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Male Pattern Baldness Stages and Solutions

Mar 27, 20245 min read

Updated: Mar 29, 2024

Male pattern baldness, a prevalent condition among men, presents gradual hair loss starting at the temples or crown. Understanding its stages, causes, and available solutions is essential. From FDA-approved treatments like topical minoxidil and oral finasteride to advanced therapies such as laser treatment and surgical interventions, various options address male pattern baldness. This article explores these facets to provide insights into managing this common concern.




Causes and Stages


Male pattern baldness occurs when hair follicles, or small structures in the skin that create hair, diminish over time. This shrinking process is mostly affected by heredity and hormones. A hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) plays an important function. As DHT levels rise, it attaches to hair follicles, shrinking them and resulting in thinner, shorter hair. Eventually, these follicles may stop producing hair completely, resulting in baldness. This process usually follows a regular pattern, beginning with hair loss at the temples and crown of the head and progressing over time.


Stage 1: Initial Stage.


At this point, baldness is non-existent or minor. The hairline may vary between individuals, although it does not always signify eventual baldness.




Stage 2: Frontal hair loss.


Characterised by a minor baldness at the front, particularly in the temporal areas.

The hairline can recede by 1 to 2 cm, and there is little hair loss at the vertex (the top of the skull). Hair transplants are not recommended as to the uncertainty of the outcome and the risk for drug side effects. Natural therapies such as argan oil and rosemary essential oil can help decrease hair loss.






Stage 3: Significant Balding.


Baldness is particularly evident near the centre of the skull (vertex) or the frontal hairline in men. To slow down hair loss, try treatments such as PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and laser therapy.


Stage 3 Vertex (Vertex Recession): Visible hair loss in the centre of the skull, although the frontal hairline remains intact.


Stage 3A (Frontal Hairline Recession): The hairline recedes significantly, leaving the frontal and temporal areas bald. Treatments such as PRP and laser therapy can help to reduce hair loss.




Stage 4: Excessive Hair Loss


Significant hair loss above the hairline, leaving the top portion of the head largely hairless. The sides of the head are connected by a slender hairline.




Stage5: Advanced Baldness


Although there is severe hair loss, some hair is still present on the back and sides.

The two sides are joined by a slender hair bridge.



Stage 6: Crown Baldness


Complete hair loss on the crown of the head, extending from the hairline to the vertex.

A band of hair remains, connecting the sides and back of the skull. Occiput (back of the head) is often resistant to baldness and used as a donor area for hair transplants.




Stage 7: Most Advanced Baldness


The top of the head is completely bald, while some hair may remain thinner on the sides and back.



Solutions


The FDA has approved two treatments for male pattern baldness: topical minoxidil and oral finasteride. These medications can stop further hair loss but might only partly reverse baldness. You need to keep using them continuously to maintain the effects. It can take 6-12 months to see results, so it's best to use them for at least a year before deciding whether to continue.


FDA-Approved Treatments:


  • Topical Minoxidil: Initially developed for hypertension, topical minoxidil has been FDA-approved for male pattern baldness since 1984. By enhancing scalp blood circulation and stimulating hair follicles, minoxidil encourages hair growth and mitigates further loss.


  • Oral Finasteride: Targeting the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a primary contributor to male pattern baldness, finasteride inhibits the enzyme responsible for DHT conversion. This medication effectively slows hair loss and may even stimulate regrowth.


Advanced Therapies:


  • Laser Treatment: Utilizing laser and light therapy, non-invasive procedures like the HairMax Lasercomb® stimulate hair follicles, promoting growth and thickness.

  • Surgical Interventions: Hair transplant surgeries such as follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) provide lasting solutions, yielding natural-looking results with minimal scarring.


Synergistic Approaches:


  • Combination Therapy: Combining medications like finasteride with topical minoxidil or ketoconazole shampoo enhances treatment efficacy, resulting in improved regrowth outcomes. Studies indicate synergistic benefits in managing male pattern baldness through this approach.


Home Remedies




Scalp Nourishment Techniques:


Explore diverse scalp nourishment methods, including gentle scalp massages using specialised tools like silicone scalp brushes or bamboo scalp massagers. These techniques enhance blood circulation, delivering vital nutrients to hair follicles and stimulating healthy hair growth.


Essential Oils


Expand your aromatic repertoire beyond the usual suspects like lavender and rosemary. Peppermint oil, derived from the peppermint plant, has demonstrated promising results in promoting hair growth. Research found that peppermint oil significantly increased dermal thickness, follicle number, and depth., along with elevating the enzymatic activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), both known markers for enhanced hair growth.


Additionally, rosemary oil has garnered attention for its potential hair-regrowth properties. Some studies suggest that rosemary oil may be as effective as certain over-the-counter treatments in encouraging hair regrowth. Furthermore, rosemary oil exhibits natural antimicrobial properties, which may be beneficial for individuals experiencing hair loss due to scalp infections or unhealthy scalp conditions.

To incorporate these aromatic solutions into your hair care routine, consider diluting a few drops of peppermint or rosemary oil in a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, and massaging it into your scalp. Alternatively, you can mix rosemary oil directly into your shampoo or conditioner to harness its potential benefits. While these essential oils may offer some benefits for hair health, it's essential to approach them as complementary treatments and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and recommendations.



Vitamins and diet


In addition to exploring aromatic solutions like peppermint and rosemary oil, consider the impact of your diet on hair health. Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3s, are vital for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. Incorporate foods rich in omega-3s into your daily meals, such as salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.


Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid also play essential roles in hair health. Bananas, potatoes, spinach, and citrus fruits are excellent sources of these vitamins. For those following vegetarian or vegan diets, it's crucial to pay attention to ensure adequate intake through fortified foods or supplements.

Protein is another critical component for healthy hair, yet many individuals may not consume enough. Include lean meats, eggs, soy products, and legumes in your diet to ensure sufficient protein intake for optimal hair health.

Additionally, trace minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc, and biotin contribute to hair health and growth. Incorporating a daily multivitamin can help ensure you're meeting your body's nutritional needs, supporting overall hair health.








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