Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, may result from genetics or a scalp infection or skin disorder. Various treatment options are available to slow hair loss or stimulate hair growth. A person can discuss these treatments with their doctor.
Research shows that
This article explores seven of the best hair loss treatment options for men to help prevent and treat hair loss. It also discusses the causes of hair loss, how to cope, and when to contact a doctor.
In some cases, it may be possible to prevent — or at least slow down — hair loss. However, this will depend on the underlying cause of a person’s hair loss.
Some of the best prevention methods are:
- eating a balanced diet
- using combs with wider spaces between the bristles
- avoiding harsh treatments and hairstyles
- switching medications to avoid the side effect of hair loss, if possible
- avoiding pulling or twisting hair
Learn more about preventing hair loss.
People may not be able to slow or prevent some types of hair loss. In these cases, males can try active treatment methods.
A person may use any of the following methods to treat hair loss.
Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are available that may help treat hair loss. These include foams and ointments.
The two most common medications are minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia).
Minoxidil
Scientists originally
Researchers
In addition, minoxidil appears to prolong the growth period of hair, resulting in longer hair and a higher number of hair strands.
Minoxidil
A
The
Minoxidil can cause some side effects,
- hair shedding
- skin irritation and redness
- itchy, yellow, or white scales on the scalp
- allergic contact dermatitis
- excessive hair growth over the body, including on the face in some females
Minoxidil is not suitable for people who are pregnant or nursing or for those who have a hypersensitivity to the medication’s ingredients.
It comes in 5% and 10% strengths.
Learn more about minoxidil.
Best minoxidil treatment: Rogaine
- Price: around $50.99
- Pro: widely studied and recommended
- Con: may take 2–4 months to show results
Rogaine is a 5% minoxidil foam for males over age 20.
According to the makers of Rogaine, the product is suitable for all hair types and is easy to apply.
However, it may take 2–4 months for a person to see results. Additionally, the product may have side effects
Individuals can apply the foam to dry or damp hair and massage it into the areas where hair is thinning. Once the product dries, they can style their hair as usual.
A person may want to consider the following pros and cons of Rogaine:
Pros
- easy to apply
- recommended for all hair types
- unscented
- widely studied
- FDA-approved
Cons
- unsuitable for people who are pregnant or nursing
- may take 2–4 months to show results
- comes with the likelihood that hair loss
will continue if treatment stops - may cause side effects
A 3-month supply of Rogaine is available for around $50.99.
Finasteride
Finasteride is an FDA-approved treatment for male pattern baldness.
Scientists originally created finasteride to treat prostate cancer. It works by
DHT appears to
This drug carries several warnings about its use. It is suitable only for adult males and is not suitable for people who are pregnant or nursing.
Unlike minoxidil, finasteride does not affect hair growth on other parts of the body.
Finasteride is available in both topical and oral forms. A 2020 review states that the topical formulation of this drug is less likely to cause severe side effects than the oral version.
Possible side effects of finasteride include:
Individuals who use finasteride to treat male pattern hair loss may not experience noticeable results until they have been using the product for 3 months.
Learn more about finasteride.
Best finasteride treatment: Roman
- Price: starting at $20 a month
- Pro: includes free online visits with a doctor
- Con: may not show results for 3 months
Roman is a telehealth company that offers its services to men experiencing hair loss, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction.
It offers oral finasteride starting at $20 per month.
Customers must fill out an online assessment and have an online consultation with one of Roman’s health professionals before ordering.
They can then access unlimited follow-up appointments and free delivery each month.
Learn more about Roman.
A person may wish to consider the following pros and cons of finasteride from Roman:
Pros
- includes free online visits with a doctor
- free 2-day deliveries
- comes in discreet packaging
- FDA-approved treatment
Cons
- unsuitable for people who are pregnant or nursing
- not available in all states
- may cause side effects
- may not show results for 3 months
Laser combs
Laser combs are a newer form of hair loss treatment. Advocates claim that these devices promote hair growth by using concentrated light to stimulate hair follicles.
This treatment has mixed results and may work best when combined with other forms of treatment.
In an older
Additionally, a 2019 study found that a novel laser cap improved hair density and diameter, as well as the visual thickness of hair, in 19 participants. However, the authors note several limitations to this study, such as a small sample size.
Best laser comb treatment: HairMax
- Price: around $239.99–397.50
- Pro: does not involve taking medication
- Con: expensive
HairMax produces laser combs for people experiencing hair loss and thinning.
The company makes two combs: the Ultima 9 Classic and the Ultima 12 Classic.
The Ultima 9 has 9 lasers, while the Ultima 12 has 12.
The company states that its laser combs are safe for both males and females.
It recommends using them for 8–11 minutes three times per week, depending on the device a person chooses.
Features of the Ultima 9 and 12 include:
- cordless and lightweight design
- no LEDs
- 9 or 12 medical-grade lasers
Learn more about HairMax here.
HairMax laser combs come with a 6-month money-back guarantee.
A person can consider the following pros and cons before making a purchase:
Pros
- suitable for males and females
- does not involve taking medication
- short treatment time of 11 minutes three days per week
- FDA-cleared
Cons
- expensive
- may cause side effects
- not FDA-approved
HairMax laser combs cost around $239.99–397.50.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
PRP is a newer treatment that doctors use for androgenetic alopecia.
It involves a doctor taking a blood sample and running it through a centrifuge machine. This machine separates the PRP in the blood so the doctor can extract the platelets and inject them into specific areas of a person’s scalp.
The platelets may promote healing in damaged hair follicles.
According to a 2019 review, PRP therapy can reduce hair loss, but the research supporting this is of low quality.
This treatment is not FDA-approved.
Learn more about how effective PRP is for hair loss.
Therapies
Therapies for hair loss often involve a combination of drugs, ointments, creams, and shampoos, which a dermatologist may prescribe.
Learn more about hair growth products available online.
Other therapies involve meeting with specialists.
Several companies specialize in hair treatments for men. They typically offer services to help work out the best course of action and tailor treatments to an individual’s needs.
Wigs and hairpieces
In some cases, hair loss may be permanent or long-term.
Some people might prefer a nonmedical approach to treating hair loss. Wigs and hairpieces offer a means of disguising hair loss.
Wigs and hairpieces have advanced enormously in recent years.
If a medical condition is causing a person’s baldness, their insurance provider may cover the cost of a wig. It is important to check insurance coverage before purchasing a wig.
Surgery
The only surgery available to address hair loss is hair transplant surgery.
Hair transplantation is for people with male pattern baldness. A hair transplant involves removing hair follicles from the back of the head, where they are resistant to DHT, and placing them on the scalp.
Like any other surgery, hair transplants carry the risk of complications.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that the risks of hair transplant surgery include excessive bleeding and wide scars. Additionally, there is a chance the skin plugs may die, and this requires further surgery to fix.
