Table of Contents

I. Lifestyle Changes for Hair Loss

II. Home Remedies for Male-Pattern Baldness

III. What are the Pros and Cons of a Hair Transplant?

IV. Benefits of Laser Treatment

V. Wearing a Wig

Lifestyle Changes for Hair Loss

There are many effective hair loss medications on the market today, including Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil). Doctors can also prescribe prostate medications for off-label hair loss treatment. For example, Avodart (dutasteride) is a drug that improves prostatic hyperplasia symptoms by inhibiting dihydrotestosterone (a hormone that develops male characteristics), which can help maintain scalp health as well.

Despite these effective treatment methods, not all forms of hair loss are preventable or reversible. If you’ve found the results of these treatment methods unsatisfactory, it is perhaps time to try alternative treatments.

When it comes to the health of your hair and scalp, it is important to focus on the factors within your control. Smoking is a major cause of hair loss, but it is a lifestyle habit you can change. The link between smoking and hair loss is strong, so it may be time to kick the habit. [1]

Changing your diet can also be beneficial for hair retention. Male-pattern baldness is mostly due to genetics, but healthy foods and plenty of water can give you the best chance at avoiding hair loss. If you are keen on improving your diet, try adding iron-rich foods like eggs, beans, and lean beef to your meals. Another vital substance for hair is omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, tuna, flaxseed, and walnuts. [2]

You may already eat well and not smoke, but did you know that stress can also lead to hair loss? If you lead a high-stress life, whether the stress is career-related or due to relationship problems, reducing stress can be incredibly beneficial to your hair health as well as your overall wellbeing. Regular exercise, relaxing music, meditative activities, and getting enough sleep can all contribute to stress relief. [2]

Home Remedies for Male-Pattern Baldness

Oils are great for stimulating hair growth. [3] Rosemary oil is known to improve blood circulation in the scalp. Peppermint oil, castor oil, olive oil, and coconut oil are also recommended. Even though more research on their benefits is needed, many people find that applying oils may improve their hair health. [2]

You can also improve your chance of hair regrowth by upping your intake of biotin. Biotin is a vitamin that occurs naturally in:

• Sweet potatoes
• Eggs
• Onions
• Oats
• Nuts

Some studies have shown that oral biotin supplements can slow hair loss. Although more research is needed, consuming biotin through natural foods is a great way to achieve healthy levels of the vitamin. [4]

What are the Pros and Cons of a Hair Transplant?

If you’ve exhausted medical and alternative treatments for male-pattern baldness and still struggle with hair loss, you may want to consider a hair transplant. A hair transplant involves taking hair from other parts of the body and grafting it to where the scalp is balding.  

The good thing about hair transplants is that it has a higher success rate than many hair restoration products on the market. Up to 80 percent of the transplanted hair will usually grow back in around four months. [5] However, hair transplants don’t work for everyone, and they may be considered too expensive for some.

Benefits of Laser Treatment

As mentioned, hair transplants may not work for some people, but why is this? If your hair follicles are permanently damaged by widespread injuries, chemotherapy, or other medications, a hair transplant will not be effective. Laser treatment seeks to solve this issue. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is believed to be capable of reducing inflammation in the follicles that are keeping hair from growing. Talk to your doctor for more information on hair transplants, plasma therapy, and LLLT. [2]  

Wearing a Wig

Finally, many men suffering from male-pattern baldness decide to go with a non-surgical method—wearing a wig. Wearing a men’s hairpiece or a toupee can guarantee coverage of bald spots without going through a procedure. A high-quality hairpiece can hold up for a long time. With modern technology, a good wig is often indiscernible from real hair. Depending on the manufacturer and your personal preferences, hairpieces can be made with different materials for enhanced comfort and realism. Hair systems can also do a good job at matching the color, texture, and natural curl of your original hair. [6]

Male-pattern balding affects the confidence of many men in the U.S. Don’t let hair loss get you down. Talk to your doctor or a hair specialist for a consultation today.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.