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Thinning Hair? Don’t Despair: Options for Treating Male Pattern Baldness

TL:DR Summary

• What is Male Pattern Baldness? It is a common form of hair loss that affects millions of men worldwide, caused by genetic and hormonal factors. It leads to a receding hairline, a thinning crown and eventually complete baldness.
• What are the Common Ways to Treat Male Pattern Baldness? There are several options available, such as:
  • Finasteride: A prescription medication that blocks the hormone DHT, which causes hair loss.
  • Minoxidil: A topical solution that stimulates blood flow and hair growth on the scalp.
  • Hair Transplants: A surgical procedure that grafts hair from the back of the head to the balding areas.
  • Low-Level Laser Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that uses light to stimulate hair follicles and improve scalp health.
• What is Microneedling for Scalp? It is a new and innovative treatment that uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the scalp, which trigger the body’s natural healing process and collagen production. Collagen is essential for healthy hair growth, as it strengthens the hair follicles and prevents hair thinning.

Introduction: The Common Ways to Treat Male Pattern Baldness

Are you feeling like your hairline is retreating faster than a frightened turtle? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Male pattern baldness affects millions of men worldwide, causing receding hairlines and thinning crowns. But fear not, my fellow folically challenged friend! There are plenty of options for treating male pattern baldness. From shampoos to surgeries, we’ve got you covered. So put down that hat and read on to learn about some of the best ways to combat hair loss and regain your confidence.

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What is Male Pattern Baldness?

What is androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hair loss that affects both men and women. It is also known as pattern baldness or male-pattern baldness (in men) or female-pattern baldness (in women). It is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors that affect the hair follicles.

How does androgenetic alopecia affect the hair growth cycle?

With androgenetic alopecia, the hair’s growth cycle is weakened, and hair follicles shrink. This results in shorter, thinner strands of hair that are more prone to falling out. In time, the natural growth cycle of the hair ends, and no new hair grows to replace the lost ones. This leads to thinning and balding of the scalp.

What are the signs and patterns of androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia can follow a well-defined pattern that starts from above the temples on the head. As the hairline recedes, it forms the characteristic ‘M’ shape, and the hair thins at the top of the head—the crown. This is more common in men than in women. Women may experience a more diffuse thinning of the hair all over the scalp, or a widening of the parting line. Androgenetic alopecia can lead to partial or complete baldness in some cases.

“The key to solving hair loss is in your hands – take the steps to find the right solution for you.”

What causes Androgenetic Alopecia?

What causes androgenetic alopecia?

Most of the time, androgenetic alopecia is a genetically predetermined disorder due to an excessive response to androgens. Androgens are a group of hormones that mainly influence the growth and development of the male reproductive system. One example you may be familiar with is testosterone.

How does androgenetic alopecia affect different age groups?

That’s why androgenetic hair loss can occur in early adolescence, because the regression of scalp hair, or baldness, can be influenced by androgens. There are studies that find that there are 16% of men between 18 and 29 year old can experience male pattern baldness. The prevalence of the condition increases with age: the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), has discovered that over 50 percent of all men over 50 year old will experience some extent of by male pattern baldness.

What are the other factors that can contribute to androgenetic alopecia?

But there are medical conditions and medical treatments that can be serious causes for this condition: cancers, thyroid conditions, anabolic steroids, as well as some medications. Certain health conditions could cause baldness. When you have unexpected rashes, redness, pain, peeling of the scalp, hair breakage, patchy hair loss, or even an unusual pattern of hair loss accompanies the hair loss, you should go see a doctor, ASAP. Because you might need proper blood tests or a skin biopsy to diagnose the disorders behind the hair loss.

Treating Androgenetic Alopecia

1. Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)

What is finasteride and how does it help with hair loss?

Finasteride is an oral medication that can slow down the male pattern of hair loss by blocking the male hormone that’s responsible for hair loss. This can only be used in men. Finasteride has been shown to be more effective than minoxidil, another common medication to treat hair loss (we’ll cover that in the next point!)

