Male Hair Loss

Male hair loss is more commonly a result of the effects of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) and how it miniaturizes hair follicles, and shortens the growth phase of hair. For men hair loss can lead to heightened levels of self-pity and can severely affect lifestyle and outlook on life. But there are many products available that can assist in reducing hair loss and even reversing the process.

Male pattern hair loss affects over 40% of males, and for those who are just starting to see some receding or thinning, options like DHT inhibitors (see below) are definitely on the list of must-haves. For more advanced cases of male baldness, a combination of DHT inhibitors and growth stimulators will assist in maintenance of existing hair and regrowing healthier thicker hair.

The optimum treatment for male pattern baldness will depend upon the individual man hair loss stage, and which level of product he chooses to go with. Some decide to go straight to Growth Stimulation products and bypass DHT inhibitors, some choose the inhibitors first, and when the effectiveness dies off, they switch to the growth stimulants.

Understanding DHT will help you to better understand male hair loss. DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is, as the name implies, a hormone of the testosterone type. DHT is one part that makes up a hair follicle, with the other part being Androgen Receptors. In healthy hair these 2 combine effectively to produce and maintain hair in the normal growth cycle. In balding hair, the level of DHT and the Androgen Receptors increases which causes an imbalance in the hair follicle, which in turn leads to slower hair growth each time thru the cycle of (Growth, Rest, Falling-out). Each time the hair goes thru the growth cycle the new hair grows thinner and shorter, so gradually over time the baldness occurs.

So back to DHT inhibitors and Growth stimulants. For the average man hair loss is a big chance of happening. Again, male baldness affects over 40% of the male population, and the first step to maintain or reversing the process is to look at products which actually inhibit the production of DHT, or ones that promote growth of healthier hair even while the DHT is being overproduced by the body.

So there are 4 main products to look for when tacking male hair loss 'head-on':

1. DHT Inhibitors - these products actually inhibit the level of DHT production, with the aim of keeping DHT at normal levels, to maintain normal hair growth thru the hair growth cycle. A perfect example is Propecia which is clinically Proven in several studies to be 83% effective at maintaining hair and 62% effective at regrowing, after 2 yrs of use.
2. Growth Stimulants - these products artificially promote/stimulate hair growth, even while levels of DHT might still be high. Although they do not actually reverse the core problem of male pattern baldness (increased DHT level) they certainly have been proven effective, even in FDA trials, especially Rogaine 
3. Hair vitamins - these products actually provide all the clinical proven vitamins and minerals required to help hair grow to its fullest and thickest, and at the same time they block DHT. So in effect they are like a DHT inhibitor and a Growth Stimulant in the one product. An excellent example is HairScripts
4. Hair and Scalp Cleaners - these products provide proper hair and scalp hygiene and nutrition. This is the first step to healthier, thicker, fuller hair.