“Is that a bald spot on my head?”, if you have ever had this thought flash through your mind during your daily mirror check then it's time to call for a hairmergency!
Maintaining your hair and scalp can be challenging, especially when you're unaware of subtle changes occurring beneath the surface. Some changes may be so gradual that you barely notice them until they become more pronounced, while others can appear seemingly overnight. It may be panic-inducing to some, but fret not as there are solutions for every condition! Grab a chair (and a notebook if you'd like) as we dive deeper into the basics of male pattern baldness and ways to treat this condition.
What is male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness, scientifically known as “male androgenetic alopecia” or MAA is a common form of hair loss that occurs in men. Almost 30% - 50% of men are affected by this condition - that's approximately 3 out of every 6 men!
This particular condition results in baldness on the skin that is covering your head and it is almost impossible for the hair to regrow. However, with the advancement of technology in the health and beauty industry, the possibility of hair regrowth is now a reality!
How do I detect male pattern baldness? What are the causes and symptoms of hair loss patterns in men?
Male pattern baldness tends to develop slowly by stages, and it could start in your late teens or early twenties! This type of hair loss is common among males and is often linked to both ethnic heritage and genetics. If your male family members have male pattern baldness, you are likely to have it as well. However, if you are from an East Asian descent, you are less likely to experience hair loss. Nonetheless, it is best to check your genetic background to determine the possibility of having male pattern baldness.
Age and hormones are the primary causes of thinning hair patterns among men. Researchers and medical experts have deduced that Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a type of androgen, is related to the phenomenon in which hair follicles shrink over time.
The symptoms of male pattern baldness are actually rather noticeable. Symptoms include hair thinning on your crown or near your temples, as well as a receding hairline. Hair loss in men typically starts at the hairline, receding backward to form an "M" shape that can evolve into a "U" as well. In addition, a circular area on the back of the head (vertex) may thin and expand over time.
Male pattern baldness has stages?
Exactly! According to the Hamilton-Norwood scale, male pattern baldness has 7 distinct phases. Let's explore these hair loss stages and understand the different stages of balding.
- Stage 1: Little to no hair loss or hairline recession
- Stage 2: You're noticing some hair loss on the sides of your head close to your ears and forehead.
- Stage 3: Your hairline is receding deeply around your temples, forming a potential "M" or "U" shape.
- Stage 4: Your hairline is significantly receding and you're also experiencing hair loss at the top of your head.
- Stage 5: The receding hairline and the bald spot on your crown are joined.
- Stage 6: The hair between your temples and the top of your head is thinning or no longer present.
- Stage 7: Your head is bald on top, with a thin strip of hair running around the sides.
While these stages appear to be alarming and can be particularly worrying especially if your bald spot is becoming more obvious by the day, this condition has its treatments. With the right treatment plan, you can avoid further hair loss and even pave the way for hair regrowth!
What's the treatment for male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness can be further reduced or halted through treatments and medications approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) under Malaysia's Ministry of Health. Let's take a peek at what treatments are available for those with male androgenetic alopecia:
Topical minoxidil
This treatment medication is the most common in treating male pattern baldness due to its success rate in stimulating hair growth and reducing hair loss. Although a prescription isn't required for this medication, it's advisable to conduct a patch test to check for potential side effects, such as scalp irritation. As it's widely available online and in stores, it's easy to access. However, consistent use of topical minoxidil is essential, as discontinuing it may lead to hair thinning.
Finasteride
Finasteride, unlike topical minoxidil, is a prescription medication that can offer longer-lasting results. It has proven effective in preventing further hair loss for approximately 80-90% of men. For some, it may even stimulate hair regrowth, particularly when started early in the hair loss process. However, finasteride requires daily oral administration. It's essential to consult with a dermatologist for advice and a prescription to minimise potential side effects through a thorough evaluation before starting the medication. Similar to topical minoxidil, discontinuing finasteride may lead to renewed hair loss.
Hairmergency, hairmergency! Paging Dr. Venusde!
Not a fan of medications or pills? Don't worry, there are alternative options available to combat male pattern hair loss in men. A well-crafted scalp treatment can revitalise your hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth. These treatments often utilise natural ingredients to address any scalp-to-hair concerns, helping to gently (but effectively) strengthen your hair with essential proteins and nutrients.
Introducing Venusde's Instant Folli-Boost Hair Growth Treatment! This hair hero treatment can treat your hair loss and dispel those receding hairline concerns, step-by-step! It starts off with a deep cleanse and massage for scalp detox, allowing nutrients to soak in the layers of the scalp while increasing blood circulation surrounding your head. Next, the treatment is followed by Nano Crystal FGF Scalp Therapy which helps to enhance hair growth and tissue regeneration. The process is then wrapped up with a round of low-level laser therapy to stimulate healthier hair growth and follicles, encouraging the development of fuller, healthier hair in no time at all!
Still fretting over your hairy issues? Leave your hair woes to us instead! Contact us today to find out how our treatments can help you restore your hair to its glory days.
