I’m at that stage where it’s starting to thin a bit, and you always hear stuff about over-the-counter bits like Keeps and all that. Anyone got any proper recommendations for slowing it down or keeping hold of what I’ve got left?
Obviously shaving your head’s not on the table right now, or you wouldn’t be asking in the first place. Fair enough. Plenty of us want to give things a proper go before taking such a big step.
Right, mate. First port of call should be your GP or, better yet, a hair specialist. They can help figure out what’s actually going on, maybe run a few tests to check if it’s stress, vitamin deficiencies or something hormonal. That’s important to know before you start on any treatments.
The main culprit is DHT, or dihydrotestosterone. It’s a by-product of testosterone and it’s what causes male pattern baldness. It binds to hair follicles, shrinks them and eventually kills them off. Classic.
The two big-name treatments that deal with DHT are Finasteride and Dutasteride. Both are prescription meds that block DHT and help stop further hair loss. Loads of blokes have had success with them. They won’t regrow lost hair, though, so it’s better to start sooner rather than later. You take them daily. Some men get side effects like low mood or a drop in sex drive, but most don’t. And if you stop, those effects usually go away. Definitely have a word with your doctor before starting anything.
Next up is Minoxidil. It’s a topical treatment that boosts blood flow to your scalp and helps keep follicles alive. Takes a few months to see results, and if you stop using it, progress usually disappears. Foam is easier than liquid for most people. It dries quickly and doesn’t mess with your hair too much. Use it twice a day.
Dermarolling is another option. It creates tiny punctures in your scalp, which can help wake up dormant follicles. Once a week is enough, and don’t use Minoxidil until the next day or it might enter your bloodstream and cause weird side effects like heart palpitations. It pairs well with Minoxidil if you’re doing both.
There are also shampoos and conditioners aimed at tackling hair loss. Some are all hype, but others contain useful stuff like saw palmetto, argan oil and vitamins. Won’t work miracles but can support overall scalp health.
Supplements like vitamin D and biotin are worth looking into as well. They help with general hair health, but again, don’t expect massive changes from those alone.
If you want to really fight it, combining a few of these gives you the best chance. It takes a bit of effort and it’s not cheap, but if it helps you hang onto your hair longer, it might be worth it.
Hair transplants are an option too, but that’s something for further down the line when the hair loss is more obvious. And you’d still need to be on Finasteride after that to avoid more loss.
Hope this gives you a clearer picture. Definitely speak with a doctor before starting anything. We’re just lads chatting on the internet at the end of the day.
All the best. Losing hair’s rough, but there are ways to fight it.
Minoxidil, finasteride, and a bit of micro-needling. That trio’s your best bet if you’re serious about slowing things down. Just keep in mind, once you start, you’re in it for the long haul. Stop, and the gains usually disappear.
Just shave it off, mate. It’s cheap, no hassle, and you won’t look like you’re clinging on for dear life. Loads of blokes look great bald anyway.
Yeah, a fair few of those hair loss meds, especially ones like finasteride, can come with the risk of erectile dysfunction if you’re on them long-term. Doesn’t happen to everyone, but it’s something to keep in mind before jumping in. Always best to chat with a doctor first.
Yeah, fair point. Some of those meds do mess with your hormones a bit. But for some people, keeping their hair means enough that they’re willing to take the risk. Everyone’s got to weigh it up for themselves.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve been shaving mine for 15 years now. Losing it never really fazed me, and I’ve never got why some blokes go for hairpieces or fork out for plugs. Worst of all are those tragic combovers, you’re not fooling anyone, it just looks a bit desperate. I’ve saved an absolute fortune on haircuts too, so no complaints from me 
Good old straight razor, can’t go wrong. Only treatment that actually delivers every time.
If you ever end up rolling in it, go find a decent surgeon and look into hair plugs. See if you can track down whoever sorted Elon Musk out. Everything else is pretty much snake oil if you ask me.
In the meantime, just get on with it. Have a proper chat with a stylist about your options. And while you’re at it, maybe have a look at your partner’s family tree. No harm in giving your future kids a decent shot at holding onto their hair as they get older.
None, really. If there was something that actually worked, no one would be dealing with hair loss in the first place.
Don’t get scammed.
Best to just accept it and crack on.
Not quite right, and it sounds like you’ve not looked into it all that thoroughly.
If that’s what you’re hoping for, then it’s got to count for something.
The reason it’s not common knowledge is because it actually takes dedication and consistency. Most people just can’t stick with anything long-term. Finasteride can stop androgenic alopecia in its tracks, but if you’re after proper regrowth, you’ve got to use a combination of treatments. It takes time, effort, and a bit of cash, and that puts most people off.
The problem is it takes a level of commitment that most people just don’t have, and there can be side effects too.
Exactly, that’s why I’m absolutely buried in medical studies backing up what you said…
Oh wait, as usual, nothing.
Just more snake oil and sales pitches.
Mate, easy choice. If it’s between losing a bit of hair or having issues downstairs… yeah, I’ll take the bald head, cheers. Lol.
Yeah, and it can come with some proper side effects too. But it does work, to be fair.
The classic straight razor. It’s the only method that actually gets the job done, if you ask me.
hair transplant or topical solution like minoxidil and finasteride
Hair transplant if you can afford it