At one point or another in their lives, many guys will start noticing more hair than normal in the shower drain or on their pillows when they wake up in the morning. While hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, in men of a certain age, male pattern baldness is most often the culprit. Contrary to other forms of hair loss, male pattern baldness fits a specific pattern - hair is maintained on the back and sides, but recedes and thins on the top. If you have recently discovered that you have male pattern baldness, chances are that you are not thrilled about it. In fact, many guys become self-conscious, anxious and even depressed. Yet there are a number of options for dealing with hair loss and most guys find a way to get over it.AcceptanceAs the shaved head look becomes more accepted, so does learning to live with male pattern baldness. Many athletes, musicians and actors have opted for this look and it can send a powerful message that you have owned up to male pattern baldness and that you are not afraid of being yourself. There are other benefits to this look as well - no more bad hair days or trips to the barbershop, for example.MedicationOne of the most popular medications on the market for hair loss sufferers is Finasteride (a generic drug name for which there are many brands), which works to stop hair loss at the root. While many guys find that this medication stops or slows their hair loss, there is also the risk of side effects, some of them significant. It is imperative that you have a conversation with a doctor to see whether or not it is a good idea to take this medication.Hair systemsOften referred to as a toupee, a hair system is basically a hairpiece that is worn to give the impression that you have a full head of hair. Hair systems have come a long way in recent years and many guys find that they look quite natural. At the same time, there are issues with maintenance and use that must be considered. For example, you may find it difficult to visit the swimming pool if you have a hair system!Hair transplant surgeryOne of the riskier and more expensive options on the list, hair transplant surgery involves the removal of healthy hair follicles on the back or side of the head and the relocation of said follicles to the crown of the head. This process is costly and risky, as there is the possibility of scarring or healing issues, depending on the exact type of surgery that is undertaken. If successful, the procedure allows a man to avoid taking medication or using a hair system for the rest of his life as the hair follicles should remain healthy.If you do decide to treat hair loss in one form or another, it's important that you first visit a doctor before doing so, to discuss your options and choose the best course of action. While it may be tempting to treat your hair loss, acceptance should be considered as an option as well. It costs nothing, it is the least risky in terms of your health, and it is increasingly practiced by more and more men.
