Are you losing hair?

Myths say that thin-haired men are more virile than others. Whether this is or not, we will let go unsaid. However we know that many men consider hair loss a major concern.

Hair loss is a result of an increased amount of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes the hair follicles to shrivel up and hair growth to thin, to eventually stop entirely. Certain areas of the scalp are more sensitive to this chemical than others, which explains why hair loss only affects certain areas of the head.

If you begin to bald, you should absolutely not try to cover it by combing long wisps of hair from one side to the other. This only emphasizes the baldness even more. Instead, clip the hair very short (the absolutely shortest hair style you feel you can be comfortable with) and make a good-looking style with the help of cream or wax. Growing a beard or moustache is also a good way to draw attention from the thinner parts of the head.

If you would like to do something a little more permanent about the problem, there are actually solutions for those who are prepared to put down some energy (and money). The solutions can be categorized into two groups: treatment with products and treatment by transplantation.

Products against hair loss

There are several products that claim to help with hair loss. Several of them contain a chemical substance, Minoxidil, which slows the rate of hair loss. Already lost hair does not grow back, however. The hair remains as long as treatment continues, but if it is stopped then the hair loss begins quickly again. The treatment gives the best results in men who have not been losing hair for more than five years. Revivogen and Nisim, which is available through gents, is a substance which prevents the testosterone from transforming to the damaging DHT that over time kills the hair follicles. Revivogen is massaged into the scalp every morning and evening.

A somewhat stronger preparation (which is however by prescription only) is Propecia. It contains the active substance finasteride which reduces production of dihydrotestosterone, the male hormone that causes hair loss. Propecia was originally used for treating enlarged prostate, but when the patients grew hair it was further developed, made weaker and modified to be used as a pharmaceutical for treating hair loss. Propecia shows very good results in both preventing further hair loss and assisting regrowth. Hair loss stops in 86% of the men who take Propecia, and in 48% there is substantial regrowth. Unfortunately Propecia causes reduced sexual desire in approximately four percent of men treated with the drug.

Hair transplants

Hair transplants hurt and are expensive. If you have gotten over those two factors, you can on the other hand get an almost perfect result.

Hair transplants can be done with several different methods and are often used on people with extensive hair loss. The best and most modern method to transplant hair is known as micro grafting; hair is taken from the neck and moved to the bare area strand by strand. This method gives a natural result, and it can be very difficult to see that the hair has been transplanted. The transplant can however in certain cases have some side effects, for instance scar formation.

One tip before going through a hair transplant is to carefully check the surgeon's reputation. Ask for references from previous patients that have had similar transplants, and be careful to check how long the surgeon has been performing this type of procedure. A transplant can cost between Euro 2,500 and upwards, but remember that the cheapest surgeon and the cheapest type of transplant may not necessarily be the best alternative.