sixties. However, just because it’s common, doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. Thankfully, several scientifically-backed treatments effectively treat male pattern hair loss, most notably Finasteride and Minoxidil. Let’s look at each of them below.
Finasteride
Finasteride has been clinically proven to treat male pattern hair loss. Its primary job is to help block the production of the hormone DHT, which binds to your hair follicles and causes them to thin and, eventually, die. With DHT blocked, its suppressive effect is removed and it allows your hair to achieve its full growth potential again. Finasteride is successful in around 66% of male pattern hair loss cases over two years, but it’s best used in tandem with Minoxidil, as introduced below.
Minoxidil
While Finasteride assists in blocking the production of DHT, Minoxidil improves blood flow to the scalp, helping to revitalise hair roots and stimulate regrowth. You can apply Minoxidil to the affected areas of your scalp once a day, and most men start to see results within 3-6 months of application.
If you would like to explore treatment options, take our free consultation for recommendations.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
