Male hair loss, also known as male pattern baldness and Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), is extremely common. Between 30 and 50% of men will have some hair loss by the time they are 50, and it’s rarely related to any underlying health conditions.
If you have recently experienced a significant and sudden degree of hair loss, it’s highly advisable to speak to your GP so they can rule out any possible medical causes.
You will have probably seen adverts for numerous shampoos, conditioners, and supplements that claim to treat hair loss and reverse baldness. However, only a few options have been shown in clinical studies to successfully treat hair loss.
The best hair loss treatments shown to be effective are ones that are applied to your scalp and injectable treatments, including:
Numerous scalp treatments for hair loss contain minoxidil. This hair loss treatment is available without a prescription and can be applied to the scalp. Topical minoxidil 2% solution was launched in 1986 to treat hair loss. Subsequently, a 5% solution was given FDA approval for the treatment of male and female hair loss due to AGA. Clinical studies demonstrate that minoxidil is effective at slowing down hair loss and promoting hair growth.
It has also been used in off-label treatment for hair loss caused by other types of alopecia and to promote new hair growth in different places, such as the eyebrows and beard. However, if treatment with minoxidil is discontinued, hair loss will occur within three to four months.
The most common side effect is irritant contact dermatitis, which can cause itching and skin irritation. Serious side effects associated with oral minoxidil are not associated with topical solutions containing minoxidil.
Finasteride is a prescription-only medication for men used to treat enlarged prostate and has been used for treating hair loss since 1879. Finasteride is only available on NHS prescription to treat an enlarged prostate and is taken in pill form. If you want to take it for hair loss, you must obtain it via a private prescription.
Numerous clinical studies have shown that finasteride is successful when used as a
hair loss treatment and can promote new hair growth in men with AGA. However, side effects include a reduced sex drive, sexual function and erectile dysfunction.
Injections of corticosteroid steroids directly into the scalp for hair loss treatment are known as off-label use. Multiple treatments of injections are normally required for six months. This has been used as a treatment for hair loss since 1958, and clinical studies indicate it is most successful when started within a month of noticing the first patch of hair loss.
Corticosteroid steroid injections can be effective in treating hair loss. However, they do have several associated side effects. Common side effects of corticosteroid injections include weight gain, acne, and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
One of the most popular hair loss treatments is platelet-rich plasma therapy(PRP) Hair Loss Treatment. PRP hair loss treatment involves taking a blood sample, similar to when you have a blood test. This is then placed in a centrifuge, which separates the plasma from the blood ready to be injected. Multiple injections are placed into the areas of the scalp that are affected by hair loss, and a minimum of two to three treatments are recommended.
Hair regrowth typically starts to become noticeable within a couple of weeks following the first treatment and will continue to improve with multiple treatments over several months. This treatment has very low risks of side effects as it uses platelets retrieved from your blood.
Furthermore, medical use of platelet-rich plasma for various conditions has been shown to be safe with minimal complications for over 30 years. However, finding a qualified medical professional to administer PRP hair loss treatment is essential to reduce any potential for complications such as infection.
Surgical hair transplants for hair loss treatment for male pattern baldness have been available. Two key techniques for performing hair transplant procedures are follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). The best type of hair transplant procedure for you will depend on the degree of hair loss and where it is located. Let’s take a look at each technique and the advantages and disadvantages of both procedures.
Hair Transplant Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS)
Hair Transplant Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS), also known as Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), is the most invasive type of hair transplant surgery. The procedure involves removing a tiny strip or strips of scalp where there is healthy hair growth. The hairs are then transplanted into the areas where there is hair loss.
The key advantage of FUSS is that your hair does not need to be shaved before the procedure. The main disadvantages are a higher risk of infection and the incision will create a scar. As hair will not be able to grow back in the area, if you like to have your hair very short, the scar may be visible.
Hair Transplant Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Hair Transplant Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is considered a more modern method of hair transplantation as it is less invasive. It is also the most popular type of hair transplant procedure. The procedure involves shaving the hair and then extracting singular hair follicles, which are transplanted into areas where there is hair loss. Because there are no incisions, the main advantage of FUE is a lower risk of infection, and it doesn’t cause any scarring.
This makes FUE a better hair transplant option if you have a history of scarring or prefer short hair. Although most people do not feel it is a major disadvantage if you do not want your hair shaved, FUE may not be a good option for you.
NB: Always check if the surgeon is registered with the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) and if the facility is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) before getting a hair transplant.
If you don’t want to use any chemicals or medications or have any injectable treatments or surgery, there are natural hair loss treatments you might want to try.
The most popular natural hair loss treatments include:
Scalp Massage — Massaging the scalp is a great way to improve blood flow, which can help to promote hair growth. For the best results, research indicates scalp massage may increase hair thickness when performed daily for at least four minutes.
Diet — Hair loss has been associated with protein and iron deficiency. Therefore, incorporating foods high in protein and iron into your diet may help to improve hair growth.
Supplements — Several supplements have been studied as a treatment for hair loss. The supplements that were shown in clinical studies to help increase or thicken hair growth include:
Hair has a natural cycle in which it grows and finally falls out. Depending on what caused your hair loss will affect if you could grow it back and how effective the hair loss treatment is likely to be. You should always consult a doctor before taking supplements or changing your diet.
Out of all the hair loss treatments, PRP therapy has virtually no risk compared to other surgical or pharmaceutical-based therapies for hair loss. There is very little possibility of an allergic reaction since only your blood is used. Infection is a potential risk, especially when an unqualified practitioner performs PRP therapy in an inappropriate, improper location or if the aftercare guidelines are not adequately followed.
Harley Street MD is one of the only clinics registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) that provides PRP hair loss treatment in London.
You can potentially restore your hair and self-confidence with PRP therapy. Get in touch with our doctors at Harley Street MD in London for a free consultation for PRP hair loss treatment. Find out more about this procedure and discover if it’s an appropriate choice for you.
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