5 Popular hair loss treatments for men

Hair loss can be a natural part of the male ageing process, but other reasons include diseases, reaction to certain medications, extremely stressful conditions and hereditary links. 

The biggest cause remains androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness (MPB), which accounts for 95% of hair loss in men. To determine the cause of your hair loss, it is best to consult a specialist who will microscopically examine your hair sample, scalp and follicles, professionally diagnosing the cause and, in turn, recommend and provide the best solutions, treatments or available therapy for you. To reverse the process of hair loss, here are the most popular treatment options:

1. Laser Hair Regrowth Therapy

What it is: “Laser therapy is the use of a red laser spectrum wavelength that is compressed and concentrated to a defined location that allows the light to penetrate with no heating, damaging or negative side effects,” says Corrine Barber, hair and scalp specialist at Hair Clinic International South Africa (HCISA).

How it works: “Laser therapy allows for the simulation of blood flow and oxygen in the follicles and scalp, as well as the photosynthetic energising of the follicles. This, in conjunction with the prescribed application of pharmaceuticals will reduce further hair loss and promote regrowth,” Barber says.

Post treatment: “It's a non-invasive procedure – there is no recovery period and the laser sessions are 20 minutes each. For best results, two sessions a week are recommended and used in conjunction with the same prescribed pharmaceutical hair regrowth products. Results are visible between week 10–12, or session 22–24,” she adds.

What it costs: From R4 000 per programme depending on the hair clinic of your choice.

2. PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Treatment 

What it is: “A non-invasive treatment method, PRP is one of the more advanced methods. This treatment uses cutting-edge technology to stimulate hair growth naturally,” Barber says. 

How it works: “This simple procedure takes about an hour to complete. Specialists draw a small quantity of your blood that is placed in a centrifuge to separate the protein-rich platelets that are the natural stimulants for hair growth. When ready, these platelets are injected into the thinning areas of the scalp to reinvigorate the hair follicles and subsequent growth. There is no recovery period necessary, so you can complete a treatment literally during your lunch hour,” Barber says.

Post treatment: “Some patients report almost immediate results in growth and thickening. However, standard results reflect within three months with lasting results. If desired, booster treatments every three to four months ensure that your hair continues to grow steadily,” Barber says.

What it costs: From R8 000 per procedure depending on the hair clinic of your choice.

3. Growth Factor (GF) Complex Plus Treatment

What it is: This is a natural solution that targets the source of hair loss by improving the overall condition of the scalp, rejuvenating damaged follicles and increasing circulation. The formula’s action is enhanced by protective flower extracts, which help maintain cellular health and lustrous hair. 

How it works: “A course of GF is 10 sessions. The duration per session is approximately 15–20 minutes. You will start with five sessions (once a week for best results). After a 4–12 week break the next five sessions can begin. In conjunction, the same hair regrowth pharmaceutical products as the Laser and PRP procedures are used,” Barber says.

Post treatment: “It is highly recommended that you do an assessment every three months until you are happy with your results. Thereafter, have an assessment every six months to ensure your hair is benefitting from the prescribed products and lifestyle,” Barber says.

What it costs: From R15 000 a treatment depending on the clinic.

4. Rigenera Active

What it is: “Rigenera Active uses your own stem cells, which are very powerful regenerators of hair follicles. It’s best used for anyone starting to see balding or thinning of the hair and only treats androgenic alopecia. It is suitable for males and females of all ethnicities,” says Dr Anastasia Botha, a FUE (follicular unit extraction) practitioner.

How it works: “A small piece of the scalp is anaesthetised behind the ear and three punch biopsies taken, which will be the basis of the stem cell treatment. They are placed in a pod with saline solution and mixed in the Rigenera machine. The special suspension that develops contains stem cells, growth factors and progenitor cells with extremely regenerative properties, activating the follicles. The special suspension is then injected into the scalp, 1cm apart. It is not painful, and a session takes about 45 minutes,” Dr Botha says. 

Post treatment: “It takes six months to start to see growth; full growth at a year. Clinically tested shampoos must be used during this time and continued to avoid further hair loss,” Dr Botha says.

What it costs: Approximately R25 000, depending on the size of the area being treated and the hair clinic of your choice.

5. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

What it is: “A minimally invasive surgical procedure, it is the removal of each follicular unit individually with a small punch device from the donor area at the back and sides and reinserted back into the scalp,” Dr Botha says. It is a time- consuming, skilled procedure. 

How it works: “The hair falls out, leaving the follicle behind. After about six months the start of new hair occurs until 10 months later when the final result is seen. The new hair rarely falls out again. For best results, we first do a Rigenera Active treatment two weeks prior to the FUE,” Dr Botha says.

Post treatment: “Sleeping on your back for five days as to put no pressure on the graft site is most important. Spray with saline every half hour for the first four days to keep it moist. You will be wearing a bandage for four days, therefore no hair washing. No exercise for two weeks is also advised,” Dr Botha says. 

“In conjunction with the procedure, a tablet is prescribed to stop testosterone breakdown, and clinically proven shampoos and serums are essential to stop further hair loss and to grow new hair. Depending on the extent of your baldness and the thickness of your hair follicle, repeat procedures may be required,” Dr Botha says.

What it costs: From R20 to R30 upwards per unit so the more hair you need, the more expensive it gets. Contact your hair clinic of choice for a quote.

Extra help

While over-the-counter thinning hair solutions are available, they are preventative solutions and by no means a cure. Your best option remains consulting a specialist. 

1. Vigro 3 Step System for Thinning Hair – this starter pack contains shampoo, bio-ton and bio-capsules. Used together, they promote a normal hair-growth cycle. 

2. Prosana Hair Growth Treatment Kit – contains a keratin-infused shampoo, serum and booster tablets.
                        
3. Matrix Biolage ScalpSync Aminexil Hair Treatment 10 x 6ml – this treatment promotes a healthy scalp and stimulates growth.

4. Sebamed Anti-Hairloss Intensive Foam 70ml – Redensyl, NHE and caffeine combine to supply nutrients and oxygen to the roots.

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