5 Treatments for Men’s Hair Loss

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Dealing with hair loss can be frustrating. But there’s good news: Real, science-based treatments are available. They can help slow, stop, and even reverse the impact of male pattern baldness on your hairline.

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Hair Loss Medications

Currently, the most effective treatment options for male pattern baldness are FDA-approved hair loss medications, such as minoxidil and finasteride.

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Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a topical medication that’s available as a liquid or foam. It works by moving hairs into the anagen, or growth, phase of the hair growth cycle.

It also stimulates blood flow, which may improve nutrient supply and hair growth.

Minoxidil is available without a prescription, making it a convenient treatment for hair loss. (Learn more about Minoxidil Drug Interactions: A Guide.)

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Finasteride

Finasteride is a prescription hair loss medication.

Unlike minoxidil, which works at the scalp level, finasteride works by inhibiting the effects of the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.

Research shows finasteride is very effective, especially when used in combination with minoxidil.

In a study published in the journal Dermatologic Therapy, 94.1 percent of men with visible hair loss who used finasteride and minoxidil together showed improvements in hair growth.

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Other Treatments for Hair Loss

In addition to medication, other options for addressing male pattern baldness include:

  • Hair loss prevention shampoos. These shampoos contain ingredients such as saw palmetto and ketoconazole, which may help to prevent hair loss. You can learn more about these products in our guide to the best shampoos for thinning hair in men.

  • Hair growth vitamins. Several essential vitamins and minerals, including those in our Biotin Gummy Vitamins, benefit hair growth. However, there’s limited evidence that vitamins play any significant role in preventing male pattern baldness.

  • Hair transplant surgery. This type of surgery involves moving DHT-resistant hairs to areas affected by hair loss, such as the hairline or crown. While it’s very effective, it can cost several thousand dollars and may take several weeks to heal. Our guide to hair transplant surgery goes into greater detail about the advantages and disadvantages of this type of procedure. (Learn more about Hair Transplants: Cost, Time and Side Effects.)

This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

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