Many men experience hair loss at some point in their lives, either due to genetic factors or environmental causes. While wearing a men’s toupee can be an option, dermatologists have several prescription treatments that can help slow, stop, or reverse hair loss for many male patients.
The most common prescription for male pattern baldness is finasteride, a drug that inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is a hormone that contributes to hair follicle shrinkage, which leads to hair miniaturization and loss. By blocking the production of DHT, finasteride can help save existing hair and promote regrowth. Studies show that finasteride works for about 60-70% of men, although it can take 6-12 months to see results. Side effects may include sexual dysfunction and reduced libido.
Minoxidil, sold under the brand name Rogaine, is another option dermatologists frequently prescribe for male hair loss. It is a topical solution applied directly to the scalp that stimulates hair follicles to prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle. Minoxidil’s mechanism of action is not fully understood but it helps maintain existing hair and produce some regrowth for around 40% of men. Minoxidil must be applied indefinitely to maintain benefits, and initial shedding of fine hair is a common side effect.
For men seeking denser, fuller hair, a dermatologist may prescribe low-level laser therapy using a medical device called a laser comb. This at-home treatment involves slowly brushing the laser comb through thinning hair areas a few times per week. The low-level laser light appears to stimulate cell metabolism in hair follicles to prolong the growth phase. Laser therapy produces the most results when used together with minoxidil, with one review finding about 30% more hair growth when combined. The treatment is painless but costly laser combs can cost over $300.
In some cases, a dermatologist may inject medications directly into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. The most common are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections that utilize a patient’s own platelets, which contain growth factors that help promote hair follicle cell proliferation. Several studies have found that PRP injections provide an about 20-30% increase in hair density for men after around 4 monthly treatments. The injections may need to be repeated periodically to maintain results but side effects are typically mild.
If topical and oral treatments fail, dermatologists can perform hair transplant surgery to restore hair for male pattern baldness. In this procedure, hair follicular units are extracted from the permanent zone at the back and sides of the scalp and surgically implanted into balding areas. Modern follicular unit extraction and micrografting techniques produce natural-looking results in experienced hands. Recovery time can be lengthy and additional procedures are often needed to completely “fill in” large balding areas. The cost of a hair transplant ranges from $3,000 to $15,000.
While a toupee may seem like an easier and more affordable option for men’s hair loss, dermatologists note that newer prescription treatments actually address the biological causes of balding and aim to restore a patient’s natural hair. Topical and oral medications are relatively low risk and provide some men with renewed hair density that feels more genuine. Laser therapy, PRP injections, and hair transplant surgery produce more dramatic results but also involve higher costs and more potential complications. Any treatment should be discussed thoroughly with a dermatologist to determine what options may be appropriate based on a man’s individual hair loss pattern, age, health, and expectations. With proper guidance, prescription treatments can help many men avoid the inconvenience and confines of wearing a toupee and achieve the genuine hair growth results they desire.
In summary, dermatologists have an array of prescription options for managing male pattern hair loss, from oral medications and topical solutions to minimally invasive injections and surgical procedures. Though a toupee may serve as a quick fix, these medical treatments actually target the causes of balding and aim to restore natural hair growth with realistic, long-term benefits. By working closely with an experienced dermatologist, men can weigh their options and choose treatments personalized for their individual needs and goals.
