How to detect and prevent hair loss

STATISTICS ON hair loss is not much.

Although some men may experience hair loss as early as their late teens or early 20s, many won’t see the first signs of male pattern baldness until their 30s. But by age 50, about half of men report significant hair thinning.

Fortunately, science has developed new treatments—and perfected old ones—to prevent you from becoming another statistic. The key is to figure out what kind of hair loss you have and then target the condition with smart tools.

Type of hair loss 1: Telogen Effluvium

This condition, caused by illness, medication, hormonal changes or physical, physiological or psychological stress, increases the “loss” phase of the hair growth cycle and can lead to thinning throughout the scalp. Surgery and serious illness can initiate it. (There was an uptick during the pandemic, as expected.)

Type of hair loss 2: Androgenetic Alopecia

Also known as male pattern baldness, the condition involves a receding hairline and thinning at the crown. It is the most common form of hair loss and is genetically inherited.

Type of hair loss 3: Alopecia areata

Characterized by cyclical hair loss on your head, this problem occurs when your immune system attacks the hair follicles. Any hair-bearing area on your body can be affected, but the most common additional affected areas are the beard and eyebrows.

Type of hair loss 4: Anagen Effluvium

This is a rapid form of hair loss. This type can be caused by drugs and chemotherapy, as well as other physical stressors.

Hair Loss Solution #1: Turn on the lights

Targets: Alopecia Areata

One of the most fashionable hair loss treatments is light. “Certain wavelengths of red light have been well studied in clinical trials,” says dermatologist Robert Finney, MD, “and have been shown to help reverse signs of genetic hair loss.” The light targets swollen cells at the base of the hair to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation and promote healthy follicles.

“The best hair loss devices should have red light with a peak wavelength between 620 and 678 nanometers,” he says. If you have thick hair and use red light proactively, choose a tool that allows you to part your hair instead of using a helmet. Note: These devices must be used consistently for better results. Dr. Finney recommends using them with other treatments for optimal effectiveness.

Try these tools:

• CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device

• Hairmax Ultima 9 LaserComb

Hair Loss Solution #2: Double Up

Objectives: Androgenetic Alopecia

The combination of minoxidil and finasteride is a clinically proven way to treat male pattern hair loss — and has been for years. “The key to this combination is targeting the hair from two different angles,” says dermatologist Evan Rieder, MD “Minoxidil is a vasodilator, which increases blood flow to the hair follicles, allowing them to grow. Finasteride is a hormone regulator and blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which is responsible for shrinking hair follicles.’ These two drugs work synergistically, he says.

Typically, you apply minoxidil to the scalp and take finasteride by mouth. A newer combination—oral finasteride and oral minoxidil—has been shown to be effective. Also, recently there has been an influx of sprays and serums that combine the ingredients. The good: “There is less risk of side effects with topical finasteride formulations,” such as depression and erectile dysfunction, Dr. Rieder says. The lowdown: Topical finasteride is promising, but not yet FDA approved. Reducing the risk of side effects could make trying it worthwhile, but if you’re already taking oral finasteride without side effects, there’s no reason to change.

Try these combinations:

• Hims Finasteride and Minoxidil Topical Spray

• Keeps Finasteride and Minoxidil topical gel

• Happy Head Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil Solution

Hair Loss Solution #3: The New Transplant

Targets: Androgenetic Alopecia, Alopecia Gyroids, Anagen Effluvium

Follicular extraction (FUE) has quickly become the new standard in hair transplants.

Dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, says that during the procedure, individual hair follicles are removed from the back or sides of the head and replanted in areas where hair loss is visible, such as the hairline and crown.

This is different than with a traditional hair transplant, where a strip of hair is removed from the back of the scalp, which is then closed with stitches or staples. A visible linear scar can be seen when a patient cuts their hair short. Because FUE grafts are removed with tiny punches, patients can wear their hair short or even shave their heads without visible scarring.

The procedure usually takes six to eight hours, and you can expect one to two weeks of recovery. Once the dressing comes off after 24 hours, patients treat the donor site with antibiotic ointment and cannot get their hair wet for three days. It is good to rest during that period as well. FUE is less painful than traditional hair transplant surgery, but swelling is likely to last up to a week.

Anyone with thick hair at the back of the scalp or hair loss that is not rapidly progressing may qualify for the procedure. On the other hand, erratic hair loss, poor donor location, unrealistic expectations, and complex medical issues can make someone a less than ideal candidate. The cost: From $12,000 to $30,000, depending on the number and quality of grafts.

Hair Loss Solution #4: Reduce Stress

Targets: Telogen Effluvium

The treatment for this is simple: Manage the stress and understand that the condition is almost always temporary and should resolve without permanent consequences within a few weeks to months. If it doesn’t, see a document.

A version of this article originally appeared in the October/November 2023 issue of Men’s Health.

Garrett Munce writes about men’s style and grooming. It has been written for esteemed sir, New York Magazine, Spotlightand Very good light and held staff positions in GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram @garrettmunce.