Answers to some of our Frequently Asked Questions about Baldness!

We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions we get asked about mens hair loss, baldness, and treatment. To view the full list of questions and answers, click here.

What is male pattern baldness?

Answer: The medical term for male pattern baldness is 'androgenetic alopecia.' It is far and away the most common form of hair loss in men. It is especially prevalent in Caucasian men and can affect up to 30% of Caucasian men by age 30, and up to 50% by age 50. 

Male pattern baldness is caused by changes that result from your genes and hormones. Some men simply inherit baldness. For some it is due to hormones called androgens which, among other functions, help regulate hair growth. Each hair on your head has a growth cycle. With male pattern baldness, this growth cycle begins to weaken and the hair follicle shrinks, producing shorter and finer strands of hair. Eventually, the growth cycle for each hair ends and no new hair grows in its place

Q: Is treatment effective?

Answer: Finasteride is FDA-approved to treat male pattern baldness. 

Although it is approved as treatment, finasteride isn't guaranteed to work on everyone. Studies have shown that after five years of treatment, 90% of men taking finasteride experienced either a growth of new hair or a halt to their hair loss. Specifically, about half of men showed an increase in hair growth, and 40% reported no new hair loss. To put that in perspective, 6% of men treated with a placebo (no finasteride) had an increase in hair growth, and 75% of those not taking finasteride lost hair. 

Taking finasteride is not a quick fix. The medication needs to be taken daily and you may need to take it for several months for it to work and to see results. It can even take up to 12 months before you get the full effect of the medication. Stopping the medication can lead to continued loss of hair or even loss of the hair you gained while on the treatment.

Q: Can you treat all types of hair loss?

Answer: No. We can only give you a prescription if we’re confident that you have ‘male pattern baldness’. Other health conditions can cause hair loss, but finasteride won’t help you. 

We can’t treat hair loss in women. If you’re a woman wanting treatment for hair loss, please visit a doctor in person for a detailed discussion of your treatment options.

Q: Can I use this treatment before I experience hair loss?

Answer: No. We can only prescribe finasteride if you’ve got visible signs of hair loss, including ​thinning or a receding hairline and you’ve experienced hair loss for at least six months. That said, your hair loss doesn’t need to be drastic before you start using our service.