How should finasteride be taken and what are the expected results?

If you’re taking finasteride, you need to continuously do so. Its ability to slow down the this type of hair loss will only show when you take the medication. Most of the time, it takes three months to a year before you can see results. If not, you should speak to your doctor before you stop taking the medication.

What are the side effects and risks of finasteride?

The side effects of finasteride include itching, rash, hives, breast tenderness, breast growth, swelling of the face or lips, as well as depression. In rare cases, the effects of finasteride can cause breast cancer too. One of the other side effects of finasteride actually affects the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests used to screen for prostate cancer, leading to increased risk of undetected prostate cancer.

2. Minoxidil

What is minoxidil and how does it help with hair loss?

Minoxidil, or Rogaine, is a very common type of hair regrowth treatment, one of the more effective treatments too. (Psst, we use it for our Microneedling for Scalp treatments) This is a topical medication that you can apply on your scalp, and it slows hair loss while stimulates the hair follicles to grow new hair.

How should minoxidil be applied and what are the expected results?

Minoxidil usually comes in a liquid or foam form that you can apply to your scalp twice a day. It usually takes four months to a year to see visible results. Like finasteride, your hair loss returns when you stop applying minoxidil.

What are the side effects and risks of minoxidil?

The possible side effects are irritation, dryness, a burning sensation, as well as the scaling of the scalp. These are usually mild and temporary. There are more serious side effects as well, and you have to see the doctor if you experience weight gain, swelling of your face, hands, ankles, or abdomen, rapid heartbeats, chest pain, trouble breathing when your lie down, and laboured breathing. These could be signs of an allergic reaction or a heart problem.

Hair transplant surgery is a popular treatment option for hair loss among Asians. One study compiled by Wellaholic found that the number of hair transplant surgeries performed in Korea increased by 5.5-fold between 2008 and 2012.

3. Hair Transplants

What is a hair transplant and how does it help with hair loss?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair from one part of the scalp to another. It is used to treat hair loss by filling in the thinning or balding areas with natural-looking healthy hair. It is one of the most expensive and invasive hair loss treatments available.

How is a hair transplant done and what are the expected results?

A hair transplant is done by a trained surgeon who removes hair follicles from a donor area, usually the back or sides of the scalp, and implants them into the recipient area, usually the front or top of the scalp. The procedure can take several hours and may require local or general anesthesia. The results are permanent, but may take several months to become noticeable.

What are the risks and complications of a hair transplant?

A hair transplant can cause scarring, infection, bleeding, swelling, pain, and numbness on the scalp. It can also cause shock loss, which is the temporary shedding of some of the transplanted or existing hairs. Some people may need multiple hair transplants to achieve their desired results. A hair transplant is not suitable for everyone and may have different outcomes depending on the individual’s hair type, color, density, and extent of hair loss.

4. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

What is LLLT and how does it help with hair loss?

LLLT stands for low-level laser therapy, a modern non-surgical hair loss treatment. It’s touted as one of the safer alternatives, because it’s non-invasive, painless, and has little to no side effects. There’s a 2014 study that showed that LLLT appeared to be safe and effective for hair growth in both men and women. And a study in 2013 showed that LLLT helped provide a 39 percent increase in hair growth over a period of 16 weeks for the 41 males ages 18 to 48 in the study.

How does LLLT work and what are the devices used?

The low-level laser usually emits from devices with diodes installed, and the devices can be in the form of salon hoods, overhead panels, bonnet or head caps, or other hand-held devices. This FDA-approved laser treatment works by using laser light to stimulate cell growth by stimulating circulation around the hair follicles for hair growth.

What is the experience of LLLT like at Wellaholic?

To give you a better idea of what’s it like, let’s dive into Wellaholic’s very own LLLT treatment. Our friendly consultants will check for the areas of hair loss and make note of it. Then those areas are cleaned and disinfected with a little alcohol. If you opted for our signature HairGrow™ regime (highly recommended), the consultant will assist with the Microneedling for Scalp treatment first to maximise your hair growth.

