Male pattern baldness is a topic men either openly or very privately talk about. Actually, it’s a topic that most men — specifically 85% of all men — are bound to be eventually familiar with.
However, it’s a topic that’s still shrouded in false information, misconception and myths. With so much confusion, it’s no wonder that many men strangers to the actual facts about hair loss.
Here is a countdown of the top 5 queries about male hair loss — and of course, their corresponding answers.
No. 5: Can shampoo, hair gel or wearing a hat influence hair loss?
Excessive shampooing, hair drying, colouring or the use of other hair products (or even wearing a hat) may temporarily damage the hair, causing it to become dry, brittle, lustreless or limp — but the use of these products will not influence the gradual process of male pattern baldness. Any damage through hair care products is typically only temporary since individual hairs fall out and regrow in a consistent cycle over the course of several months.
No. 4: What is the Hamilton-Norwood scale of male pattern baldness?
The Hamilton-Norwood scale is a pictorial guide that uses a set of images to range how severe a man’s hair loss is. The scale ranges from type 1, or minimal hair loss, through to type 7, the most severe form of hair loss in which men have little to no hair on the front or top of the head.
No. 3: When should I begin treatment for hair loss?
Generally, the sooner you begin treatment, the more likely you are to see results and the more likely it is that you will delay further balding. However, keep in mind that many of the common therapies for hair loss come with unwanted side effects, so it’s important to speak with your doctor early to devise a treatment plan that you are both comfortable with.
No. 2: What treatment options are available for hair loss?
As of today, treatment options for male pattern baldness are limited but expanding. Currently, there are only two drugs licensed for male pattern baldness: finasteride and minoxidil. These are the only drugs currently licensed that actually help hair to regrow.
Outside of drug therapy, there are additional treatment options, including non-surgical hair restoration (e.g. wearing a hairpiece), surgical hair replacement (i.e. hair transplantation), and low-level laser therapy (e.g. laser combs or laser caps). New treatments such as hair cloning and gene therapy are on the horizon, but not yet ready for prime time.
No. 1: Are the results of treatment permanent?
For drug treatments like finasteride or minoxidil, results may not appear for several months. As a general rule, you must continue taking these drugs if you want the results to continue. Although it’s possible that results will persist after you discontinue usage, it is likely that hair loss will return. The only permanent treatment for balding is hair transplantation; however, as with any surgery, not everyone is a candidate and there are important side effects to consider.
