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5 Facts All Men Should Know About Hair Loss

Man looking at his hairline in the mirror, wondering what to do. Happy Head can help you stop hair thinning and loss in its tracks with custom topical solutions made with fda approved ingredients that are just for you.

A few weeks ago, my husband pointed out a Facebook meme that made us laugh. It showed two photos of hair and body care products. One photo included products that women use in the shower, and another photo showed the products that men use.  The women’s photo was loaded with products, including body wash, face wash, two different types of shampoos, and a couple of different types of conditioner. The men’s photo only had one product, a lone all-in-one bottle of body wash, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, and toothpaste. Not only was it funny, but it also depicted the scene in our shower pretty accurately. The truth is, though, although some men don’t give their hair a lot of thought, I don’t know of any who are thrilled about the idea of going bald. It’s a super sensitive topic. As nonchalant as my husband is about his hair, even a hint that his hairline is receding results in a very alarmed “What?” and a close scalp examination in the mirror that night.  Hair loss in men is common, but that doesn’t mean you’re okay with it. Nor does that mean that you have to accept your fate. So, if you’re a guy with some recession, thinning, or balding, this one’s for you. We’re here to fill you in on what you need to know about male pattern hair loss and what you can do about it.  

1. Hair Loss in Men is More Common Than You Realize

According to the American Hair Loss Association, by age 50, 85 percent of all men will have significantly thinning hair. (01)  Yes, you read that correctly. The majority of men will deal with some type of hair loss in their lifetime.  Men lose their hair for a lot of different reasons.  Balding or thinning hair can be due to autoimmune conditions, Covid, or even stress. The most common reason, though, is genetics. The vast majority of men with thinning or balding hair have androgenetic alopecia, male pattern baldness. Yup, that’s right. Your parents or grandparents may have passed along a baldness gene.  

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, occurs when your testosterone is converted to an androgen (a sex hormone) known as Dihydrotestoterone (DHT). The DHT attacks your hair follicles and causes a reaction called miniaturization which shrinks the follicles. When that happens, the hair that is already there falls out. New hair has trouble emerging through the shrunken follicles, and eventually, the hair stops growing.  

Although Male pattern baldness is the leading cause of hair loss among men; it’s not the only reason men lose their hair. Other forms of alopecia can cause hair loss among men as well. For example, Covid or other illnesses can cause a temporary hair loss called telogen effluvium. In this case, your hair will grow back within six to twelve months. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes sporadic bald patches. Some men’s hair spontaneously regrows, but flares can occur at any time without notice.  Lichen planopilaris is another type of alopecia that causes inflammation, leading to scars over the hair follicles that prevent new hair growth.         

2. Timing is Everything When It Comes to Hair Loss Treatments

Many men avoid doctors like the plague. (02)  However taking a “let’s wait and see what happens” attitude isn’t recommended when it comes to hair loss. If you don’t get treatment when you first notice that your hair is thinning, then your hair loss will most likely progress, leaving you with a higher number on the Hamilton-Norwood Scale. In case you don’t know what that is, the Hamilton-Norwood Scale is a classification system developed to measure the extent of baldness. You don’t want to get high scores on that test.  

If you visit a board-certified dermatologist as soon as you see signs of thinning or balding, your doctor will identify the cause of your hair loss. Once you are diagnosed, your dermatologist can recommend treatments to stop your male pattern hair loss and to promote new growth.  

3. Hair Loss Consultations Are Not a Big Deal (Really!)

If the idea of any medical procedure secretly has you a bit nervous, don’t let that prevent you from seeing a dermatologist.  The exam is much easier than you would expect, and trust me, your dermatologist will not think you are vain for seeking treatment.  Dermatologists evaluate men for hair loss conditions all the time.  So, while you may be out of your comfort zone, your dermatologist certainly isn’t.   

Your dermatologist will ask questions about your health, medications, family history, and lifestyle during your exam. The more detailed information you provide, the better. Your dermatologist will examine your scalp to evaluate your hair loss pattern and possibly do a pull test. A pull test measures the severity of your hair loss. During the test, your dermatologist will gently tug on small sections of your hair to see if any strands fall out.  If six or more do, you have active hair loss. Dermatologists usually diagnose androgenetic alopecia based on visual exam. A blood test or a small biopsy may be ordered if he or she suspects another type of alopecia. Don’t stress if you need a biopsy. You’ll be numb, the biopsy area is small, and it heals within a week.

