Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is an inherited trait. According to Medline Plus, it affects more than half of men over the age of 50.
You can’t always prevent your hair from falling out as you age. But there are hair treatments and men’s grooming products that might slow down the process.
Before you go out and buy supplements and special tonics, learn which ones have shown some promise in preventing or treating hairfall control.
What Is Androgenetic Alopecia / Male Pattern Baldness?
Male pattern baldness is one of the most common reasons for hair fall. The cause of this issue is increased sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which results in a gradual reduction in hair dimension and, eventually, hair loss. Because follicles in certain areas of the scalp are more sensitive to DHT than others, hair loss in Androgenetic alopecia is patterned.
Over-the-counter (OTC) Treatments for Male Pattern Baldness
1. Minoxidil
Minoxidil’s topical (directly on the scalp) application helps widen the blood vessel, further improving blood flow.
Furthermore, it improves the nutrient and oxygen supply to the follicles, promoting growth. However, there is no exact mechanism or validation of its function, but it aids in the transition of hair follicles from the resting phase, or telogen, to the growth phase or anagen.
The application of minoxidil appears to help lengthen the anagen phase, resulting in thicker or longer hair.
How to use it?
Here are the steps to use the topical solution:
- It is essential to dry out the hair thoroughly before applying the solution.
- Fill the dropper (available with the solution) with 1 ml of the solution.
- Using a dropper, apply to patchy or bald areas. Part the hair properly so that the solution can reach the scalp.
- Allow the solution to sit for 4-5 hours after rubbing it along the scalp with your fingers.
- Finally, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and lukewarm water.
2. Redensyl
Redensyl is a valuable alternative hairfall control treatment containing a newly-discovered molecule called dihydroquercetin-glucoside (DHQG), a compound derived from plant extracts known to target the stem cells in hair follicles and encourages the division of the cells.
Redensyl for hair also contains anti-inflammatories, amino acids that makeup hair proteins, and other natural ingredients for hair growth.
Because it is natural, non-hormonal, and promotes hair growth at the cellular level, Redensyl has frequently been regarded as the best alternative to hair transplants.
How to use it?
Redensyl serum for hair reduces the telogen phase, increases the anagen phase, effectively reduces hair loss, and maintains hair regrowth.
The anagen phase lasts more than three years, the catagen phase lasts more than three weeks, and the telogen phase lasts more than three months. Redensyl activates productive hair cells and promotes hairfall control.
The best time to use Redensyl is during the telogen phase. The method of use is determined by the hair care product being used.
- If you are using Redensyl oil, apply it to your scalp and leave it overnight. Then, wash your hair in the morning.
- Apply it after a hair wash if you use Redensyl hair restore serum or oil-in-serum.
- To use Redensyl beard oil, apply a few drops of it on your beard overnight.
3. Finasteride
Finasteride is an effective hair treatment medication used to treat male pattern baldness, affecting the scalp’s crown and middle.
This medication comes with a number of warnings about its use. It is only appropriate for adults and is not appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women or children.
Finasteride was initially developed by scientists to combat prostate cancer. It works by lowering the level of a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp. DHT appears to thin hair follicles on the scalp, so lowering DHT levels may promote hair regrowth and slow hair loss.
Finasteride, unlike minoxidil, does not affect hair growth in other body areas.
Finasteride is available in topical and oral formulations. According to a 2020 review, the topical formulation of this drug is less likely to cause serious side effects than the oral version.
How to use it?
To use finasteride, all you need to do is take a tablet one time per day. You can take finasteride with or without food. For optimal results, try to take finasteride at approximately the same time every day.
Summary
Hair loss can be caused by various factors, including genetics and skin and scalp disorders. While it is not always possible to prevent hair loss, taking hair care products such as minoxidil and finasteride, as well as using over-the-counter products, can help to slow or stop further hair loss.
People should see a doctor if they are concerned about their hair loss, especially if it is sudden. To determine the cause of hair loss, a doctor may order several tests and ask questions. You can also schedule an online doctor consult with ManMatters, which has a set of expert hair specialists that can help you in your hair loss journey, that too from the comforts of your home.
