Hair loss is a medical condition that affects some 25% of men in their twenties and an astounding two-thirds of men over sixty. Male-pattern baldness has no medical side effects other than hair loss. Due to this many consider it a purely cosmetic concern, however those who experience hair loss can suffer from very tangible psychological trauma. Cures for male baldness have been around for thousands of years, from ancient Egyptian pigeon droppings to early-20th-century electroshock treatments for the scalp. Indeed, the search for that elusive cure has been ongoing, but it wasn’t until recently that we actually discovered what causes baldness. It turns out that male-pattern baldness is a result of a gene in the body that converts large quantities of testosterone into DHT (di-hydrotestosterone).

Hair loss can be a very personal and private issue for many individuals. We have found that very few people discuss their feelings with close friends or family which can cause intense levels of anxiety. Losing or thinning of hair is something that we generally associate with the older generations and therefore it can be extremely difficult for young men to accept, especially considering the modern day reliance on social media and its constant demand for photographs and selfies.

Effective treatments for hair loss range from medicinal to surgical. FDA-approved medications such as minoxidil (commonly know by brand names such as Rogaine/Regain) and finasteride (commonly know by brand name Propecia) can provide an effective treatment against hair loss. Minoxidil was typically a topical solution that helps follicular stabilisation and oftentimes regrowth but is only effective in approximately 60% of patients. These types of medications are treatments and not solutions, meaning that any results achieved through medication will stop and actually reverse when discontinuing the medication