Hair loss hits most men—around 50% by age 50. If you’re seeing a receding hairline or thinning crown, you’re not alone. This page collects clear, practical info on male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia): what causes it, how fast it can move, and what actually works to slow or reverse it.
Male pattern baldness is driven by genetics and DHT, a testosterone byproduct that shrinks follicles. If male relatives lost hair young, your risk rises. Stress, poor diet, thyroid problems, or some medicines can speed loss — check these with your doctor.
Early action helps. Hair that has recently thinned often responds better to treatment than long-dead follicles. Spot thinning early with photos every few months and start treatment when you see steady decline.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is over-the-counter. It helps many men keep and regrow some hair, especially at the crown. Use twice daily and expect results in 3–6 months. Stopping it means losing gains.
Practical tip: Apply minoxidil to a dry scalp and let it absorb before styling. Use the foam if your scalp is sensitive. Expect extra shedding in the first 4–8 weeks — often a sign follicles are cycling. If itching or redness occurs, try a lower strength or ask your pharmacist.
Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription pill that lowers DHT. It works better for many men than minoxidil alone and often stabilizes hair loss. Side effects like sexual dysfunction affect a small percentage; discuss risks with your doctor and consider starting a low dose under supervision.
Typical dose is 1 mg daily. Many men stabilize by three months and see thicker hair by six to twelve months. Sexual side effects often resolve after stopping; discuss options with your clinician. Pregnant people should not handle crushed tablets.
Combining minoxidil and finasteride often gives better results than either alone. Some patients add low-level laser therapy or microneedling to boost response. Ask your clinician about evidence and safety.
For significant loss, hair transplant surgery moves healthy follicles to thinning areas. Modern techniques (FUE) look natural but cost more. Medical therapy before and after transplant improves long-term success.
Check for reversible causes: low iron, thyroid problems, or medications can cause diffuse thinning. Simple blood tests can rule these out. Improve diet, sleep, and stress—these won’t cure genetic loss but help hair health.
Some over-the-counter options like biotin help only when deficiency exists. Ketoconazole shampoo can reduce scalp inflammation and may boost results when used with medical therapy. Smoking and heavy drinking can worsen hair health, so cutting back helps.
Avoid miracle cures. Compounded products, expensive supplements, and unproven injections often lack solid evidence. Use treatments with clinical backing or ask a dermatologist.
Want a quick step? Take photos and book a visit with your GP or dermatologist. Get a baseline blood panel. Early action keeps more options open. See our article 'Androgenic Alopecia: Why Early Action Matters' for more details online.
As a blogger who has researched hair loss treatments, I've discovered that Finasteride is a popular option. One major pro of using Finasteride is that it has been proven to be effective in slowing down hair loss and promoting regrowth. Additionally, it's an FDA-approved treatment, which provides a level of assurance. However, there are some cons to consider, such as potential side effects like sexual dysfunction and the fact that it's not suitable for women. Overall, Finasteride has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to weigh these factors before deciding if it's the right treatment for you.
Health and Wellness