Male Baldness

Male baldness is the most common type of hair loss.



It is caused by increased sensitivity to male sex hormones (androgens) in certain parts of the scalp, and is passed on from generation to generation.

In the past, baldness was often seen as something unfortunate or undesirable. However, this attitude has changed over the years and nowadays a clean-shaven head is usually considered both fashionable and attractive.

Causes of male baldness

Some men have areas on the scalp that are very sensitive to the male sex hormones that circulate in men's blood. The hormones make the hair follicles - from which hair grows - shrink. Eventually, they become so small that they cannot replace lost hairs. The follicles are still alive, but are no longer able to perform their task.

The condition usually starts in men aged 20 to 30 and follows a typical pattern. First, a receding hairline develops, and gradually the hair on top of the head also begins to thin. Eventually, the two balding areas meet to form a typical U-shape around the back and sides of the head. The hair that remains is often finer, and does not grow as quickly as it used to.

Prevention of male baldness

Male hair loss is genetically determined (passed on from parents). Although a doctor can offer medical treatment to improve the condition, this may have side effects.

Treatment of male baldness

You need to decide how you feel about hair loss. Male baldness affects a large part of the male population and people react very differently to it. It is important to try to accept hair loss for what it is - something natural. Rather than trying to camouflage bald spots with remaining hair or a wig, it is probably a better idea to leave your hair as it is, or shave it off completely. If, however, you decide to try to regain your hair, possible medical treatments are discussed below.

Baldness is generally regarded as natural, and not a disease. So if a person decides they wish to try to get their hair back, they will probably have to pay for the lengthy, expensive procedure themselves.

Treatment with medication for male baldness

1. Minoxidil lotion (Regaine regular strength or Regaine extra strength) is applied twice daily to the scalp. Minoxidil was originally invented as a treatment for high blood pressure; the hair growth is a side effect that, in this case, has proved useful. It is not available on NHS prescription, but can be purchased over-the-counter. About 60 per cent of patients benefit from it to varying degrees and its effects start to wear off as soon as it is stopped.

2. Finasteride (Propecia) is a medicine taken in tablet form that partially blocks the effects of the male hormones (an 'anti-androgen'). It is used in a higher dose to reduce the size of the prostate gland in men with benign prostatic hypertrophy. Propecia has been shown to halt further hair loss and promote re-growth of scalp hair in approximately 80 per cent of patients after three to six months. Treatment must be continued to sustain the improvement in hair growth. It is only available on private prescription and a months supply costs around £30.

• Plastic surgery

Plastic surgery may be the only reliable way to replace lost hair, and techniques for restoring hair growth are constantly improving. These include:

• A transplant, where the surgeon moves non-sensitive hairs from the back of the head to the top. This is best for men whose hair loss is limited to the front of the scalp. Factors that determine whether a person is a suitable candidate include age, hair colour, the nature of hair loss, and whether the hair type is straight or curly.
• Scalp reduction, a technique that is most suitable for men with a small, well-defined bald spot on the top of the head.
• Flap-surgery, which involves making the part of the scalp that still contains hair larger. This is a possibility in cases of hair loss over a small area.

Myths about male baldness

• Wearing hats
  Wear all the hats that you want, for as long as you want. However, just make sure to let your scalp breathe for at least seven hours a day (don't sleep with a hat on, genius).
• Using hair products
  Hair gels and sprays contain no active ingredients that promote male baldness, so don't worry about using them. If you are still worried, then start using gels that are more natural-based and contain ingredients such as chamomile and Aloe Vera.
• Trauma
  Going through a traumatic experience will not make your hair fall out.
• Playing with your hair
  Twiddling your fingers and always playing with your hair does not cause premature baldness. If you do this though, you should seriously consider stopping; it might be a sign of stress and nervousness. But don't worry, she can play with your hair all night long.
• Viral infections
  There are no viral infections that cause direct balding. Some powerful medications, however, may be culprits of hair loss since they kill off the hair's roots. In any case, always consult your physician.
• Sun bathers
  If you're a sun dweller, don't worry; it will not harm your precious follicles. Most of your hair already protects your scalp from the sun's dangerous UV rays. Normally though, the sun's radiation could play a part in thinning a person's arm and leg hair.