TOMORROW?


HAIR TODAY, GONE


AS MEN GET OLDER, THEY OFTEN BEGIN TO LOSE THEIR HAIR. NOT ONLY CAN THIS LOWER THEIR CONFIDENCE, IT CAN ALSO HAVE A MAJOR IMPACT ON THEIR EVERYDAY LIFE. FORTUNATELY, THERE ARE STEPS THAT THEY CAN TAKE…


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t’s estimated that around 6.5 million men in the United Kingdom (UK) live with hair loss, often resulting in baldness. For many men, their hair is an important part of who they are and so losing hair can impact their self-confidence, with many often finding it difficult to understand whether they are in the early stages of male pattern baldness or experiencing another hair loss condition.


In most cases, the pattern of hair loss begins when the hairline starts to recede. It then begins to get thinner at the crown and the temples and it is at the point when these two areas meet that a ‘horseshoe’ pattern begins to appear. While some will go completely bald, others may keep their hair around the back and sides.


(It should be noted that hair loss does not involve large clumps of hair falling out, leaving patches, so any patients experiencing this type of hair loss should be referred to a GP for further investigation.)


Although hair loss is often associated with older men, the hair loss process


can actually start as early as the 20s. Since the process is a testosterone- based condition, it can occur any time after puberty. By the age of 60, most men will have experienced some degree of hair loss.


What causes hair loss in males?


Hair loss is caused by a sensitive reaction to a type of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). he reaction causes hair follicles to shrink and, as a result, they lose their ability to grow new hair.


The response to DHT also shortens the lifespan of hair follicles and so men lose hair more quickly and frequently. Put simply, male baldness is a combination of losing hair more quickly, with a slower growth and replacement rate.


In many cases, this type of hair loss - or androgenetic alopecia as it is called - is related to male hormones and family genetics.


It can, however, also be affected by lifestyle, with stress, poor diet, hormone imbalance, illness or trauma often playing a role.


Can hair loss be stopped? Unfortunately, there is, at present, no ‘cure’ for male hair loss, but there are some treatments that can prevent further hair loss and – in some cases – lead to renewed hair growth.


Treatment


The two best-known treatments available for hair loss in the UK are finasteride (also available as the brand Propecia), and minoxidil.


Finasteride has the highest success rate of hair loss products in the UK. It has been proven to be very effective at stopping hair loss, with 90 per cent of men experiencing positive results.


Finasteride works by blocking the effect of the hormones that shrink the hair follicles. This means that the follicles can continue to enable the hair to grow.


Finasteride has to be taken every day for a minimum of three months before results are noticed. Once men stop taking the product, the hair loss process may often recur.


While Finasteride is only available by prescription, minoxidil on the other


hand is an over-the-counter treatment, which doesn’t require a prescription. Minoxidil is available as a lotion, foam or liquid, and is usually available in strengths of two or five per cent. Minoxidil is the active ingredient in the product Regaine and has to be applied to the scalp twice a day to enable the hair to grow and to prevent further hair loss.


Many men, who are experiencing hair loss, often opt for products such as caffeine shampoo. While these products have no proven benefits for hair loss, they may help with the health and strength of hair.


Other options for hair loss While Finasteride and minoxidil are the two most scientifically-proven treatments for hair loss in men, there are other options that can be experimented with:


Hair transplants


Thanks to advertising campaigns featuring prominent sportsmen such as former Australian bowler, Shane Warne, hair transplants have become increasingly popular.


A hair transplant is a procedure, which is carried out under local


> SCOTTISH PHARMACIST - 31


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