Best Hair Loss Solutions for Men: A Review
Male pattern baldness is a condition that is caused by your genes and male sex hormones. The characteristic of hair loss takes on a pattern which often starts with the hairline slowly regressing or a thinning crown. Each hair strand also has the tendency to thin out due to the hair follicle, or the hole on which it grows, gradually shrinks.
For all the process involved in hair loss, there is a solution to help you get rid of the problem. Below is a list of hair loss solutions to help you see and understand whether it may be appropriate for you.
Hair loss Medications
Medications can be touted as the most convenient fix for hair loss, and one that can be reliable as well. As much as they are effective, there are also other factors that have to be taken into consideration; one is that it has side effects. There are two brands that are trusted for these purposes, and these are Propecia and Minoxidil.
Propecia
However, one of the major drawbacks of Propecia is that it can cause sexual health side effects, which includes decreased libido, abnormal ejaculation, impotence, trouble having an orgasm and problems in maintaining an erection. Other side effects include swelling, breast tenderness, nausea, headache, skin rashes and a runny nose.
There are a lot of good reviews about this product with users claiming that is was able to give them the relief they wanted. Some have relied on it for years seeing that it provided them with the results they wanted.
Here are some of the feedbacks that users have about Propecia as shared by them on WebMD:
“I have taken propecia for over 10 years. I then found out propecia is finestaride. So I started saving money by buying finestaride instead. Anyway, they work great for the hair, but after noticing my ED and other sexual related issues,I started to look into my medications,and there it was "POW" All of my sexual side effects are directly related to "PROPECIA". Please ,if you are taking this medication,"STOP" It has long term and possibly life consequences that will destroy your sex life.”
− upset, a 45-54 year old male on treatment for 10 years
“This drug helped really well with my hair loss. Within 2 months I noticed a significant increase in the thickness of my hair. But I developed the most HORRIBLE acne on my face. I had the skin of a 13 year old hormonal boy. After stopping the drug within 2 weeks my skin was completely clear. Also, I had difficulties with maintaining an erection which also resolved after discontinuing the use of Propecia”.
− wtx, 25-34 year old male on treatment for 6 months to less than a year
“have taken for 10 years-has slowed the loss of hair dramatically.”
− James, 65-74 year old male on treatment for 10 years or more
Before anything else, it is best that you consult your doctor about this drug and how it might affect your current health state. The side effects and possible interactions with medications that you are already taking should also be considered. But there are also men who have been taking the drug for many years without reports of any untoward reaction.
The price can be affordable, but you have to know that you have to take it continuously to maintain its effects against hair loss.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is sold with the brand name Rogaine. This medication is used to slow the balding process and stimulate hair growth. Unlike Propecia, this comes in liquid form and it has to be applied on the scalp twice daily. It works best for those whose hair loss is just starting and individuals below 40 years of age. The effects can often be seen after 4 months to a year of continued use.
Women are not advised to take Propecia, due to the harmful effects that it has towards those who are pregnant and lactating.
Minoxidil also earned good feedback from customers, here are the experiences shared by some users as shared on Amazon:
“Kirkland Minoxidil, so far, has been working for me. I am 28 years old, and before using this product had a large bald spot on the top of my head, and a lot of thinning in the front. I am almost at the two month mark, and have had a decent amount of hair regrowth. Both on the crown of my head (bald spot), and the front area. The product suggests that you should not use it in the front, but let's face it, that's what more people will be looking at when they are looking at your face. Anyway, the hair isn't as long and thick as the rest of my hair, but it has begun filling in those balding areas despite. They say it takes a good solid couple months to see the full effect, and I had to stop using it for almost a week when I forgot to pack it on a vacation. I imagine if I had, the hair would be thicker, and my bald areas would be even more filled in. This progress comes at a cost though. The product is a great value compared to Rogaine, especially when they basically are the same things and offer the same type of potential for hair regrowth. But still, plan on buying it continually, because if you stop applying it the regrown hair will fall out after a few weeks. Another cost is the commitment to daily routine. It has to be applied in the morning and before bed. By the way, the product is a clear liquid that you basically drip onto your bald area and massage it into the scalp. Sometimes it makes your head itchy. But a third kind of negative point...you need to give it a good hour to dry. In the first hour or so after you apply it, your head will be kinda nappy...by that I mean sort of stiff and sticky. That has been my experience so far...hope it helps.”
