How to Prevent Baldness in Men

Take steps to prevent baldness.

While there can be numerous factors that result in hair loss, such as extreme stress from illness or surgery, most men are genetically predisposed to baldness from a condition called androgenic alopecia, which can also affect women. This can begin as early as the 20s and men who lose their hair at an early age are more likely to develop extensive baldness. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgenic hormone and elevated levels of the stuff in the body causes the hair to fall out by tying itself to hair follicles and obstructing blood circulation, which hair needs to grow. Over-the-counter and prescription medication can prevent or lessen the effects of this hormone while lifestyle choices also factor in.

Instructions

1. Avoid overuse of hair dye and hair products like curling irons and hair dryers, all of which can contribute to hair loss. Cornrows or any hairstyle that requires the hair to be tightly gathered can also cause hair loss.

2. Research medications that prevent and lessen male baldness. Medication such as minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) is available without a prescription. It is a topical treatment. Finasteride (brand name Propecia) is another medication available by prescription only. It is taken in pill form and may cause adverse side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, according to Natural Home Remedies.com. It can take up to six months to tell if either treatment is having an effect.

3. Look into natural alternatives for hair-loss prevention. These include Revivogen, a natural topical formula that -- while not FDA-approved -- works in a similar fashion as Propecia. Its natural ingredients may prove a more effective treatment for hair-loss prevention, according to AskMen.com.

Tips & Warnings

• Scalp infections, diseases like lupus and diabetes, use of medication like antidepressants, chemotherapy and medications to treat gout can result in hair loss due to hormonal changes in the body.

• Do not use Rogaine if your scalp is sunburned, irritated or otherwise damaged. Do not use Rogaine or any other hair-loss prevention topical product anywhere but on the scalp. Absorbency of minoxidil by the body can also affect the heart, so discuss any heart conditions with your doctor before taking Rogaine.

References

• A 2 Z Of Health, Beauty and Fitness: Prevent Hair Loss
• Ask Men.com: Prevent Early Bald Spots
• Natural-Home Remedies: How To Prevent Male Baldness
• Family Doctor: Hair Loss and Its Causes
• Drugs.com: Rogaine

Resources

• American Hair Loss Association: Hair Loss Treatment