Pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) is the most common type of hair loss and can arise in men and women. The cause of male pattern hair loss is likely to the hair follicle being more sensitive to the male hormone dihydrotestosterone. Most men do not have an excess of male hormones (androgens) but these hormones are responsible for male pattern hair loss. This then causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.

Consulting a hair specialist dermatologist ensures an accurate diagnosis that distinguishes male pattern baldness from other types of hair loss, such as stress-induced shedding or autoimmune conditions. Their expertise allows them to identify follicular miniaturisation through high-magnification trichoscopy, often detecting thinning before it becomes visible to the naked eye.

Beyond diagnosis, a specialist provides a medically supervised strategy tailored to your specific hair loss stage and health profile. They can expertly navigate the nuances of prescription treatments like Finasteride or Dutasteride, monitoring for hormonal side effects and adjusting dosages to balance efficacy with safety: this is something general practitioners may lack the specific experience to manage.

Ultimately, a specialist offers proactive preservation. Since male pattern hair loss is a progressive condition, early intervention by an expert is the most effective way to stabilise existing hair density and prevent permanent follicle death, saving you time and money on less effective over-the-counter miracle cures.

Treatments for Male Pattern Hair Loss

Male pattern baldness treatments focus on blocking DHT and stimulating follicles. From prescription medications to advanced surgical restoration, a specialist-led approach provides the most effective, clinically proven path to regrowth.

Minoxidil Solution

Minoxidil solution is licensed at 2% and 5% strength for men. The lotion should be applied twice daily to the scalp. Treatment should be continued long term if benefit is seen.

Minoxidil Tablets

Unlike topical minoxidil, which is applied directly to the scalp, oral minoxidil is taken in tablet form. As oral minoxidil is taken systemically, it can have more widespread effects on the body than topical minoxidil. This means that it may be more effective for hair growth, but it may also have more side effects, such as low blood pressure, fluid retention, and hair growth in other areas of the body. For this reason, oral minoxidil is typically only prescribed for severe cases of hair loss that have not responded to other treatments. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any hair loss treatment, including oral minoxidil.

5α Reductase Inhibitors

Finasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone to the more active dihydrotestosterone and is licensed at low strength to treat male pattern hair loss. Most people tolerate treatment with no side effects. Potential side effects include decreased libido, impotence and breast tissue tenderness. Side effects are infrequent and reversible on stopping treatment. Treatment works best when started early before hair loss is advanced. Treatment needs to be continued long term.

Hair Transplantation

Hair follicles can be harvested from the non-hormone dependent hair at the back of the head and transplanted to areas of hair loss in the frontal area.

We recommend seeing a medical professional to accurately diagnose and manage your hair loss. Active treatment should be trialled for a minimum of 12 months before deciding on whether it has been beneficial or not.