Our consultant will then place the LLLT helmet. It only takes 20 minutes, which is perfect for a quick episode of the Netflix comedy you’re chasing. After it’s all done, our consultant will keep track of your hair regrowth too!

5. Microneedling

Microneedling for Scalp: A New Way to Treat Hair Loss

Yes, you heard that right. Microneedling isn’t just for doing facial treatments. You can also use it to stimulate hair growth on your scalp.

How Microneedling for Scalp Works

Microneedling for hair loss works by causing controlled ‘injuries’ on your scalp. Don’t panic! It won’t leave with you with a permanent scar on your scalp. At the most, you’ll just experience some minor bleeding and a little redness on your scalp. These tiny wounds trigger your body’s natural healing process and stimulate collagen production in the scalp. Collagen is essential for healthy hair growth, as it strengthens the hair follicles and prevents hair thinning.

Microneedling for Scalp with Minoxidil

At Wellaholic, we combine Microneedling for Scalp with a topical 5% Minoxidil solution to compound the hair regrowth capabilities of the two hair loss treatments. Minoxidil is a clinically proven medication that can help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and extending the growth phase of the hair cycle. By applying Minoxidil after Microneedling, you can enhance its absorption and effectiveness. And you can see the lush hair growth over a 12-week period. Wellaholic’s Microneedling for Scalp has proven to be especially effective for customers with androgenetic alopecia.

Scalp Microneedling for Hair Loss – Achieve Hair Regrowth with Science

Confronting Hair Loss: You’re Not Alone

Feeling like your hair is falling out faster than your favorite sports team loses games? Rest assured, you’re not alone. Hair loss affects millions globally. However, a novel, effective treatment offers hope: microneedling.

Microneedling: A Cutting-Edge Solution for Hair Regrowth

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure, employing tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the scalp. This technique triggers the body’s innate healing response, stimulating hair growth. Microneedling, proven to effectively treat male and female pattern hair loss, increases hair growth up to 40%, as per clinical studies. Importantly, it is well-tolerated and does not carry significant side effects.

What is Scalp Microneedling for Hair Loss?

What are the Benefits of Scalp Microneedling for Hair Loss?

• ⭐ Stimulates collagen production. Microneedling triggers healing, boosts collagen & elastin for healthier hair.
• ⭐ Increases blood flow to hair follicles. Improved circulation delivers vital nutrients and oxygen, supporting hair growth and overall follicle health.
• ⭐ Enhances nutrient delivery. Tiny micro-channels created during microneedling allow topical treatments to penetrate deeper, maximizing their effectiveness.
• ⭐ Promotes hair regrowth. By activating dormant hair follicles, microneedling encourages new hair growth for a fuller appearance.
• ⭐ Improves hair thickness and density. Consistent microneedling treatments can result in thicker, denser hair, combating thinning and baldness.
• ⭐ Effective for various hair loss types. Microneedling aids individuals with Alopecia Areata, Androgenetic Alopecia, male pattern baldness, receding hairlines, and thinning hair.
• ⭐ Complements other hair loss treatments. Microneedling can be combined with other treatments like minoxidil or finasteride for enhanced hair regrowth outcomes.

Is Scalp Microneedling for Hair Loss Backed By Science?

There has been numerous research studies which shows the effectiveness of microneedling with Minoxidil for hair growth.

​Study 1: A Randomized Evaluator Blinded Study of Effect of Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study (2013) [source]

• 🔵 In 2013, 100 men with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) were recruited to take part in a study which tested the effects of microneedling on hair growth. 94 men completed the study.
• 🔵 The men were randomly split into two groups. The first group, which consisted of 50 volunteers, was treated with both microneedling and minoxidil (5 percent) lotion.
• 🔵 The second group, which consisted of 44 volunteers, was treated with minoxidil (5 percent) lotion.
• 🔵 The group which combined Microneedling with Minoxidil application saw a significant hair growth as compared to the minoxidil-only group

