Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is hair loss that affects males, mainly at the crown of the head or at the hairline. Not quite the same as going bald, it can begin as a single bald spot, or a receding hairline that slowly forms an ‘M’ shape. Here are 7 things you should know about MPHL, including whether it can be grown back.
1. IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY
It is believed that MPHL is an inheritable condition. The androgen receptor gene is one of them, which is on the X-chromosome, but it doesn’t mean that hair loss is inherited from the mother, because there are other genes involved in the condition as well.
2. STRESS CAN INCREASE THE RATE OF HAIR LOSS IN MPHL
Under stressful circumstances, hormonal changes or scalp issues, someone predisposed to hair loss genetically may notice an increase in hair loss.
3. STRESS ALONE CAN INCREASE HAIR SHEDDING
Sometimes, losing hair might be temporary. Telogen effluvium is a condition where there is increased hair shedding caused by severe stress. However this problem usually rectifies itself and hair grows back eventually.
4. START TREATMENT EARLY RATHER THAN LATE
Doctors advise that men experiencing hair loss seek professional help early. The earlier the better, because it is often more difficult to restore hair density to what it was if the hair loss is severe. Once hair follicles are lost permanently, the only solution would be a hair transplant.
5. THERE ARE PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS AVAILABLE TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP HAIR LOSS
For those with mild hair loss, there are medications that can prevent further hair loss and promote hair regrowth. A topical preparation is Hair Recovery Serum by SW1 Clinic, which contains Minoxidil, a medication that encourages regrowth. Clinical studies have actually shown that men who applied the 5% formula saw improved hair counts after 4 months.
6. BRING ON THE HAIR LASER
Once completely bald, nothing will help with regrowing hair. But as long as a little fuzz remains, there is a chance that treatments might still work. The Hair Clinic has a special Keramax Scalp Program, which contains Revitascalp and Revage 670 hair laser treatments. Studies have shown that the Revage 670 can increase hair density by as much as 40% with an 85% success rate in stopping the progression of hair loss. And don’t worry, it is also completely painless!
7. THE ‘MINI HAIR TRANSPLANT’
Once you have left things till too late, the only way out is the real hair transplant. But if there is still a chance that your thinning crown or receding hairline might be able to regrow itself, Kera-Clone might just do it. Not really a hair transplant, this involves borrowing a few hair follicles from your own scalp, treating them in a soluble medium and then redistributing them to areas of concern on the scalp. With hair loss treatments, results often vary, ranging from strengthening of existing viable hair follicles (reducing hair miniaturization) only to siginificant increase in hair density (regrowth) over the next 6 to 12 months.