How to Battle Male-Pattern Baldness

Male-pattern baldness is something that many men go through as they age. It is caused by a chemical known as dihydrotestosterone, which wraps around hair follicles, constricting them and eventually killing them. Going bald can be demoralizing for a man and, in most cases, it is an inevitability. However, there are several things you can do to combat it and prolong having a full head of hair.

Instructions

• 1

  Use 5% minoxidil, which is the active ingredient found in baldness formulas like Rogaine (though it can also be purchased in generic form). This topical formula is applied to the crown of the head, where it may help to reduce the amount of shrinkage in the hair follicles.

• 2

  Begin a regiment of finasteride. Finasteride, which is available in prescription form under the name Propecia, blocks dihydrotestosterone from binding to your hair follicles, preventing further hair loss. It is an oral supplement that should be used in conjunction with minoxidil for an enhanced effect.

• 3

  Talk to your doctor about hair transplant surgery. This procedure, which has become commonplace, transfers living follicles from other parts of your body to the head, one hair at a time. This method is much more expensive than using minoxidil or finasteride, but is a viable option if you're afflicted with severe baldness that cannot be circumvented by traditional means.