Men's Hair Loss Guide
Your complete roadmap to understanding and treating male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). Evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions.
Quick Assessment: Are You Experiencing Male Pattern Baldness?
Common Signs:
- Receding hairline at temples (M-shaped pattern)
- Thinning at the crown (top/back of head)
- Gradual thinning over months/years
- Family history of baldness
Seek Medical Evaluation If:
- Sudden or patchy hair loss
- Hair loss accompanied by scalp issues
- Hair loss before age 20
- Other symptoms (fatigue, weight changes)
Your Treatment Journey
First-Line Treatments (Start Here)
Most men should start with FDA-approved medications. These have the strongest evidence and work for the majority of users.
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
- • Topical solution or foam
- • Over-the-counter
- • Apply twice daily (5% solution)
- • 40-60% see regrowth
- • $15-30/month
Finasteride (Propecia)
- • Oral pill (prescription)
- • Take once daily
- • Blocks DHT hormone
- • 65-90% slow/stop loss
- • $20-80/month
Pro tip: Many doctors recommend using both minoxidil and finasteride together for best results. They work through different mechanisms.
Additional Treatments (If Needed)
If first-line treatments aren't enough, these options can help:
Dutasteride
More potent DHT blocker than finasteride. Off-label use for hair loss.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
Light therapy devices (caps, helmets) used 3-4x per week. Modest improvements.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Injections using your own blood components. Mixed evidence, expensive.
Hair Transplant (For Advanced Loss)
When medications aren't enough or you want to restore a receded hairline, surgery may be an option.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
- • Individual follicle extraction
- • Minimal scarring
- • Longer procedure
- • $4,000-15,000+
FUT (Strip Method)
- • Strip of scalp removed
- • Linear scar
- • More grafts per session
- • $3,000-12,000+
What to Avoid
Unproven Treatments:
- • Most supplements (biotin, saw palmetto, etc.) — weak evidence
- • Essential oils and natural remedies — no clinical proof
- • Hair growth shampoos — can't penetrate deep enough
Scams and Red Flags:
- • "Miracle cures" or "guaranteed regrowth"
- • Before/after photos that seem too good to be true
- • High-pressure sales tactics
- • Non-medical providers offering "medical" treatments