Study 2: Response to Microneedling Treatment in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Who Failed to Respond to Conventional Therapy (2015)  [source]

• 🔵 In 2015, researchers recruited four men who had been on 5 percent minoxidil solution for the past two to five years (9). While their hair loss didn’t continue, there were no signs of growth.
• 🔵 The four men were subjected to microneedling sessions over a six-month period combined with their current therapies.
• 🔵 A 7-point evaluation scale was used to track results, and the men were followed up with for 18 months to assess treatment sustainability.
• The patients experienced a +2 or +3 on the standardised evaluation scale, and new hair growth was noted after 8 – 10 sessions. Even further, these results were sustained over 18 months.
• This is the first case series to report the boosting effect of microneedling with respect to new hair follicle stimulation in patients with androgenetic alopecia who were poor responders to conventional therapy.

Are There Before and After Photos of the Treatment?

Pricing of Hair Loss Treatments by Wellaholic

• 💎 Price Transparency. Wellaholic publishes all prices on its website.
• 💎 Flexible Per-Session or Unlimited Plans. Customers can choose from unlimited monthly hair regrowth plans for the best cost-savings, or per-session hair regrowth price plans.
• 💎 Mix and Match Easily. Wellaholic’s hair regrowth prices are categorized for easy selection.
• 💎 No Price Shocks. No hidden fees. Pay only for the treatments you receive.

Reason 1: Wellaholic Offers Comprehensive Hair Regrowth Services and Expertise

Wellaholic offers a variety of hair regrowth treatments to suit your needs. Our hair regrowth packages include:

• ✅ HairGrow™ 3X
  • HairGrow™ 3X is our premier monthly plan to rapidly combat hair loss and supercharge regrowth.
  • Choose any 3 treatments (same or different) at a discounted rate to accelerate your hair regrowth with flexibility.
• ✅ Scalp RF Microneedling
  • This treatment uses radio frequency and microneedling to boost hair growth by enhancing blood flow and nutrient delivery to follicles.
  • Treatment depth and frequency can be adjusted according to individual hair loss conditions and treatment responses, providing a personalized approach.
• ✅ Scalp Microneedling
  • This treatment, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, uses controlled scalp trauma to promote hair growth.
  • Combined with Minoxidil 5%, Microneedling can boost hair growth over a 12-week span.
• ✅ Minoxidil Scalp Booster
  • This treatment combines WellaBoost’s two proven methods: High Pressure Jet Spray and Electroporation.
  • This boosts Minoxidil absorption by the scalp up to 17 times, making it ideal for treating hair loss.
• ✅ Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
  • This FDA-approved treatment uses laser light to stimulate cell growth and supercharge hair follicles. LLLT fights hair loss, enhancing hair volume and appearance.
  • The LLLT treatment has been proven to have no side effects and takes about 20 minutes per session.

Reason 2: Wellaholic Has Over 2000 Genuine Customer Reviews & Testimonials

• ✅ Over 50 Awards. Wellaholic’s treatments and services have been awarded by top beauty publications such as Daily Vanity, Beauty Insider, and Tropika Club Magazine, spanning from 2018 to 2023.
• ✅ Over 2000 Verified Customer Reviews. Wellaholic has over 2000 verified positive reviews from our customers in Singapore and beyond.
• ✅ Verifiable Reviews. The reviews are verified and positive, which indicates the high level of customer satisfaction (see reviews below).
• ✅ Over 50% Repeat Customers. More than 50% of Wellaholic’s customers are repeat and recurring customers.

Reason 3: It’s Easy to Book an Appointment at Wellaholic

• ✅ Open 361 Days Per Year. Wellaholic’s 8 outlets open 361 days a year, including public holidays, for easy appointment booking.
• ✅ No Queues. Appointments booked in advance to avoid queues and waiting during peak hours.
• ✅ Easy Online Booking. Book and reschedule appointments easily online or via app.
• ✅ No Extra Cost for Choosing Consultant. Choose your preferred consultant without additional fees.