As men age, most of them will eventually experience hair loss. There are several different medical treatment options for male pattern hair loss. Prescription options include topical or oral minoxidil as well as topical or oral finasteride. There are also over-the-counter options, including topical caffeine and melatonin.
These treatment options are effective, and can make a significant difference in the quality of life for some men. At the same time, they don’t work for everyone. In particular, these treatments tend to work best in men who are in the early stages of hair loss. Once the condition has progressed, topical and oral treatments tend to be less effective.
Men are often upset to find out that they’re not good candidates for these treatments. However, if you find out that medical treatment for your hair loss is actually not a good option for you, don’t worry. There are other options available that can help men who are in the more advanced stages of male pattern baldness. You could also choose to embrace your hair loss and rock the completely bald look.
One option to consider is a hair transplant. This is a minor surgical procedure, which is usually performed using only local anesthesia. Hair follicles are removed from an area of the head that still has plenty of hair (usually the back of the head), and are transplanted to bald areas, to recreate a full hairline.
Decades ago, hair transplantation often produced unnatural-looking results. However, modern techniques generally produce much better results. Follicular units (containing between one and four hairs each) are individually placed, which allows the surgeon to create a much more natural look.
A hair transplant can be a good option for some men, although there are certain tradeoffs to consider. Here at Calvono, we’re experts in the medical treatment of male pattern hair loss, and we don’t perform hair transplants ourselves. However, there are many transplant specialists throughout the US. Many can be found by searching the American Academy of Dermatology’s physician database.
If you’re looking for a less invasive option, there are also quite a few artificial hair options that may work for you.
Hair extensions are bonded to your natural hair. In men who are experiencing male pattern hair loss, there’s often some hair remaining on the areas that appear bald; the hair is just so fine and short that it’s difficult to see. Hair extensions made of healthy and thick scalp hair can be bonded to this fine hair in order to give the appearance of a full, healthy head of hair.
You can get “permanent” extensions placed at a hair salon. Try to have them placed by someone who’s experienced specifically in placing extensions for men with hair loss, since getting good results requires specific techniques. These extensions are permanent in the sense that you don’t have to put them on every day; they’re secured to your natural hair. However, even permanent extensions don’t last forever, and will generally need to be replaced every three to four months.
Another option is a hairpiece, such as a wig or a toupée (a partial wig). Rather than being secured to your natural hair, these options are worn on top of your natural hair. You could choose to shave or buzz whatever natural hair you have left, and then wear a wig in the style that you desire. You could also choose a toupée that blends in with your natural hair and is able to cover the bald areas.
This is a very simple way to get the look that you’re hoping for. Keep in mind, many people find hairpieces to be uncomfortable. It can also be a major hassle to put them on daily, and it may not be possible to wear a hairpiece while doing certain activities (like swimming). Depending on your lifestyle, this option may or may not work well for you.
Many men feel distressed about losing their hair, and they want to do whatever it takes to reverse the process. However, the truth is that losing your hair may not be as bad as you think.
Once male pattern baldness has progressed to a certain point, some men choose to lean in, and shave their heads completely. This may actually provide some social benefits. In fact, studies have shown that both men and women consistently rate men with completely shaved heads as being more dominant. They’re even seen as being taller and stronger. If you’re starting to experience hair loss, you may actually get a benefit from shaving off all of your hair.
The completely bald look is popular right now. Many celebrities, like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Vin Diesel, Tyrese Gibson, and Bruce Willis, have chosen to shave their heads. These men are widely perceived as both strong and attractive. If you choose to embrace baldness and shave your head, you’ll be in excellent company.
It’s also important to remember that people’s impressions of you are not shaped primarily by your appearance. Personal factors are far more important – psychologists call this “individuating information.” Once someone has talked to you, they’ll form their impressions of you based on your personality, rather than based on your hair (or lack of it).
In fact, many studies have shown that baldness doesn’t impact a man’s “social attractiveness,” meaning how likely people are to want to spend time with him. Many men are worried that losing their hair will impact their social standing. The truth is that, although baldness might have some impact on what strangers think of you, it actually has less of an impact on social standing than many people expect.
How you choose to approach male pattern hair loss is completely up to you. You can choose from among several different treatment options, or you can own it and rock the bald look. It’s entirely your choice.