4. Today’s Hair Loss Treatments are Effective and Natural Looking 

After you get a diagnosis, you’ll have many treatment options. The good news is more data than ever is available on hair loss treatments. Research indicates that many are not only safe, they’re highly effective. Here are some examples of the most popular prescription hair loss treatments used:

Minoxidil 

  • FDA approved to treat hair loss
  • Available in oral or topical formulas
  • Brings oxygen to the hair follicles, enlarging them so existing hair does not fall out and new hair can emerge

Finasteride

  • FDA approved to treat hair loss
  • Available in oral and topical formulas
  • Prevents testosterone from converting to DHT and attacking your hair follicles
  • First-line treatment for androgenetic alopecia

Dutasteride

  • Used off label to treat hair loss
  • Only available as a pill like our SuperCapsule
  • Prevents testosterone from converting to DHT and attacking your hair follicles
  • Prescribed if patient does not respond to Finasteride
  • Lower dosage prescribed for Dutasteride than Finasteride

Cortisone

  • Available in pill and topical formulas
  • Reduces irritation and inflammation

Retinoic Acid

  • Available in topical formula
  • Proven to improve absorption of topical Minoxidil and Finasteride

Compounded Topical Formulas

Research has shown that combinations of topical formulas are more effective than monotherapy.  For example, topical Finasteride combined with topical Minoxidil works better than one of the medications alone. (03)  Finasteride and Minodixil combined with Retinoic Acid is more effective because the retinol helps the scalp better absorb the other two medications. (04)

Alternative Hair Loss Treatments for Men

You may also be a candidate for treatments such as Protein Rich Plasma (PRP), laser light treatments, and hair transplant surgery. Let’s talk about what these are and how they work.

Protein Rich Plasma

PRP acts similarly to Minoxidil by bringing oxygen to the hair follicles to enlarge them. During a PRP procedure, your dermatologist draws your blood. The blood is then separated. The plasma is then injected into sites where your hair is thinning or balding. 

Laser Light Treatment

You may have seen ads for laser light caps. Do they work? Well, the jury is out. The philosophy behind them is that the light increases blood flow to the areas on your scalp that are thinning. More oxygen and nutrients are able to reach the hair follicles, allowing the hair to grow thicker and longer. Although research indicates that laser lights show promise for treating hair loss, the most effective intensity and frequency is still to be determined. (05, 06)  

Hair Transplant Surgery

In the 70s and 80s, you could always tell when a man had hair restoration surgery. You could actually see little circular holes where the plugs were implanted. It looked like a doll’s head. Over time, dermatologists have been perfecting the surgery and today’s techniques give a natural appearance. Dermatologists now move individual hairs from a place where the hair is dense to an area where the hair is thinning. (07) You can’t even tell that the hair has been transplanted.  

5. Perceptions of Bald or Balding Men Have Changed for the Better

Men with thin or thinning hair tend to have lower self-esteem and lack confidence, which could explain negative perceptions of their appearance. (08)  The key is to work with what you do have so you feel as confident as possible.  

Yes, there was a time when bald or balding men were deemed less attractive. That’s no longer the case, though. Today, men who embrace their look are seen as intelligent, successful, and confident. (09) Jeff Bezos, Samuel L. Jackson, Ed Harris, and The Rock are prime examples. So if your hair is thinning or balding, work with your barber or hair stylist to find and own a fresh new look. That look can evolve as you undergo hair loss treatment.  

If you notice some recession, thinning, or balding, and are concerned, contact us for a discrete consultation from the comfort of your home, on your schedule. Our board-certified dermatologists and hair specialists are available to evaluate how much hair you’ve lost and your scalp’s condition. Most importantly, they can offer a customized prescription solution to give you the desired results.  

 

Resources:

(01) https://www.americanhairloss.org/men_hair_loss/introduction.html

(02) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6560804/#:~:text=At%20the%20societal%20level%20masculine,not%20go%20see%20the%20doctor.

(03) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32166351/

(04) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2693596/

(05) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8906269/

(06) https://www.karger.com/article/fulltext/509001

(07) https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/transplant

(08) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16307704/

(09) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1948550612449490

 

Is There a Genetic Test that Can Predict Hair Loss?

Nowadays, there’s a genetic test for just about everything.  Even to determine our dog’s lineage.   Just one quick saliva sample or blood test and, within days, you can find out if you’re destined for cancer, diabetes, or heart disease.  There’s even a DNA test to determine whether you’re likely to experience anxiety.  

