The battle with male pattern baldness
Masculinity takes on many associations. From strength, emotional control, competitiveness and protector to more negative traits like aggression, dominance and sexual entitlement. Regardless of ones view of masculinity, these attributes can take on stereotypical physical characteristics including athleticism, muscularity, tall in stature, strong facial structure and a healthy head of hair. Typically, this would describe societies ‘perfect’ man. But no man is ‘perfect’.
A man’s head of hair is a major part of their identity. It can be symbolic of their sense of masculinity, and a source of confidence. It can communicate professionalism, ones beliefs and lifestyle choices. Seemingly, quite a bit of pressure for those few hundred thousand strands of hair.
Unfortunately, those simple strands of hair are not under our own control. Loss of hair can be a serious source of stress and anxiety in men as it carries such a strong sense of identity. As a result, men can face a drop in self-esteem as hair loss can be associated with a change in attractiveness, or social anxiety as they fear a different perception by others. It quickly becomes a problem of mental health over simple cosmetics.
Men can begin losing their hair as early in life as their 30’s or even teenage years. Conditions such as male pattern baldness are the most common type of hair loss, affecting two thirds of all men. It is genetically determined and progressive – characterised by receding hair loss and thinning of the crown and top of scalp. Whilst typically associated with aging, balding can be distressing for those affected at such a young age.
However, hope is not list. There are a couple of treatments available to prevent further hair loss and encourage hair regrowth.
Minoxidil was originally used in tablet form to treat high blood pressure, and it was found to increase hair growth. It was then developed into a topical form to apply to the scalp to increase blood supply to hair follicles to help slow down hair loss. It can take three to four months to see results and needs to be used continuously for ongoing and best results. Despite being available over the counter, it is always recommended to visit your GP or pharmacist before trying using Minoxidil. It is only designed to treat hereditary hair loss, so best to go make sure you have male pattern baldness, and you aren’t stressed, iron deficient, or have another illness.
Another treatment is Finasteride, a prescription only option preventing more hair from falling out. Men with male pattern baldness have smaller hair follicles caused by testosterone being converted to dihydrotestosterone (which shrinks the hair follicles). Finasteride prevents hair loss by stopping this hormone conversion. It can take three to six months to see results and, again, needs to be continuously used for ongoing and best results.
Nevertheless, both treatments can be expensive and inconsistent. A more permanent solution could be a hair transplant if you have the cash to part with, ranging from £1,000 to £30,000.
The alternative? Embracing the bald look – it’s not always bad. Many men have taken it in their stride including Stanley Tucci, Bruce Willis, Dwayne Johnson, and even Prince William is sporting the balding look. Studies have shown men with shaved heads are perceived as more dominant, stronger and taller. So, is giving up the fight is the way forward?
