Many men suffer from baldness. It will most often start at some point between the early twenties to forties. A lot of sufferers are comfortable with the process and a lot are not. Its causes are not yet completely understood but it is believed to be a combination of hormones and genetics. Hormones that were promoting hair growth during puberty can be the ones that assist with the balding process. It is thought that the hair follicles in those more genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness are more likely to be affected by the hormones.

There is no official cure for male pattern baldness but there are lots of methods available to assist in treating it. These range from slowing hair growth to transplanting follicles from other areas on the head.

Over the counter treatments

There are a number of over the counter treatments, these include;

·      Regaine - Regaine contains an active ingredient called Minoxidil. The original use of Minoxidil was as a treatment for blood pressure. Its use as a treatment for male pattern baldness was an accident. It was noted that when applied to the skin, it can promote hair growth. Regaine needs to be applied twice daily to the affected areas and can take a number of months to demonstrate its effects. Its results will vary from person to person but it can slow the onset of baldness or assist in re-growing hair.

Surgical Methods

There are a number of surgical methods such as;

·      The transplantation of hair - Hair transplants are where blocks of healthy hair follicles are moved from another area on the scalp to the affected area. These are taken in very small blocks from the side of back of the head. Scarring can occur and the results can vary. They may be permanent or only last a short time.

Cosmetic

·      Hairpiece - For those males that are really uncomfortable with balding hair and do not have the money for expensive transplantation surgery, they can have a hairpiece made.