Suppose a genetic test can give you accurate information to guide your health care plan and prevent future disease.  Can it also accurately predict whether you’re predisposed to losing your hair?  If a genetic test shows that you are likely to inherit your Great Uncle Bernie or Aunt Bonnie’s hairline, is there a way to ensure that you don’t follow in their footsteps?  Are genetic hair tests reliable?  Do dermatologists use DNA tests to help make diagnoses? Before you click “Buy Now” to order a genetic test kit, keep reading.  We’re here to answer your questions about genetic testing for male and female pattern baldness.

Can Alopecia Really be Inherited?

When people hear the word “alopecia,” they often think of hair loss caused by a medical condition.  Types of alopecia such as alopecia areata and lichen planopilaris are caused by autoimmune conditions.  Androgenetic alopecia, however, is a type of alopecia that is inherited.  It’s the most common type of alopecia.  As many as 80 percent of all men will experience male pattern baldness in their lifetime. (01)  In addition, many women experience female pattern baldness, usually around menopause.  

What’s the Link Between Genetics and Pattern Baldness?

A study conducted on twins confirms what we’ve long suspected.  Male and female pattern baldness have a genetic component. (02)  About 79 percent of men who were balding in the study could attribute their hair loss to their genes.  But, there’s a catch.  Researchers are still working to fully understand which genes are affected.  We’re still learning.  Here’s what we do know.  There are 63 genes that could potentially cause baldness.  Six of those are associated with the X chromosome, where the Androgen Receptors (AR) are found.  It’s also possible that not one isolated gene is the culprit.  Several genes working together may be to blame.

Can You Take a DNA Test to Determine Whether You Will Go Bald?

Ads make genetic testing very tempting, especially if your Mom or Dad starts losing their hair in their 20s.  It would be nice to know whether you will lose your hair too.  But, unfortunately, we’re not quite there yet.  As mentioned previously, there are still too many unanswered questions about which genes are involved and how the genetic process affects your locks. Also, false positives are not unusual with genetic testing.  You don’t want a test to tell you that you’ll experience androgenetic alopecia if that isn’t really the case. (03)

How do you Know if the Type of Alopecia You Have is Genetic?

When men and women experience androgenetic alopecia, they see specific hair loss patterns.  The first sign for men is usually a receding hairline.  The hair loss then progresses to the top, creating a horseshoe pattern above your ears that circles around to the back of your head.  Female pattern hair loss typically presents differently.  Women usually notice thinning on the top and crown.  Often, women will notice a widening of the center part.  Many other conditions cause hair loss besides androgenetic alopecia.  If you think your hair loss is genetic, be sure to have your dermatologist confirm your findings.  Early diagnosis is key to preventing further hair loss and to stimulating new growth.  You also want to make sure you’re addressing the right condition with the right treatment.  

Do Dermatologists Use Genetic Testing to Diagnose Male and Female Pattern Baldness?

The truth is that dermatologists don’t need high-tech tests to determine whether or not patients have androgenetic alopecia.  Most of the time, they can tell from your hair’s appearance and your hair loss pattern.  If there is any doubt, he or she may use a densitometer to magnify your hair follicles to see if miniaturization is occurring.  Miniaturization is when the hair follicles shrink, causing existing hair to fall out and preventing new growth.  Your dermatologist may order a biopsy and blood test to rule out other causes. Patients often ask about the benefits of running a hair analysis based on what they hear about on social media.   Hair analysis is not used to diagnose male or female pattern baldness.  Instead, it’s used to determine whether there’s lead, arsenic, or another substance causing your hair loss.  

What Can You Do to Treat Hair Loss Caused by Genetics?

Treatment for male or female pattern baldness is designed to meet two goals.  The first is to stop the progression of your hair loss.  The second is to promote new hair growth.   The best way to accomplish those two goals is by using a combination of medications simultaneously.  Here are medications often included in treatment plans for androgenetic alopecia:

  • Minoxidil topical foam – A vasodilator that enlarges the hair follicles
  • Finasteride, Dutasteride, or Spironolactone  – Prevents testosterone from converting to DHT that attacks the hair follicles and causes hair loss
  • Topical or oral cortisone – Treats any redness or irritation (not needed for evey patient)

Some men are concerned about experiencing sexual side effects with oral Finasteride.  If this is the case, topcial Finasteride has been proven to be just as effective without the side effects. (04)  Even better, topical solutions which mix Finasteride with Minoxidil, Cortisone and Retinol offer an even more effective all-in-one solution.  The retinol improves absorption of the other three medications.  

