From the Guidelines
The most effective method to prevent androgenetic alopecia in men is using finasteride (1mg daily), as it blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks hair follicles, and has been shown to decrease PSA levels by 50% after 12 months of therapy 1. This approach is supported by the fact that finasteride has a similar effect on PSA levels as the 5mg dose used for prostate cancer chemoprevention, with a 50% decrease in PSA levels after 1 year of treatment 1. Other methods, such as minoxidil (5% solution applied twice daily to the scalp), can also be effective in preventing hair loss, as it increases blood flow to the follicles and extends the growth phase of hair, although the evidence for its use in androgenetic alopecia is not as strong as for finasteride 1. Additionally, low-level laser therapy devices used 3 times weekly for 15-30 minutes can stimulate follicles, and maintaining good scalp health through gentle shampooing and avoiding harsh chemical treatments can help prevent additional damage. Some men may also benefit from nutritional support with biotin supplements (2,500-5,000 mcg daily) and ensuring adequate protein intake. It is essential to start these treatments early and continue them long-term, as discontinuation typically leads to resumed hair loss within 6-12 months. Key points to consider when preventing androgenetic alopecia include:
- Starting treatment early to prevent significant balding
- Continuing treatment long-term to maintain results
- Combining medical therapy with hair transplantation for advanced hair loss
- Maintaining good scalp health through gentle shampooing and avoiding harsh chemical treatments
- Considering nutritional support with biotin supplements and adequate protein intake.
From the FDA Drug Label
Minoxidil topical solution 5% is a clear, light amber liquid medication containing 5% minoxidil for use only on the scalp to help regrow hair in men. Minoxidil topical solution 5% is clinically proven to help regrow hair. Reactivates hair follicles to stimulate regrowth.
The proven method to prevent androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) in men is the use of minoxidil topical solution 5%. This medication has been clinically proven to help regrow hair and reactivate hair follicles to stimulate regrowth 2. It is essential to note that results may vary, and it may take at least 4 months to see any significant hair regrowth.
- Key points:
- Minoxidil topical solution 5% is for use only by men.
- It is more likely to regrow hair in men with hair loss on the vertex of the scalp.
- The medication should be applied twice a day, every day, directly to the scalp.
- Results may be seen as early as 2 months with twice daily use.
- If no results are seen after 4 months, stop using the medication 2.
From the Research
Proven Methods for Preventing Androgenetic Alopecia
The following methods have been proven to prevent androgenetic alopecia in men:
- Finasteride: a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor that blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), promoting hair growth and preventing further hair loss 3
- Minoxidil: a topical treatment that has been shown to be effective in promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss 4, 5
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): a non-invasive treatment that has been shown to promote hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia 6, 5
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: a treatment that involves injecting platelet-rich plasma into the scalp to promote hair growth, which has been shown to be effective when used in combination with minoxidil 7
Combination Therapies
Combination therapies have also been shown to be effective in preventing androgenetic alopecia, including:
- Finasteride and minoxidil: a combination of oral finasteride and topical minoxidil has been shown to be effective in promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss 4
- PRP and minoxidil: a combination of PRP therapy and topical minoxidil has been shown to be more effective than PRP alone or minoxidil alone in promoting hair growth 7
Other Treatments
Other treatments that have been studied for the prevention of androgenetic alopecia include:
- Dutasteride: a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor that has been shown to be effective in promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss 4
- Microneedling: a minimally invasive treatment that involves using tiny needles to stimulate hair growth 6
- Stem cell therapy: a treatment that involves using stem cells to promote hair growth, which is still in the early stages of research 6