A universal problem more than 70% of men face annually is the thinning and loss of Hair from the scalp. While losing hair after their 50s is common among men, 25% of men begin seeing the first signs of hair loss before 21, signifying a condition known as androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair loss among men not only alters their appearance but also negatively affects their self-esteem and confidence, even leading to depression in certain cases.

What’s more; Americans spend over $3.5 billion a year on treatments to escape the menace of hair loss. In Arizona alone, the Hair Loss Treatment & Removal industry is expected to grow to $60 million in 2023. Many treatments and procedures have been introduced over the years to relieve hair loss, but only a few have made notable positive changes. If you or a loved one are currently suffering from hair loss, here are some tips and techniques you can adopt to restore the quality and quantity of your hair:

Get cosmetic treatment

Cosmetic surgeries and treatments have shown the best results in reversing hair loss. Where surgery is concerned, a surgical hair transplant can provide a brand new start to your hair journey by grafting healthy hair follicles onto your scalp.

However, grafting is a risky procedure that can lead to permanent scarring and scalp damage, not to mention its hefty cost ranging between $3000 to $15,000. A cheaper and less invasive alternative is scalp micropigmentation, where microneedles inject pigment into the scalp, creating a fuller hairline. With many expert practitioners offering scalp micropigmentation near Phoenix, you’re bound to find one according to your needs and preferences.

Consider medication

When it comes to medications for treating hair loss, Minoxidil (Rogaine), Finasteride, and Dutasteride (Avodart) are the most notorious. Minoxidil is a topical solution applied directly to problem areas twice daily to encourage new hair growth. Since it is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved over-the-counter drug, it is readily available and safe to use.

Finasteride is an oral drug that targets testosterone, the male hormone, and alters its binding to slow down hair loss. Being the most used hair loss medication in America, 34% of men in Arizona are eligible for Finasteride fills. According to studies, a more effective substitute to Finasteride is Dutasteride, but due to its lack of FDA approval, Finasteride continues to take the lead in hair loss medications.

Massage your scalp with oils

The most convenient and pocket-friendly technique to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth is massaging the scalp with oils. Even though many varieties of oils are available for hair care purposes, a highly effective oil concoction for scalp health and hair growth is mixing essential oils with carrier oils. Essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, and peppermint have been linked to encouraging the growth of new hair and diminishing hair shedding and thinness.

Since essential oils are too harsh to be applied directly to the scalp, they must be diluted with carrier oils like coconut, olive, and jojoba to prevent rashes or itching. Add a few drops of your essential oil of choice to a spoonful of carrier oil and mix it with your fingers.

Always conduct a patch test on your arm first to ensure you’re not allergic to the oils. Then firmly run your fingers through your scalp, applying pressure where hair loss or thinness is prevalent. Massage the entire scalp for 10-15 minutes, focusing on problem areas, and repeat multiple times a week for best results.

Buy nourishing hair care products

Believe it or not, your shampoo or conditioner may be worsening your hair loss and thinning. Hair care products laden with sulfates, parabens, silicones, and alcohol have been proven to adversely affect hair health, causing hair fall, hair thinning, and dry, itchy scalps. Therefore, it is best to avoid hair care products containing these harmful chemicals and ingredients. Instead, opt for nourishing hair care products containing plant oils, butter, biotin, collagen, and other plant byproducts like green tea and aloe vera.

Some hair care products are treated with the hair loss medications stated above, like Rogaine 5% Minoxidil shampoos, to specifically tackle hair loss and thinning concerns. Using treated shampoos and conditioners can significantly aid in achieving a healthy and fuller-looking hairline and scalp.

Try multivitamins

Vitamins and minerals are responsible for giving hair its shine, thickness, and luster. Biotin, iron, zinc, folic acid, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, and keratin are a few of the many vitamins and minerals famous for reducing hair loss, promoting hair growth, and improving the quality of pre-existing hair.

Consult your doctor on which multivitamins you can incorporate into your daily routine that contain a suitable amount of the abovementioned vitamins and minerals.

Wear a wig

Despite the treatments and procedures available to treat hair loss, positive results are not certain, and your money, time, and efforts may go in vain. Wearing a wig or hair patch is a great alternative for men who wish to avoid going through the trial and error of testing different surgeries and medications.

Men who have reached baldness can use wigs, toupees, and hairpieces that cover the entire scalp at once to achieve the look of having a full head of hair, while men with bald spots or hair thinning can instruct their barber or hairstylist to install a crown weave that covers the front portion of their scalp. All of these styles of hair covers can be made according to your style and preference while keeping your natural hair color and type in mind.

Switch up your hairstyle

Wearing your natural hair in a way that covers bald spots and exposed scalp areas can help you achieve your desire for fuller-looking hair without using any external resources. If hair loss and thinning occur at the back of the head, go for hairstyles like slick backs and pompadours that conceal the balding.

For a receding hairline, a shadow beard or undercut can create the illusion of bringing the hairline forward. An all-over buzz cut removes the need to hide or cover hair loss altogether, making it a further beneficial option to consider.

Use colorants or sprays

Hair colorants and sprays containing dyes can be used directly on the scalp to reduce the appearance of an exposed hairline. When you spray a colorant onto bald spots, dye is transferred to the area, which blends it into the natural hair, making the baldness and thinning less noticeable. In this way, you quickly achieve a fuller-looking hairline by disguising bald spots as hair.

Conclusion

Over 50 million American men are diagnosed with male pattern baldness, proving how grave and widespread the issue of male hair loss truly is. Men suffering from excessive hair shedding and thinning may feel hopeless and defeated, but they should remember they’re not alone in this battle. With a positive mindset and adherence to the tips mentioned above, hair loss can be made a thing of the past and replaced by lustrous and healthy locks in abundance!