Androgenic alopecia or commonly known as male pattern baldness is truly the most prevalent type of hair loss in men which afflicts over 80 percent of the male population globally. Men's hair loss can start as early as puberty begins, though this condition can be easily observed in older males that can get completely apparent when they reach the age of 30 to 50. Male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) tends to display a precise pattern on their head, which starts with a receding hairline at the front and the hair at the top or crown area thins gradually, progressively showing a blatant bald spot.
Such patterns occur predominantly at the top because the hair follicles on this area are genetically susceptible to going bald. Dihydro-testosterone or DHT is a hormone that gradually weakens the follicles and causes follicle atrophy, resulting in permanent pattern baldness. Normally, the only hairs that remain are the hairs on the back and sides of the head. This is because the hairs on these areas are resistant to the damaging effects of the hormone DHT. Hair follicles on the said areas continue to thrive and generate more healthy thick hairs.
Hair loss in men is basically DHT-related hair loss. Scientists or even hair care experts can really attest that it is caused by the activity of DHT in the scalp. DHT is a chemical by-product of the male hormone testosterone which is converted with the aid of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. The only accurate way of stopping men hair loss is by blocking the conversion of the hormone testosterone into dihydro-testosterone (DHT). One easy and yet beneficial way is to use hair loss treatments that boost with DHT blockers or inhibitors.
In the several pharmacies, one may be recommended with minoxidil or perhaps the drug that is perceived to heal male pattern baldness which is finasteride (Propecia). These two treatments are used mainly by men experiencing androgenic alopecia. However, women can use the minoxidil but with the less concentration like the 2 percent solution. Finasteride on the other hand is strongly contraindicated in women for this is clinically proven to provide teratogenic effects on a developing fetus.
Minoxidil topical treatment is applied directly to the affected areas of the scalp and is thought to work best if it is applied twice daily, once in the morning and evening. Minoxidil works well but it can be messy and inconvenient as it dries really long and you still have to wait minutes to style your hair. Other men who used to have minoxidil as their hair loss treatment say that they had endured side effects happen on their scalp like swelling, itching, and redness. Most men these days are trying to avoid this treatment and are becoming more receptive about having natural and herbal products for hair loss in men or male pattern baldness which cannot provide systemic side effects and can substantially improve the condition.