Male pattern baldness (also known as androgenetic alopecia) is estimated to affect around 80% of men. It begins with hair loss above the temples, giving rise to the typical M-shape. Over time it extends around the top of the head and sometimes also to the sides and back, leading to complete baldness. If you have this problem and feel physically uncomfortable, you can use a number of alternatives to fix it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Explore Treatment Options
Step 1. Understand how male pattern baldness works
Although the problem of androgenetic alopecia depends on the levels of testosterone (the male hormone), the precise cause is not yet known.
- Male pattern baldness is caused by a genetic predisposition and the main metabolite of testosterone presumably linked to baldness is dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
- Increasing the level of DHT within the bulbs is thought to reduce the life cycle of the hair, delaying its regrowth.
- Over time, the follicles stop producing new hair, although they remain alive. This phenomenon indicates that they would still be able to produce new hair.
Step 2. Try minoxidil
It is a chemical compound for the topical treatment of male pattern baldness. In practice, it is a solution that stimulates the generation of hair by the bulbs and is applied directly to the scalp.
- It reduces hair loss and can lead to new hair growth in some men. However, if the drug is stopped, another fall could occur.
- Adverse reactions associated with minoxidil include itching, rash, acne, burning, inflammation and swelling.
- More serious side effects that could indicate excessive absorption of this chemical by the body include blurred vision, chest pain, lightheadedness, fainting and an irregular heartbeat.
Step 3. Ask your doctor if you should take finasteride
Finasteride (whose trade names are Propecia and Proscar) comes in the form of pills to be taken orally and is somewhat more effective than minoxidil. It works by binding to the enzyme that would otherwise convert free testosterone into DHT.
- As long as it is taken, finasteride reduces hair loss. However, as soon as therapy is stopped, hair typically falls out again within a year.
- Side effects associated with finasteride include chills, cold sweats, confusion, lightheadedness, hives, swelling in the legs, arms and face, tingling, and weight gain.
Step 4. Get a hair transplant
It is performed by transferring small portions of hair from one part of the scalp to the area with baldness. This surgery is performed in several stages, although it is expensive, the results are effective and permanent.
- A local anesthetic is administered before the operation to numb the scalp.
- During the surgery, a small section of the scalp (donor area) is removed and the remaining skin is sutured. Then small groups of hair are carefully isolated from the donor area and inserted into the bald area.
- Thousands of hairs can be transplanted during a single transplant session.
- Hair transplantation can cause scarring and blood loss, but it also carries risks of infection.
Part 2 of 3: Improving Hair Health
Step 1. Consume foods that help fight hair loss
Nutritional imbalances are often at the root of this problem. Poor nutrition can lead to deficiencies in macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) which, in turn, can inhibit the functioning of the body and cause hair loss. So, to keep your hair and body healthy, add some or all of the following foods to your diet:
- Eat red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables (such as carrots, sweet potatoes, peppers, and cantaloupe), which are high in vitamin A or beta-carotene. According to some research, vitamin A promotes the growth and health of cells, including hair follicles.
- Keep your hair healthy by consuming fatty fish (such as salmon and sardines), as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Eat yogurt and other foods rich in vitamin B5 which can increase blood circulation in the scalp and, consequently, promote hair growth.
- Make a spinach salad, as they are rich in vitamin A, iron, folate and vitamin C. This cocktail of vitamins and minerals helps keep your scalp and hair strong.
- Make sure you're getting enough protein by eating lean meats (like chicken or turkey), low-fat dairy products, and high-protein vegetables (like beans). The hair is made up of a protein molecule called keratin and, therefore, it is necessary to have a correct protein intake to nourish it.
- Eat foods that contain vitamin B7 (also known as biotin), as they help promote hair growth. Among these food sources are eggs, cereals fortified with vitamin B7, dairy products and chicken.
- Eat zinc-rich foods, such as oysters, lobsters, and zinc-fortified cereals. Deficiency of this mineral can cause hair loss and is the reason why you need to make sure you are getting it in sufficient quantities through your daily diet.
Step 2. Drink lots of water
If the body is not hydrated, the skin and hair cells will not be able to grow and develop. To make sure your hair is healthy and vigorous, drink plenty of water to prevent it from suffering the effects of dehydration.
- You should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, if not more when you're exercising or it's hot.
- Beverages containing caffeine (such as coffee, tea and fizzy drinks) have a dehydrating effect and, therefore, by consuming them you actually risk experiencing an electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, try to stick to water, sugar-free herbal teas and fruit juices and limit your caffeine intake to 1-2 coffees per day.
