Man touching his hair
Michael Andrade/Stocksy

Genetics and the environment can be factors in hair loss in men.

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. However, stress or other autoimmune conditions such as Alopecia areata. can also affect hair loss in men.

There are treatments and remedies that might slow down hair loss.

Before you go out and buy supplements and special tonics, learn which ones have shown some promise in preventing or treating hair loss.

You can talk to a doctor about hair loss treatments.

“It is normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. New hair grows to replace the hair lost, so this loss isn’t noticeable. Hair loss and baldness can occur when hair falls out too quickly.”

You may notice a bald patch or slowly thin hair if you are losing hair. Hair loss can affect the entire body.

Men have hair that is lost.

  • Genetics and family history: If your relatives have hair loss, you’re more likely to develop it. Male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia is a genetic condition where people gradually lose hair. This could show up as a slowing receding hair line or thinning patches on the crown of the head.
  • Medication conditions: Some medical conditions like hormonal problems or autoimmune diseases cause hair loss. For example, thyroid problems, scalp infections, or trichotillomania (a hair-pulling disorder) could lead to thinning hair or bald patches. An autoimmune condition called Alopecia areata. develops when the immune system attacks hair follicles resulting in bald patches.
  • Medications and medical treatments: Hair loss is a potential side effect of several medications for conditions like cancer, depression, gout, heart diseases, and arthritis.
  • Stress: Chronic stress or stressful events could lead to temporary hair thinning.

1. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two medications to treat male pattern baldness:

  • Minoxidil (Rogaine). Rogaine is available OTC as a liquid or foam. Apply it to the scalp twice per day to encourage hair growth and prevent hair loss. Minoxidil can take 4 to 6 months to see results. Results also depend on proper application and dosage.
  • Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). Finasteride is a pill that you take daily. It’s only available with a prescription from your doctor. The FDA states that generally, it will take at least 3 months of daily use to see results from the drug.

It may take up to a year to see results for minoxidil and finasteride, and you need to keep taking them to maintain their benefits.

2. Hair transplants

The two most popular hair transplant procedures are follicular unit transplantation and follicular unit extraction.

Both hair transplant procedures can be expensive and may cause some level of pain, so keep that in mind.

Infections and scarring are some of the risks. You may need to do more than one hair transplant.

Follicular unit transplantation (FUT)

FUT is the more “classic” method. It involves removing some skin, typically from the back of your scalp, where there’s an abundance of hair. Then, a surgeon removes the follicles from that strip of skin. Finally, they reinsert the hair follicles into the part of the scalp where you’re experiencing hair loss.

Follicular unit extraction (FUE)

In FUE, a surgeon removes hair follicles directly from the scalp and transplants them to the bald parts of the scalp. Direct hair implantation (DHI) is a modified version of this technique in which a specialized tool is used to complete the procedure.

3. Laser treatment

Laser treatment is thought to reduce the inflammation in follicles that keeps them from regrowth for some types of hair loss, like Alopecia areata.. For other types of hair loss, a 2014 review suggests that treatment from low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may increase hair growth through other mechanisms.

There are limited studies to support the effectiveness of laser treatments for hair loss. But a 2016 review determined that LLLT is safe and effective when used to treat male pattern hair loss.

According to a 2019 review, more research on LLLT is still needed.

4. Quit smoking

If you’re a smoker, you’ve probably heard about all the negative effects smoking has on your lungs. But did you know that smoking may be associated with hair loss?

A 2020 study of 1,000 men found that the majority of those who smoked had some amount of hair loss, compared with less than half of the participants who did not smoke.

If you smoke, quitting may help decrease hair loss.

5. Scalp massage

Not only do massages feel wonderful, but they may help with hair loss, too. Massaging the scalp stimulates the hair follicles.

In a small 2016 study, healthy Japanese men who received 4 minutes of scalp massage each day for 24 weeks had thicker hair at the end of the study.

Research from 2019 also found that scalp massages were associated with self-perceived improvements in hair density.

6. Balanced diet

A balanced diet may help keep your hair in tip-top shape. Make sure you’re including a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, unsaturated fats, and lean proteins in your diet. Try to limit your intake of sweets.

A 2019 review associated certain vitamins and minerals found in food with healthy hair. Try adding these:

Last but not least, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.

7. Reduce stress

Stress can really do a number on the body, including your hair. Hair loss may be a result of a stressful lifestyle.

Strategies to reduce stress are included.

