Hair Loss in Men

The condition can develop due to many factors, including genetics, hormones, natural ageing, or medical conditions. Due to the progressive nature of the condition, male hair loss can lead to impacted self-esteem and confidence.

Although there is no surefire cure for hair loss, developments in medical technology make it possible to effectively treat and reduce the appearance of baldness. These advanced techniques offers people the opportunity to feel more confident and comfortable in their appearance. If you are interested in treatments for male hair loss, you should speak to a qualified professional, such as Dr Mirabelle, who will guide you through your journey.

Symptoms

Male pattern baldness is a progressive condition, which means it happens slowly over time. As the name suggests, it is often characterised by the loss of hair in visible patterns on the scalp. It can appear differently in different people, depending on the causes and progression of the condition. For example, while some men may lose hair very gradually over a period of years, for others, the process may occur more quickly. The symptoms of male pattern baldness can include:

• Receding hairline
• Bald spots that are circular or patchy
• Gradual thinning at the top of the head
• Increasingly prominent widow’s peak
• Fully body hair loss

If you are concerned about the symptoms of male hair loss, the first step to treatment is identifying the causes of the condition. Seeing a professional will enable you to establish the nature of your hair loss and the best options moving forward.

Causes of male hair loss

Some amount of daily hair loss is normal. Most people lose between 50 and 100 hairs each day due to the growth cycle. These hairs then grow back during the growth phase. However, in men who suffer from male pattern baldness, the follicles become thinner over time. The condition occurs when the follicles become overly sensitive to testosterone, causing the follicles to shrink and leading to gradual balding over time. The speed and pattern of this balding can be different for each individual and is often influenced by factors such as:

• Genetics
• Hormonal changes
• Medical issues such as cancer, arthritis, and high blood pressure
• Stress
• Infections

Treatment options

FUE Hair Transplants

A hair transplant is a common treatment for male hair loss. Using advanced medical technology, the process involves extracting hairs from a denser area of the scalp and carefully implanting them in the balding area. This can be an ideal solution for men who are concerned about the appearance of balding on certain areas of the scalp (such as the hairline or crown) and who have a good amount of hair in the donor site (usually the back or sides of the scalp).

PRP

PRP stands for “platelet-rich plasma.” PRP therapy is a biological treatment that uses a blood sample from the patient’s own body to stimulate an increase in hair growth.

The blood contains two components: plasma and red blood cells. The plasma contains white blood cells and growth factors that work to keep the body healthy. There are also tiny fragments in the blood called platelets which, when concentrated, can promote healing and rejuvenating effects. The PRP therapy process involves three steps: extracting a blood sample, processing the blood to increase the platelet concentration, and injection into the balding site to treat hair loss. Therefore PRP is a natural, minimally invasive way to improve hair growth.

Medications

Some male patients may also benefit from medications. Depending on the type and severity of your condition, Dr Mirabelle may suggest a medication-based treatment plan. This can also benefit those who wish for a non-invasive hair-loss treatment option. If you think medications may be a good option for you, you can discuss this during your consultation at the Hair Doctor Sydney clinic.