How to Treat Male Baldness

Male pattern baldness (also known as androgenic alopecia) affects about 50 million men across the United States. Hair loss begins to occur above the temples and forms an “M” shape. Over time hair continues to fall out around the top of the head and sometimes on both sides and back of the head, eventually leading to complete baldness. If you are balding and don’t feel confident with your appearance, there are a few treatments you can choose from. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Table of Contents

Learn about treatment options

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Causes of male pattern baldness. Although androgenetic alopecia is associated with male sex hormones (androgens), the exact cause is still unknown. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Baldness is an inherited trait, and the type of androgen thought to have a major impact on baldness is the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). ^{[3] X Research Sources}
It is thought that increased levels of DHT in the hair follicle will shorten the hair growth cycle and delay the birth of new hair. ^{[4] X Research Sources}
Over time the hair follicles stop producing new hair, but the hair follicles are still alive, indicating that they can still produce new hair. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Use minoxidil (Alopexy 2%). Minoxidil is a topical FDA-approved medication for the treatment of male pattern baldness. It is a solution that stimulates hair follicles to grow new hair, used by applying directly to the scalp. ^{[6] X Research Source}

Minoxidil reduces hair loss and some people report new hair growth after taking it. However, hair loss will return if you stop taking it, so you must continue to take minoxidil to maintain results.
Negative effects associated with minoxidil include itching, rash, acne, heat, inflammation, and swelling. ^{[7] X Research Sources}
Serious side effects that indicate the body has absorbed too much of this medicine are blurred vision, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, and irregular heartbeat. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Ask your doctor about taking finasteride. The drug finasteride (trade names Finatas 5 and Binfin) is an oral tablet that is slightly more effective than minoxidil. The drug works on the principle of combining with an enzyme that converts free testosterone into DHT. ^{[9] X Research Source}

The drug finasteride reduces hair loss while taking it, but within a year of stopping treatment hair loss will continue. ^{[10] X Research Source}
Side effects of finasteride include chills; cold sweats; lethargic; dizzy; rash; swelling in the legs, arms, and face; tingling; erectile dysfunction; decreased sex drive; Erectile dysfunction and weight gain. ^{[11] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Hair transplants. During a hair transplant, very small patches of hair are taken from one place on the scalp to be transplanted to the bald spot. This process is usually divided into several batches and has a permanent effect, although it is quite expensive. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Before a hair transplant, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb your scalp.
During the procedure, your doctor will separate a small patch of the scalp with hair and remove the donated skin. Similarly, many other small scalp patches continue to be separated from the donor site and implanted in the bald spot. ^{[13] X Research Source}
In one treatment, thousands of hairs can be transplanted.
Hair transplants will cause scarring and bleeding, so there is a risk of infection.

Improve hair health

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Eat foods that fight hair loss. Nutritional imbalances are often the cause of hair loss. A poor diet can cause deficiencies in macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), adversely affecting health and causing hair loss. To promote hair health and general health, you should include some or all of the following foods in your diet: ^{[14] X Research Source}

Eat red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables (such as carrots, sweet potatoes, peppers, and cantaloupe) that are high in vitamin A or beta carotene. Some studies show that vitamin A helps promote the growth and health of cells, including hair follicles. ^{[15] X Research Source}
Promote hair health by eating fatty fish (like salmon and sardines), which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. ^{[16] X Research Source}
Eating yogurt and foods rich in vitamin B5 helps increase blood flow to the scalp, and thereby improves hair health. ^{[17] X Research Source}
Salad with spinach is a food that contains a lot of vitamin A, iron, fpat and vitamin C. These are vitamins and minerals that support the scalp and hair. ^{[18] X Research Sources}
Get enough protein by eating lean meats (like chicken), low-fat dairy products, and protein-rich vegetables like beans. Hair is made up of protein molecules called keratin, so you need to get the right amount of this protein to nourish your hair. ^{[19] X Research Source}
Eat foods that contain vitamin B7 (also called biotin) to promote hair growth, typically eggs, fortified cereals, dairy products, and chicken. ^{[20] X Research Source}
Eat foods rich in zinc such as oysters, lobster and fortified cereals. Zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, so you need to make sure you get enough of this mineral from your daily diet. ^{[21] X Research Source}

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Drink a lot of water. If the body lacks water, the skin and hair cells cannot grow healthy, so you should drink plenty of water to prevent this condition. ^{[22] X Research Source}

The goal is to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and drink more during exercise or hot weather.
Caffeinated beverages (like coffee, tea, and sodas) dehydrate the body and actually lead to an imbalance of water. You should only drink water, tea and juice without sugar, limit caffeine consumption to 1-2 cups per day.

Courtney Foster

Hair loss treatment specialist

Courtney Foster is a cosmetologist, hair loss specialist, and cosmetology educator living out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman and in East/West Magazine. She was licensed by the state of New York to practice cosmetology after training at Empire School of Cosmetology – Manhattan.

