How to Reverse Male Pattern Baldness?

Gone are the days when hairstyling was only a women’s forte. Today, even men want to experiment with their hair and flaunt their mane, sometimes even with a different look for every occasion. So baldness is a big bother for men and women alike and those who have this hair condition search for a permanent solution for the same.

Male pattern baldness mostly occurs during the later years as the hormone levels change, and genes are a major reason for this condition. In male-pattern hair loss (MPHL), the hair recedes from the frontal portion of the head or there is loss of hair on the crown of the scalp. At times, a combination of these two is seen in male pattern hair loss.

Genes A strong family history and hormones are the common causes of male pattern hair loss; however, the condition requires a correct diagnosis by an expert dermatologist so that other possible causes are ruled out. They include habits such as drinking and smoking, exposure to pollutants or harsh chemicals, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications with hair loss as a side effect, or certain underlying health conditions. The method of reversing hair loss in men depends on the factors causing this condition. 

• Stage 1: There are very little or almost no signs of baldness. A receding hairline is seen around the temples.
• Stage 2: The hairline recedes further and appears in the shape of an M when seen from above. In this stage, hair loss is also witnessed in the crown region, mostly as a bald spot.
• Stage 3: The hairline recedes further and may start appearing U-shaped when seen from above. Subsequently, the U-shaped bald patch grows further.
• Stage 4: In this stage is a small section of hair (thin strip) between the receding hairline and the bald region on the crown. Now, the hairline recedes even further toward the back of the head.
• Stage 5: Baldness is visible at the front and the crown of the head. Hair is present on the sides of the head. Hair loss is witnessed even on the sides of the head. A thin ring of hair may be seen on the side of the head. The hair that grows is mostly thin and weak.

• Modify your diet to include foods rich in vitamin A, zinc, and biotin as these nutrients promote hair growth. Increase the intake of vitamin D as it stimulates hair follicles.
• A head massage with coconut oil is helpful in promoting hair growth as this oil lubricates the hair shafts and prevents breakage of hair. Massaging the scalp with geranium oil or rosemary oil also helps hair growth. A point to note, though, avoid excess application and massage with oil.
• Lemon juice or lemon oil can be applied as a hair mask. Lemon improves the quality of hair and promotes hair growth.
• Brewing green tea in water and applying it on the scalp promotes hair growth, thus helping in the reversal of male pattern baldness.

• Finasteride is a commonly used FDA-approved medicine to stop hair loss in men. One can observe a noticeable difference in a few months of starting finasteride, and this medicine works better on male pattern baldness in the crown region. However, finasteride should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist.
• Dutasteride belongs to the same class of medicines as Finasteride but it is approved only in Japan and Korea and not in the United States.
• Minoxidil is another FDA-approved medicine to treat male pattern baldness.
• PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatment helps boost growth of hair and thus reverses baldness in males.
• A hair transplant is the most effective treatment for male pattern baldness. Its results are long-lasting and it can be considered as a permanent solution for hair loss. In this procedure, healthy hair follicles are collected and transferred to the bald region, thus achieving normal hair growth in the bald areas on the scalp.