Are There Other Causes of Hair Loss Besides Genetics?

Male and female pattern hair loss are the only types of genetically induced alopecia.  However, other types of alopecia exist and treatment plans are designed to treat the type of alopecia you are experiencing.  Examples of other types of alopecia include:

  • Temporary Alopecia (Telogen Effluvium) – Occurs due to sudden illness, stress, or shock and usually reverses itself without treatment
  • Autoimmune Alopecia (Alopecia Areata and Lichen Planopilaris) – People experience flares and periods of remission
  • Trauma-induced Alopecia (Traction Alopecia and Trichotillomania) – Alopecia results from hairstyles that pull on the hair follicles or when people pull out their hair as a stress response)

Can You Prevent Hereditary Hair Loss?

Let’s play pretend for a minute.  Let’s say that a genetic test does exist that will determine whether or not you will lose your hair.  The tests come back showing that you are genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia.   Is there a way to prevent hair loss before it begins?  Sure, eating right, exercising, and managing stress never hurt.  But, even with that, you can’t necessarily fight Mother Nature.  That would be nice, though.  If male or female pattern baldness does rear its head, then it’s time to take action.  

Can You Reverse Hereditary Hair Loss

If you’re experiencing male or female pattern baldness and want to learn more about products available, contact us.  Although there isn’t a way to prevent androgenetic alopecia from occuring in the first place, there are things you can do to reverse the condition.   Minoxidil, Finasteride and other medications have been found to be safe and effective. Our board-certified dermatologists and hair specialists are available to answer your questions and help you develop the ideal treatment plan for your needs and lifestyle. 

 

Resources:

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538178/

(02) https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/60/8/1077/545174

(03) https://www.nature.com/articles/gim201838

(04) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6609098/

 

Everything You Need To Know About Finasteride Interactions

If you have aging parents or grandparents and have seen their overflowing pill boxes, you know that it’s important to track their medications. One prescription can easily interact with another, and boom, you’re at the doctor’s office figuring out which drug is the culprit.  

Dermatologists and hair specialists often recommend prescription hair loss medications because they are safe and effective.  However, if you are taking other drugs or supplements at the same time, you should be aware of potential unintended interactions.  Since Finasteride, also sold under the brand names Propecia and Proscar, is FDA-approved to treat hair loss, it’s the one most often prescribed.  So, for that reason, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about what mixes well with Finasteride and what might not be the best combination.

Finasteride is a Leading Treatment for Male and Female Pattern Baldness

Research continually demonstrates that Finasteride, a medication originally developed to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is one of the most effective ways to treat androgenetic alopecia.  The statistics tell the story.  After two years on Finasteride, 83 percent of men included in Merck’s research study did not experience further hair loss.  More than 70 percent showed increased hair growth. (01)  Finasteride works just as effectively for women. (02)  That’s why Finasteride is often dermatologists’ drug of choice when it comes to stopping further hair loss and stimulating new growth.  

Finasteride Increases the Testosterone Levels in Your Body

So, how does Finasteride help stop your hair from shedding?  It blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase (5-AR).  When 5-AR isn’t produced, testosterone can no longer be converted to an androgen called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is what causes your hair follicles to miniaturize.  Finasteride also increases testosterone levels in your body.  More testosterone shrinks prostate size and helps your hair grow.  The only catch is that when you stop taking Finasteride, any new growth will be lost.   

Finasteride Interactions are Uncommon

Complications stemming from Finasteride use are rare.  That’s not to say that it doesn’t or can’t happen.  Certain medications can either increase or reduce the amount of Finasteride in your bloodstream.  Carbamezepine, Rifampin, and St. John’s Wart may reduce Finasteride’s efficacy by metabolizing the Finasteride faster in your liver.  Other medications such as Itraconazole and erythromycin may actually increase the levels of Finasteride in your blood.  Checking with your doctor is the best way to know if other medications you are already taking will contradict Finasteride.  

Avoid Interactions with Other Medications by Using Topical Finasteride Versus Oral 

If you have androgenetic alopecia and are worried about Finasteride interacting with the other medications you are taking, ask your doctor about using topical Finasteride.  Research indicates that topical Finasteride is equally as effective as oral. (03)   Think of topical Finasteride as a spot treatment.  It works directly on the areas where your hair is thinning to prevent further hair loss and stimulate growth.  Oral Finasteride, on the other hand, is systemic since it is metabolized in your stomach.  Topical Finasteride is the ideal solution for men and women who want the benefits of the medication without any potential drug interactions.  

