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.

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.

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: Many men report that topical Minoxidil has not worked for them because they lack the SULT1A1 sulfotransferase enzyme in their hair follicles to activate the topical Minoxidil to the active form Minoxidil Sulphate. Studies show oral Minoxidil (a tablet form) is more effective as it utilises the sulfotransferase enzyme present in the liver, and is not reliant on it being present in the scalp.

Finasteride and Minoxidil are licensed as 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 of your scalp where it has been applied. Other side effects may include hypertrichosis (abnormal amount of hair growth), changes in hair colour, headaches, fast heartbeat, fluid retention (swelling) in the hands, feet or legs, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure. More serious side effects – including chest pain, heart palpitations, nausea, and changes to your vision – are very rare.

Over 98% of men experienced no serious side effects of Finasteride in clinical trials. However, weight loss and weight gain, skin rashes, tenderness around the nipples or lumps, dizziness and weakness, erectile dysfunction, testicular pain, poor seminal quality / infertility, ejaculation disorders, decreased libido and changes in mood or depression have all been reported as side effects. If your partner is pregnant, conservative advice is to use a condom.

Unreported side effects may also occur. Any questions, just reach out to us via direct messaging through your account, WhatsApp, phone or book via this link to schedule a call with one of our clinicians.

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.

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.