For modern people, in addition to the functions of sun protection and warmth, hair can show personal characteristics and add points to appearance. However, many men suffer from male baldness, which greatly affects their self-confidence.

Why exactly do you get bald? How to slow down and prevent male pattern baldness? We will introduces the causes of male baldness and the three major treatments for male baldness, helping you restore lush hair and regain confidence.

Why are you bald?

The hair growth cycle can be divided into 3 stages:

1. Growth stage (Anagen)
2. Transition stage (Catagen)
3. Resting stage (Telogen)

Generally speaking, about 80 to 90% of hair is in the growth phase 1. After continuous growth for 2 to 6 years, it will enter the regression phase and shedding phase. The average number of hair loss per day is about 100 strands.

After natural hair loss, the scalp will grow new hair. However, when the scalp is infected, damaged, or has familial hereditary baldness, it will cause hair loss or slow hair growth. The new hair will become sparse and fragile, and it is easy to break away from the hair follicles; long-term hair loss More or less, it will cause baldness.

Causes of male pattern baldness: genetics and hormones

Androgenetic alopecia, (also known as hereditary alopecia) is mainly caused by abnormal hormone secretion. It is a polygenic genetic disease that can be inherited from either father or mother.

Studies have pointed out that the scalp of patients with male alopecia has a high concentration of 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into the more active male hormone “dihydrotestosterone (DHT)”, shortening the hair growth phase and causing hair follicles to grow. The new hair becomes smaller and thinner, causing hair loss2.

Although male pattern baldness is more common in men, women may also experience male pattern baldness3 due to abnormal secretion of androgens, although the problem is less severe and usually involves only thinning of hair on the scalp.

Male patients with male pattern baldness usually experience significant hair loss between the ages of 25 and 40. The most common symptom is M-shaped baldness formed by receding hairline, followed by Mediterranean-type baldness with thinning hair on the back of the head and the top of the head.

Is there any cure for male baldness? 3 magic weapons for treating male baldness

Although male baldness is caused by genetic inheritance, it can still be treated with medicine or surgery. The following are 3 ways to improve male baldness:

1. Oral drug ingredient: Finasteride (available on prescription only)
   Finasteride can inhibit 5α-reductase, reduce the production of dihydrotestosterone, and restore the normal growth phase of hair 4 . Finasteride needs to be taken continuously for 6~12 months before the effect will gradually appear, which can effectively relieve hair loss and promote hair growth 4.
   
   The human body has high tolerance to it. Only about 1% of users have experienced sexual dysfunction and stopped taking the drug. It usually recovers after stopping the drug, but Finasteride is not suitable for women.
   
2. Hair tonic ingredient: Minoxidil
   Minoxidi is a vasodilator that maintains the size of the dermal papilla by increasing blood supply. It can also regulate potassium channels, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to enter cells, extending the growth period and shortening the resting period3; for use, you need to apply it continuously3 ~ It takes 6 months to see a significant effect. Since the skin’s absorption rate of hair tonic is low, there are no obvious side effects except local scalp irritation.
   
3. Hair transplant
   If the symptoms of male baldness are more severe, patients may consider hair transplantation, which involves transplanting scalp hair follicles from the back of the head to areas prone to hair loss such as the forehead or top of the head. Compared with other treatments, it is more time-consuming and expensive.

Treatment of male pattern baldness requires early diagnosis and early treatment. When the hairline shows signs of receding, consult a doctor early for diagnosis and treatment. This can prevent hair follicles from continuing to shrink and prevent hair loss from expanding. In other words, if you diagnose and take medication early, you will have a better chance. Avoid future problems such as baldness or the need for hair transplants.

Baldness medicines need to be taken regularly to have significant effects, and a doctor’s diagnosis is required before taking them to determine the cause and treatment of baldness; in addition, avoid buying oral medicines from unknown sources without authorization, or cutting medicines privately to change the dosage, so as to avoid affect the efficacy of treatment.