8. Oils

Some evidence from a 2014 mice study suggests that peppermint oil can help with hair growth. Rosemary oil has also been traditionally used to increase blood circulation to the scalp.

A 2013 study found that rosemary leaf extract improved hair regrowth in mice.

Coconut oil, castor oil, and olive oil are also widely recommended. But according to a 2020 review, research on their benefits for hair growth is limited.

9. Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is a plant with small berries.

While research is narrow on saw palmetto’s ability to treat hair loss, a 2020 review found that it may help with hair growth while having few side effects.

10. Biotin

Biotin is a vitamin found naturally in foods, like:

  • There are nuts.
  • sweet potatoes.
  • Eggs.
  • They have onions.
  • oats

There’s some evidence that taking biotin will help slow hair loss, but most of the research has been done in women with a biotin deficiency. However, there is a lack of evidence that supplementing with biotin actually has a noticeable effect in healthy individuals.

11. Onion juice

A small 2014 study showed that the use of onion juice as a topical treatment resulted in significantly more regrowth than just tap water in people with patchy Alopecia areata.. More research on people with male pattern hair loss is needed.

12. Bhringraj

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), also called false daisy, is a species in the sunflower family. In Ayurvedic medicine, it’s known as an herb that supports hair growth.

Studies, take one from 2008 for example, have shown the result that extracts of the herb show better hair regrowth than minoxidil. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.

13. Green tea

Another purported herbal remedy for hair loss is green tea.

In an older 2005 study in mice, the polyphenolic compounds present in green tea showed promise as a natural remedy for hair loss. But there haven’t been human studies to confirm these effects.

14. Hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is marketed widely in India for hair growth. An older 2003 study on mice showed positive effects on hair follicles, but no studies have been done in humans.

15. Be gentle with your locks

Try to be gentle with your hair care. Pulling your hair tight can cause hair loss.

If you are worried about hair loss, you should avoid the following.

  • There are tight hair styles, such as pigtails, cornrows, braids, and buns.
  • Chemicals are used in hair treatments.
  • Hot curling irons or hot irons with blades.
  • Your hair is bleached.

“If you use chemicals in your hair, seek help from a professional. Don’t try to do it yourself.”

16. Get a checkup

Hair loss can be caused by a number of medical conditions. You can address hair loss by treating the underlying condition.

The following conditions could cause hair loss.

If you have any of these conditions, or if you are experiencing other symptoms besides hair loss, you should talk to a doctor. As your condition improves, your hair loss should improve.

17. Discuss your medications with a physician

Hair loss can be caused by certain medications. Examples include:

Warning

Talk with your doctor before changing or stopping a medication.

If you have a family history of male pattern baldness, you may not be able to stop your hair loss. You may be able to slow or prevent hair loss.

Try these tips to keep hair from falling out.

  • Find ways to reduce stress.
  • A healthy diet and exercise are important for your health.
  • Avoid hair styles that pull on your hair.
  • Use hair products to prevent hair loss.
  • “Don’t smoke.”
  • Try a massage.
  • If you notice hair loss, talk to your healthcare professional about any medications or medical conditions that may be making it worse.

The cost for hair loss treatment depends on which treatment you choose.

For example:

  • A 3-month supply of rogaine costs between 40 and $50.
  • A 1-month supply of the drug costs around $70.
  • Hair transplants cost a lot.

Generic drugs and OTC supplements are less expensive.

If you do, contact your doctor.

  • Have hair loss.
  • It is possible that a medication is causing hair loss.
  • Also have a rash.
  • Have a rough skin.

Which hair loss treatment is best for me?

“Talk to your doctor to find out which hair loss treatment is best for you. Home remedies aren’t for everyone.”

Does hair loss treatment work?

“Some people find success with hair loss treatments. They don’t work for everyone.”

For example, Rogaine works best for people with hereditary baldness at the back of the head, just under the crown.

Hair transplants are usually more successful than OTC products. However, if you have widespread thinning or baldness, or if your hair loss is due to chemo or medications, they won’t be as effective.

What happens if I stop hair loss treatment?

It depends on the treatment you are using. If you are taking an OTC or prescription medication, you will have to keep taking it indefinitely in order to maintain results.

How can I permanently treat hair loss?

Hair implants are typically permanent. However, you may need multiple implants depending on your goals.

There are several treatments that can be used for hair loss. OTC and prescription drugs, hair implants, and home remedies are included.

Talk to your doctor first. They can help you figure out what is causing your hair loss.