Androgenetic alopecia: what is it and how to treat it

One of the most recurrent pathologies in men is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness, which affects the physical appearance of over 50% of the male population over 40 years old, although this condition is becoming increasingly common in even younger men.

In this article, we will explain in detail where this kind of alopecia comes from, how genetics contribute to hair loss, whether it is possible to prevent it, and what kinds of capillary procedures and alternatives are the most efficient in tackling androgenetic alopecia and restoring the patient’s lost hair and confidence.

What causes androgenetic alopecia? Reasons why it appears 

This condition is genetic. It is a form of alopecia caused by the actions of male hormones (called androgens) in the hair follicles. These hormones work to actively shrink and break down the follicles until they destroy them and render them incapable of growing hair. Talking about men, specifically, this phenomenon affects the frontal part of the head (receding hairlines) and advances until reaching the middle part of the head (the crown), which gradually starts to lose density. This hair loss is not sudden, it’s gradual.

Fighting a battle with alopecia

It is very common to hear people say something to the effect of: “It is only a matter of time before I go bald; my dad and my grandfather don’t have a single hair on their heads.” However, the truth is that there is no need for this to become a reality. It is true, though, that genetics may contribute significantly to hair loss, since it results in higher chances of developing this form of alopecia. In fact, around 95% of people living with androgenetic alopecia have a family history of it. Nevertheless, that does not mean that someone with this condition absolutely has to surrender to hair loss, settling for a look that they do not like. We can prevent it. And if it occurs, we can fix it. It is important to remember that there are treatments that can solve a hair loss problem. The best-case scenario would be to tackle the problem as soon as the first signs appear, before alopecia advances more and there is still time to stop it. 

There are treatments for every stage

The key at every stage is the diagnosis. The diagnosis provides the specialists the information that they require to determine whether it is a case of androgenetic alopecia or not. Once they arrive at a diagnosis, the next step will be to determine at which stage the patient is. The first stage is when you start to lose hair, volume, density, and there is visible thinning, showing the scalp. In this case, the main challenge is to stop the hair loss and bring some density back, making the hair grow again thick and healthy.

Here are some of the treatments that we recommend:

Low-level laser therapy: it serves to stop hair follicles from shrinking. This procedure works by stimulating blood flow on the scalp and allowing nutrients and oxygen (fundamental for your hair’s health) to regenerate and get to the hair follicles more easily.

Minoxidil: the only medication in the market capable of making hair grow back thick and strong. This product is recommended for activating hair growth and halting hair loss. Originally, Minoxidil was an orally-administrated drug prescribed for high blood pressure thanks to its vasodilating properties. Then, doctors were surprised to discover that, in some patients, hair began to grow in places where it had stopped growing, so they decided to modify the formula, enriching it with a hydroalcoholic solution for topical use in alopecia patients.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): a highly advanced capillary biostimulation procedure employed for many years in other medical fields, providing excellent results. This treatment does not require a surgical procedure; its goal is to regenerate the hair, facilitating the creation of new blood vessels and enhancing the roots’ natural nutrition structure, a fundamental element in hair growth.

A solution for late-stage androgenetic alopecia

In cases of late-stage androgenetic alopecia, the only way to restore lost hair is to perform a hair transplant. This procedure restores hair along the hairline and on the crown. In this specific case, the hair follicle has disappeared already and is incapable of growing new hair, which is why it is necessary to implant new hair. Once you opt for a hair transplant, results are absolutely guaranteed. 

Here at Kaloni, we want all our readers and each and every man across the globe to know that there is no need to settle for a physical appearance that does not make you happy. Hair loss is a problem that can be fixed; you just need to make the decision to win the battle against baldness. If losing your hair is affecting your self-esteem, do not hesitate to get in touch with us and leave your hair in the hands of professionals. And remember: “Always stay true to yourself.”