If you are one of the millions of men who suffer from male pattern baldness, you know that it can be a frustrating and embarrassing condition. While it is not always possible to predict and prevent male pattern hair loss, there are treatments that can slow the progression of hair loss and even help you regrow a fuller head of hair.
Causes of Male Pattern Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness, or male pattern hair loss, is the most common type of hair loss in men. Formally known as androgenetic alopecia, this condition is characterized by a receding hairline and thinning of the hair on the top and sides of the head. Male pattern baldness is usually caused by a combination of genes inherited from one or both parents. Each affected male’s unique genetic combination predicts age of onset, pattern, progression, and severity of hair loss. Male sex hormones (androgens) also play a role in the development of androgenetic alopecia.
Male pattern hair loss is very difficult to predict, and once it begins, the hair loss will continue. The hair will become increasingly fine, and the hair follicles will gradually diminish over time. Eventually, there will be bald spots where no hair grows at all (hence the common name “male pattern baldness”).
Effective Treatments for Male Pattern Baldness
The vast majority of men over age 50 have some extent of male pattern hair loss. Despite the prevalence of this condition, many affected men (especially those with premature or accelerated hair loss) experience anxiety and a negative impact on their self-esteem as a result. If you fall into this category, don’t worry — there are effective hair loss treatments available to you. The following treatments offered here at Kirsch Dermatology may help slow down your hair loss and, in many cases, even regrow your hair.
- Minoxidil (Topical and Oral): This medication can help individuals with androgenetic alopecia regrow hair.
- Oral Finasteride and Dutasteride: These medications can slow hair loss in the middle and crown of the head, promote new hair growth, and prevent further hair loss.
- Ketoconazole Prescription Shampoo: This antifungal shampoo can prevent hair follicle shrinkage and minimize hair loss.
- HydraFacial Keravive™: This in-office dermatology treatment nourishes hair follicles to promote a healthy scalp with fuller hair.
- HydraFacial Keravive™ Peptide Complex Spray: Daily use of this spray in combination with in-office HydraFacial Keravive™ treatments promotes healthy hair follicles for fuller, healthier hair.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Growth factors found in platelet-rich-plasma (extracted from your own blood) can stimulate hair regrowth and may be especially beneficial for those with early hair loss.
- Vitamin and Nutritional Supplementation: Where appropriate, certain vitamin and nutritional supplements may assist in the prevention and treatment of male pattern hair loss.
Contact our dermatology office to see what options we offer for hair loss treatment in Bakersfield