Some Medications Make Finasteride Work More Effectively

Some medications have been found to increase the efficacy of Finasteride.  Because some medicines work synergistically, dermatologists and hair specialists often recommend that patients use multiple hair loss treatments simultaneously to maximize results.  

Minoxidil, also marketed under the brand Rogaine, is a topical hair loss solution that has proven to complement Finasteride. (04)  While Finasteride blocks the testosterone from converting to DHT, Minoxidil enlarges the hair follicles, preventing hair loss, and allowing new growth to break through.  Minoxidil is available in both oral and topical formulas.

Retinol is also a medication that is often prescribed with Finasteride.  Retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A, is often prescribed to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.  The medication increases collagen production and stimulates the production of new blood vessels bringing oxygen to the skin.  In addition, retinol has been proven to improve the absorption of topical Finasteride. (05)

When patients with hair loss experience inflammation, topical or injected cortisone is often prescribed in conjunction with Finasteride as well.

Taking Finasteride, Minoxidil, Retinol, and Cortisone all at the same time can seem like a lot of medications to remember.  Fortunately, topical formulas are now available that combine all into one convenient bottle.    

Alternatives to Finasteride

Other options exist if you are experiencing male or female pattern baldness and oral or topical Finasteride aren’t suitable for you.

Dutasteride

Finasteride is effective for most people.  However, an alternative medication is Dutasteride. Dutasteride works similarly to Finasteride by blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT.  The difference between the two medications is that Finasteride inhibits the Type 2 5AR isoenzyme,while Dutasteride inhibits both Type 1 and Type 2.  In addition, Dutasteride’s prescribed dosages are typically lower than Finasteride’s because the medication is a bit stronger.  

Spironolactone

Spironolactone, also known as Aldactone, is used off-label to treat female pattern hair loss.  It was originally marketed to treat fluid retention caused by liver and kidney disease. The medication is only prescribed for women because it can cause feminizing features when used over time.  Research has not yet been conducted on a large sample size, but four women included in a study, saw reduced hair loss and experienced some growth. (06)

PRP

PRP, an abbreviation for Platelet Rich Plasma, is a three-step process designed to trigger hair growth by increasing the amount of oxygen available to the hair follicles.  First, blood is drawn. Then, blood is then separated into three groups using a centrifuge.  Lastly, the platelet rich plasma is injected into the scalp. PRP is often used in conjunction with other treatments to maximize results.  

Hair Transplant Surgery

If you are concerned about drug interactions, hair transplant surgery may be an option and a long-term hair loss solution.  During the past few years, many advances have been made in how the procedure is performed.  Rather than taking strips of hair to transplant, surgeons are now able to move individual hairs giving a more natural look.  

Low-light Laser Therapy (LLLT)

You may have seen ads recently for laser caps marketed for hair growth.  Most use light in the red or infrared range to penetrate the scalp and target the hair follicles.  Early studies show promise for the technology, but more research needs to be conducted on the efficacy.  One study found that LLT works better when used with Minoxidil or Finasteride.  The study also indicated that more data is needed to determine the optical laser power and wavelength. (07) 

Be Honest About Your Medical History

If your dermatologist recommends Finasteride or any other prescription hair loss treatment, the best thing you can do is be honest about your medical history.  In addition to telling your doctor about any other hormone, heart, or other medications you’re taking, remember to list any supplements. Also, although sharing information about smoking, drinking, or recreational marijuana use may seem embarrassing, remember that your dermatologist has seen and heard it all.  He or she is more concerned with giving you the best hair regrowth options and keeping you safe than passing judgment on your behavior.  

Is Finasteride Right For You?

If you have questions about whether Finasteride is right for you or could potentially interact with other medications you’re taking, let us know.  Our board-certified dermatologists have full medical degrees from accredited universities.  They are available and happy to review your medical history and suggest solutions based on the type of hair loss you are experiencing.  

Resources:

(01) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/020788s020s021s023lbl.pdf

(02) Note: Recommended doses differ for men and women

(03) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34634163/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20Topical%20finasteride%20significantly%20improves,impact%20on%20serum%20DHT%20concentrations.

(04) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dth.12246#:~:text=Efficacy%20assessment,combination%20therapy%20showed%20improvement%2C%20respectively.

(05) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/557305

(06) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3769411/#:~:text=In%20a%20case%20study%20of,total%20number%20of%20anagen%20hairs.

(07) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29270707/