All about hair loss
2m - By Dr. Earim Chaudry
Video
A word from our medical director
In this video, Dr. Earim Chaudry talks about the causes of hair loss, what can reverse it, and how our treatments and offering can help.
What causes hair loss
Hormonal effects (DHT)
Hair loss is caused by Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone that shrinks your hair follicles.
Genetic factors
Inheriting hair loss genes from your family will increase the chances of losing your hair.
Lack of nutrients
Vitamin D, Selenium and Zinc all play an important part in the maintenance of healthy hair.
By Dr. Earim Chaudry
Manual Medical Director
Choose a hair loss plan
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The complete hair loss plan
Combines Finasteride & Minoxidil to increase hair growth & prevent hair loss
Best combo for maximum results
The science
Finasteride blocks hair loss, Minoxidil stimulates hair regrowth
Results
In 3-6 months
Usage
Tablet (once daily), Spray (once daily)
Delivery frequency:
1 month
£28.00/month
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3 months
£20.00/month
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6 months
£19.00/month
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Earim Chaudry, Medical Director
£114
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Finasteride hair loss plan
Daily tablet that blocks DHT to prevent hair loss
For reversing hair loss
The science
Finasteride blocks hair loss
Results
In 3-6 months
Usage
Tablet (once daily)
Delivery frequency:
1 month
£18.00/month
Save 17%
3 months
£15.00/month
Save 22%
6 months
£14.00/month
“Strongly recommend a 6 month order as first results take time”
Earim Chaudry, Medical Director
£84
£45 for the first delivery
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All in one spray
Our Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil in our most convenient formula
Maximum efficiency and no tablets
The science
Blocks DHT to reverse hair loss, increases hair growth
Results
In 3-6 months
Usage
Spray (once daily)
Delivery frequency:
3 months
£19.67/month
Save 8%
6 months
£18.17/month
“Strongly recommend a 6 month order as first results take time”
Earim Chaudry, Medical Director
£189
£109 for the first delivery
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What to expect
1-2 months
There will likely be no visible change in the first two months. Though some people may shed more fine hairs than before. This is temporary and normal.
3-6 months
At this point, it may become noticeable that hair loss has slowed, stopped, or in some cases maybe even reversed. Take a photo to track your progress.
6 months +
By now, hair loss may have considerably slowed or stopped, and some people may see signs of regrowth, usually at the crown of the head.
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Frequently asked
Why is my hair falling out?
From stress to vitamin deficiency, there are many possible causes of hair loss. However, male pattern baldness (MPB), or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common culprit, causing 90% of male hair loss cases. This is caused by the hormone, DHT, which weakens and shrinks the hair follicles – and ultimately makes them unable to produce hair. That’s MPB and it happens to most men in our lifetimes.
How do I know if I am losing my hair?
You’ll probably know the main signs of balding already. From a receding hairline to a balding crown, the key signs are familiar to us all. However, overall, expect your hair to be thinner, weaker, and more brittle. And you may see that it grows more slowly on top – or that more hair falls out in the shower or when styling. Crucially, sudden onset hair loss or inflamed/sore scalp that causes bald spots or patchy hair loss is not MPB.
What is DHT?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is what powers MPB. Derived from testosterone by an enzyme known as 5α-Reductase, it helps your body develop sex organs, muscle mass, and facial hair in your youth. However, as you age, DHT weakens your hair follicles, and stops them producing hair. Prevent 5α-Reductase from working, though, and your follicles can be saved – which means fuller and thicker hair for longer.
Is hair loss reversible?
You bet that hair loss is reversible. Thanks to our understanding of DHT and hair follicles, new hair loss treatment options are available. Finasteride and Minoxidil are the market-leaders, with Finasteride being effective in the treatment of MPB for 9/10 men. So, men don’t need to put up with hair shedding, thinning, or bald spots anymore – as these medical treatments offer an easy way to regrow healthy hair.
When should I start treatment?
With MPB treatment, the trick is to start as soon as possible. While Minoxidil and Finasteride have a big impact in the battle against that androgen, DHT, they can only do so much. If you’re completely bald and have been for a long time, it is unlikely that treatment will work. DHT will have made the follicles unable to produce hair – and permanent hair loss is the result. Start treatment as soon as you can.
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Male Hair Loss: Everything You Need to Know
Curated by Dr. Earim Chaudry, Manual Medical Director
Overview
Overview
MPB Causes
The Causes of MPB and Other Hair Loss
Treatment
Is my hair loss treatable?
Side Effects
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Hair Transplants
Why wouldn’t I have a hair transplant?
Shampoo
Can a shampoo treat my hair loss?