Courtney Foster
Hair loss treatment specialist

Our experts agree: The best way to improve hair health is to stay hydrated. Wash your hair regularly, drink plenty of water and follow a healthy diet with lots of green leaves to keep your scalp moisturized and healthy.

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Eliminate stressors in your life. Although there are no reports of hormonal hair loss being linked to stress, stress can cause hair loss. To keep your hair healthy, you should avoid the factors that lead to stress in your life. Three types of stress-related hair loss have been recognized: ^{[23] XTrusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Telogen effluvium is a state of stress that causes a series of hair follicles to enter a resting phase and the hair will fall out within a few months. ^{[24] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
Hair pulling syndrome is a condition that originates from stress, people with this syndrome always have an urge to pull their hair with the initial cause of stress, but it can also be due to pressure, loneliness, boredom or frustration. . ^{[25] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
Alopecia areata is caused by the immune system’s attack on the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. ^{[26] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
Unlike male pattern baldness, hair loss caused by stress is not necessarily permanent. If you manage stress, hair can grow back. ^{[27] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Health check. Certain diseases and health conditions can also cause hair loss, unrelated to male pattern baldness. If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to diagnose the cause and rule out underlying problems. ^{[28] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Hormonal imbalances and changes (such as during pregnancy, postpartum, or during menopause), thyroid problems, and temporary hair loss can also cause temporary hair loss.
Scalp infections like ringworm cause hair to fall out and form scaly patches, but usually hair grows back once the infection clears.
Other conditions such as lichen planus, some lupus and granulomatosis can cause permanent hair loss.

Apply natural treatment

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Use onion juice. Although more research is still needed, onion juice has the potential to enhance hair growth in patients with alopecia areata. According to a small study involving 23 participants, 20 patients who had successful hair loss treatments rubbed raw onion juice on their scalp twice daily for six weeks. ^{[29] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

This study was conducted on patients with alopecia areata, but you should also try it if your hair loss is caused by male hormones.
Extract onion juice by grinding an onion and filtering the water.
Rub the juice on your scalp twice daily for 30 minutes, then wash your hair. You have to do this method for at least six weeks to see if it works.

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Scalp massage. Massaging helps increase blood flow to the hair follicles, thereby improving scalp and hairline health. However, science has not proven whether massage can reduce or prevent hair loss, so you should be careful when applying.

Use coconut, almond, or other essential oils like olive, castor, or Indian gooseberries. You can optionally add a few drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil if desired.
Use the essential oil by gently massaging it into your hair and scalp. When using coconut oil, do not melt the oil in the microwave, but use your hands. Coconut oil doesn’t need much heat to melt. You must use this oil twice a week for a minimum of two months to see its effects.

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Use a mixture made from fenugreek seeds. Fenugreek seeds contain substances that can stimulate hair growth and repair hair follicles.

Mix one cup of fenugreek seeds with water and soak overnight.
Then grind it finely to form a paste that can be applied to the hair.
Cover your hair with a plastic bag or shower cap and leave it on for 40 minutes. Wash your hair and repeat every morning for a month.
As with other natural hair treatments, this method has not been scientifically proven to reduce or prevent hair loss, so it may not work for you.

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Apply home remedies. There are many other natural treatments you can try, but keep in mind that they are not scientifically proven to work. Always consult your doctor if you are in doubt about any self-treatment.

Use aloe vera gel as it helps to optimize the pH of the scalp and promote hair growth. Massage this gel onto your head and let it sit for an hour before washing it off. Repeat three to four times per week.
A blend made of licorice root helps to soothe the scalp and reduce irritation. Mix 1 tablespoon finely ground licorice root and ¼ teaspoon saffron in a cup of milk. Rub this mixture on the bald area, cover the head and leave it overnight. Wash your hair in the morning and repeat once or twice a week.
Use Chinese hibiscus flower to grow stronger and thicker hair and also treat dandruff. Mix hibiscus flowers with coconut oil and heat until charred, filter to recover the essential oil. Rub the oil on your scalp before bedtime and leave it on overnight. Wash your hair the next morning and repeat a few times a week.
You should also try beetroot, flaxseed, or coconut milk.

Advice

To maximize the effects of minoxidil, you should dye your hair 2-3 months after treatment. Minoxidil tends to pre-generate hair, and dyeing the hair creates a contrast between the hair and the scalp, making the hair in the new growth area appear thicker. This is a general technique used to take pictures before and after hair loss treatment.
There are different types of baldness and they also have different causes. You should consult your doctor before trying any self-treatment.
If you want, you can use wig tips, which are patches of artificial hair used to cover the bald head.

Warning

If you decide to take any of the drugs mentioned above, you must learn how to use them and be aware of their side effects.
Do not use natural remedies that contain ingredients that make you allergic.

Steps

Learn about treatment options

Improve hair health

Apply natural treatment

Advice

Warning

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