Step 3. Take the stress out of your life
While androgenetic alopecia is not reported as a consequence of stress, keep in mind that stress can lead to hair loss. To keep them healthy, avoid factors that could cause you severe tension in daily life. Stress-related hair loss is characterized by three types of disorders:
- Telogen effluvium is a phenomenon that occurs when stress causes a large number of follicles to enter a resting phase and fall within a month.
- Trichotillomania is a behavioral disorder, often induced by stress, in which you feel the irresistible urge to pull your hair. It can also be caused by tension, loneliness, boredom or frustration.
- Alopecia areata is a disease caused by the immune system that attacks the hair bulbs, causing them to fall out.
- Unlike male pattern baldness, stress-induced hair loss isn't necessarily permanent. If you can manage this factor, your hair may grow back.
Step 4. Get a medical examination
Some dysfunctions and diseases can cause hair loss, even if they have no relation to male pattern baldness. If you are losing them, go to your doctor for a visit - he will be able to diagnose the root cause of your problem and rule out any underlying disease.
- Hormonal imbalances and changes (for example, during pregnancy, after childbirth or during menopause) and thyroid dysfunction can cause temporary hair loss.
- Scalp infections, such as those caused by ringworm, can attack the hair and result in scaly patches and hair loss. However, once cured, regrowth resumes normally.
- Other disorders, such as lichen planus and some types of lupus and sarcoidosis, can lead to a permanent fall.
Part 3 of 3: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Try onion juice
Although more scientific research is needed, onion juice appears to be capable of promoting hair growth in patients suffering from alopecia areata. According to a small study in which 23 participants joined, raw onion juice applied to the scalp twice a day promoted regrowth in 20 subjects within six weeks.
- Although this study was carried out on patients with alopecia areata, it is preferable to give it a try if you have androgenetic alopecia.
- Make the juice by grating an onion and straining it.
- Apply it to your scalp twice a day for 30 minutes and then wash your head. Try this natural remedy for at least 6 weeks to see if it can inhibit hair loss.
Step 2. Try massaging your scalp
This operation increases the blood supply to the follicles, promoting scalp health and strengthening the roots. However, this method has not been scientifically proven to reduce or prevent hair loss; so, keep this consideration in mind when trying it out.
- Use coconut or almond hair oil or other types of oil, such as olive, castor, or amla (Indian gooseberry). Optionally, you can add a few drops of rosemary oil to create a blend.
- Apply the oil by gently massaging it into your hair and scalp. Repeat this at least once a week.
Step 3. Try the paste made from fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds (also called methi) contain ingredients that can stimulate hair growth and restore the action of the follicles.
- Pour a cup of fenugreek seeds into the water. Leave them to soak overnight.
- Crush the mixture, obtaining a paste to apply on the hair.
- Cover your head with a plastic bag or shower cap and leave it on for about 40 minutes. Then wash your hair and repeat the operation every morning for a month.
- However, as with other natural remedies that work against hair loss, even in this case it has not been scientifically proven that this method is capable of reducing or preventing hair loss, so it may not even produce the desired effects.
Step 4. Try other home remedies
There are a number of natural or homemade methods to try. However, be aware that they are not scientifically proven and may not work. Always consult your doctor if you are unsure about these kinds of remedies.
- Try aloe vera gel, as it can help you improve the pH of your scalp and promote healthy hair growth. Massage it into your scalp and leave it on for an hour. Next, wash your head and repeat this three to four times a week.
- Try the paste made from licorice root, which has properties capable of relieving the scalp and reducing irritation. Therefore, mix the crushed licorice root (1 tablespoon), saffron (a quarter of a teaspoon) and a cup of milk. Apply the mixture to bald areas, cover your head and leave it on overnight. Rinse your hair the next morning and repeat this once or twice a week.
- Try Chinese hibiscus flowers, as they have properties that help promote hair growth, treat dandruff, and thicken hair. Combine them with coconut oil, put everything on the fire until they are scorched and filter to collect the oil. Apply it to your scalp just before going to bed and leave it on overnight. In the morning, wash your hair. Repeat this a couple of times a week.
- Other remedies you can try include beetroot, flaxseed, and coconut milk.
Advice
- You can boost the results of minoxidil by dyeing your hair after two to three months of treatment. At first this drug tends to thin the hair, so the dye will increase the contrast with the scalp, giving the regrowth area a fuller appearance. It is a commonly used strategy when taking photos during the phases that precede and follow hair loss treatments.
- There are various types of baldness that have different causes. Consult your doctor before trying any home treatments.
- You could also try a toupee. It is a small wig or strands made of artificial hair that can be applied to the head to cover baldness.
Warnings
- Do not resort to natural or home remedies if you are allergic to one of the ingredients provided for the preparation.
- If you take any of the drugs mentioned, check the correct intake and inform yourself about any side effects.
