What is Male Pattern Baldness?
Being bald is the state of having no hair or lacking hair where it often grows on the scalp. The most common form of male hair loss involves progressive hair thinning and is called androgenic alopecia or "male pattern baldness", this can effect up 60% of adult men within the UK alone.
In male pattern baldness, which tends to be inherited or some time brought on by stress or trauma, the hair is usually lost at the temples and the crown. This happens because of an excess of a chemical called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which causes the hair follicles to make thinner and thinner hair until they eventually disappear.
What treatments are available?
So far there are only two medicines which have been licensed by the FDA & the MHRA available today, both are proven to stop hair loss in its tracks and if caught early enough can even re-grow lost hair
1. Propecia 1mg Tablets (Prescription)
2. Regaine Foam Extra Strength (Non-Prescription)
3. Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo (Over the Counter Shampoo)
How does Propecia work?
Propecia prevents formation of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair cell, by blocking an important enzyme (Type II 5á-reductase) which converts testosterone to DHT which is involved in the regulation of the hair follicle. DHT is a chemical (hormone) that naturally occurs in the male scalp which is present in higher levels in men who suffer from male pattern baldness. Because Propecia decreases the formation of DHT in the scalp and hair follicle, this can lead to reversal of the balding process; it increases hair growth and prevents further hair loss associated with male pattern baldness. Without treatment with Propecia, the DHT will continue to contribute to shortening of the growth phase and thinning of the hair.
How does Regaine Foam Extra Strength work?
Regaine Foams active ingredient is Minoxidil (5%). It works by increasing the blood supply to the hair follicles which helps to strengthen existing hair and stimulate secondary hair growth. With Regaine Foam results may be noticeable in just 8 weeks, 9 out of 10 men say they kept or regrew their hair with Regaine Foam. The easy to use foam takes very little time to apply, means it seamlessly fits into your daily grooming routine.
How does Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo work?
Caffeine promotes hair growth; it has even been proven to slow down hereditary hair loss. Now you can transport this unique active ingredient to the hair roots during daily hair washing. Alpecin Caffeine C1 Shampoo penetrates even though it is rinsed out. In just in 2 minutes, the active ingredient travels along the hair shaft directly into the hair follicles. If the shampoo is left on for longer, the caffeine will also penetrate into the scalp
I write articles about mens health & products such as Regaine Foam for Hair Loss