− N. Schmitz “Estreme Nerd”
“I started using it in Dec last year, and have been using it since. I use it in the front, and haven't had a problem. In fact the photos would blow you away. In 6 months it's probably restored about 40-50 of my hair back.”
− K. Cook
“been using the Kirkland for about 6 years now. I had been following my Dad's pattern of baldness exactly. When he was 65 his hair was much thinner than mine is now that I have reached that age. The Minoxidil kind of rolled back the tide. It makes your hair gunky so I use it right before bed and use 2 pillow cases so they get the oily stains instead of the pillow. I do not use it in the morning. It is counter to instructions to use it just once a day, but I'm just telling you that for me that seems to do the job.”
− Js Banks
Hair pieces
Hair pieces, such as wigs and toupees, are considered to be the usual measures in concealing hair thinning and baldness. Why wouldn't it be when it immediately does the job by giving you the cover that you need. With the improvements in these products, you are now able to achieve a more natural look, making it less detectable and uncomfortable for the user to wear.
Today, there are several stores that even customize these wigs for you. They use different materials, from synthetic to authentic human hair, to achieve the hair style that would fit you best.
The problem with hair pieces, however, is that they require maintenance and they are temporary. However, it can be comfortable to use and easy to put on. They can be expensive but given the quality of wigs available today, you can say that it can be a good investment for your self-confidence.
Hair Transplant Surgery
A lot of men suffering from hair loss have mixed reactions about this treatment being largely successful but highly invasive. This procedure has indeed come a long way, and has since improved in heaps and bounds resulting in a highly impressive outcome.
The procedure, unfortunately, is not for everyone. The surgeon has to evaluate and assess your type of hair loss first and whether you would make an appropriate candidate. Once it is established that you are indeed suffering from male pattern baldness, the next step is to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo surgery.
The procedure involves the removal of a piece of the scalp from the back of the head which contains the donor hair. Then, it is prepared by the surgeon or the hair technician before it is implanted to the recipient site. The surgeon will determine the number of hair grafts needed beforehand.
This is going to be a very meticulous and tedious process that requires careful precision and expertise. That is why it also comes with a hefty price. This is the reason why some men look for other alternatives instead because this can cost thousands. But with a reputable hair transplant surgeon, you can be assured that your head and your hair will be in good hands.
The result of hair transplant surgery can take several months to a year. This is going to be a gradual process and would therefore require you to be patient and very careful in terms of following aftercare practices. This determines the success of your results and can also affect the aesthetic outcome.
The price can be daunting, but with proper preparation, the result of hair transplant surgery is very impressive.
Please Read these articles for more information:
Post Hair Transplant Answers
Pre Hair Transplant Answers
Please Read these articles for more information:
Post Hair Transplant Answers
Pre Hair Transplant Answers
Laser Light Therapy
This is also one of the options that males suffering from male pattern hair loss have. Just to make it clear, it does not cure baldness, but it can help you hold on to the hair that you have a bit longer. Aside from it being non-invasive, this procedure has also proven to be a promising solution that is also safe.
There are in-office laser light treatments and there are also portable hand-held devices, such as the laser comb. The result can take some time to be achieved. It only requires 15 minutes of treatment a day, three times a week to achieve results.
Laser light therapy can also be used with hair transplant surgery as a means to promote faster and effective healing. It stimulates the flow of blood to the site, which enhances wound closure and better healing. There are no major side effects and it is easy to use. However, it is true that its action is indeed limited.
Here are some of the reviews that users have about laser light therapy for hair loss:
“I have been doing laser therapy for 2 months now. I am a woman, age 30, who has minimal diffused thinning all over the top of my head. It is working for me! I have thickened up my existing hair and patchiness in some areas has DISAPPEARED. I believe it is a great therapy for those with a small amount of loss. I think those that have a more progressed problem may have difficulty seeing results from it. I has helped me so far and I am confident that by 6 months my problem will be resolved. Dr. Feller is too closed minded about this therapy.”
− SaraD
“ i too!!! notice my laser comb has caused more hair loss!! And no results.., I’ve been using it for 4months now, however it made my hair really black as opposed to being light brown>>”
− Griffin Morris
If you are looking for a good hair loss solution, it is best that you consult your doctor first. This way he can fully assess your condition in order for him to advise you with a suitable and effective solution. These hair loss measures may be effective, but they are not always applicable to everyone. So before shelling out money, get yourself evaluated first.
