Hair Loss in the Crown: What are the options for men under 35?

Hair Loss in the Crown: Do we transplant men under 35?

I rarely perform a hair transplant in men with hair loss in the crown prior to age 35. Most hair transplant surgeons around the world have similar cut-offs, and a few of my colleagues would even push this to 40 years of age. The area of hair loss can expand leaving an unnatural look if the area is transplanted too early.

So what, then are the non-surgical options that can be considered to treat hair loss in the crown? 

OPTIONS FOR TREATING HAIR LOSS IN THE CROWN PRIOR TO AGE 35.

1. Finasteride.

Finasteride (sold under name Propecia as well as generics) helps about 90 % of men stop hair loss. A proportion of men improve their hair as well. Side effects include decreased libido, erectile dysfuntion, mood changes, enlargement of breast tissue. read more.

 

2. Minoxidil

Minoxidil (sold under many brands including popular Rogaine) helps 20 % or more of men maintain their hair. A small proportion will also see improvement. It works best in the earliest stages of hair loss, especially in men with less than a 10 cm diameter area of hari loss. read more. 

 

3. Platelet rich plasma

Platelet rich plasma involves removing one's own blood and injection that nutrient rich PRP back into the scalp. The procedure is safe and helps up to 50-70 % of men. Platelet rich plasma therapy is emerging as an important treatment consideration for young men with hair loss who may not yet be surgical candidates. Some of US colleagues are also investigating the use of ACell/Matristem with PRP, but unfortunately ACell is not approved in Canada. read more.

 

4. Low level laser therapy (LLLT)

LLLT involves use of red light lasers to stimulate hair growth. Studies show that they  promote improvements in some users.  read more. 

 

5. Copper peptides.

Viewed as an alternative to minoxidil, phase 2 FDA studies showed that copper peptide based technology (including products like Tricomin) promote hair growth in some users. I encourage patients to use with minoxidil.