Male pattern baldness (MPB) is common – and probably more common than you think. 30% of men aged 30 have it to some degree. By the age of 70, that proportion is 70%. While some of us can even see it in our 20s, others can hold out until their older years. The chances are that you will almost certainly see some degree of thinning.
But what are the common causes of hair loss? And is it treatable? Read on to find out more.
The Causes of MPB and Other Hair Loss
In 90% of cases, though, male hair loss is caused by MPB (also known as androgenic alopecia). This is a result of your hormones and genes – and your follicles’ sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a male hormone that gives your male characteristics when young, but it impacts hair growth as you age.
DHT binds to hair follicles on your scalp, and causes them to shrink, weaken, and stop producing healthy hair. It also affects your hair growth cycle, meaning that your follicles are in their resting phase for longer and stay in the growth phase (or anagen phase) for a shorter time. MPB is treatable and even reversible.
There are other reasons why you can lose your hair – and, unfortunately, not all of them are treatable. Alopecia areata is one possibility, caused by autoimmune disease, in which hair falls out in clumps. Another cause is traction alopecia, where hair falls out due to tension at the root. This is usually the result of wearing a tight-fitting helmet for too long, or wearing hairstyles such as braids, cornrows, or hairpieces too tightly. It’s usually accompanied by itchiness and redness on the scalp.
Trichotillomania, or obsessive hair pulling, is another of the types of hair loss, caused by physically pulling out hair from the scalp or eyebrows. Meanwhile, telogen effluvium is the name of hair loss caused by stress. Other medical conditions and treatments – including fungal infection and chemotherapy – can also cause hair loss. Consult your GP or a dermatologist before treatment.
Is my hair loss treatable?
If you’re male and in the 90% of hair loss cases, take a deep breath. It’s okay. MPB is easily treated using widely approved treatments.
You’ll be able to recognise if you have MPB. It first affects either the hair above your temples or on your crown. You’ll see your hairline receding into a “widow’s peak”, a v-shaped hairline at the front of your head. Elsewhere, thinning hair will be seen across the top of the head. Importantly, it won’t fall out suddenly or in clumps, and it won’t leave behind a rash.
There are two effective and approved treatments for a receding hairline. Known as Finasteride (often sold as Propecia) and Minoxidil (Rogaine or Regaine).
The first, Finasteride, tackles the root cause of MPB by blocking the production of the hormone DHT. Effective in 90% of men and usually taken orally as a daily pill, Finasteride intervenes to prevent the shrinkage of hair follicles before they become permanently damaged.
Minoxidil, meanwhile, is applied topically as a spray. It’s a “vasodilator”, widening blood vessels on the scalp to facilitate the transport of nutrients and oxygen. Use the spray twice daily – and it’s shown to help regrowth in two thirds of men. We recommend that men use both of these treatments together.
Note: MPB Treatments are available in different strengths. If the licensed strengths aren’t effective for you, we also have premium options. Just ask a specialist at Manual for more information.
While female pattern baldness (or female pattern hair loss) does exist, consult a doctor for treatment options. While women can use Minoxidil, they should never use Finasteride.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Finasteride and Minoxidil are licensed as safe and effective treatments for hair loss. Like all medications, they can have side effects. However, the good news is that these side effects are rare, and the vast majority of people do not experience them.
The side effects of Minoxidil usually come as a result of overapplication. They include dizziness and drowsiness – as the increased blood flow lowers your blood pressure slightly – as well as irritation in the area where it has been applied. More serious side effects – including heart palpitations, nausea, and changes to your vision – are very rare.
Over 98% of men experienced no serious side effects to Finasteride in clinical trials. However, weight loss and weight gain, dizziness and weakness, erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido have all been reported as side effects.
Why wouldn’t I have a hair transplant?
Hair transplants are not quite as permanent as they may seem. As MPB is a progressive condition, there’s no guarantee that your hair loss won’t continue post-op. And, as a result, you might find yourself saving up for a second or a third transplant.
Hair transplants are also accompanied by treatment with Finasteride and Minoxidil. These drugs tackle the root cause of hair loss, where hair transplants only manage the symptoms. You’re increasing the chances of further hair loss if you don’t follow surgery with these treatments. You’re the best judge of what you need, but if you’re getting a transplant, you’ll be taking these medications afterwards anyway.
Can a shampoo treat my hair loss?
Yes, it’s true. Shampoos can be effectively used to treat hair loss. However, with many duff products on the market, it’s important that you know what you are looking for.
Manual’s Power Shampoo includes ingredients known to encourage healthy hair. Caffeine is known to stimulate hair follicle activity. Biotin is an essential vitamin for hair health, as it plays a role in the production of keratin, the protein of which hair is made. Meanwhile, saw palmetto is thought to reduce the amount of DHT in the body, too. But Finasteride and Minoxidil are the only proven treatments.
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