Why men lose hair — and why timing is everything.
Over 90% of male hair loss is androgenetic alopecia — male-pattern baldness. Genetics make some follicles sensitive to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a by-product of testosterone. Under DHT's influence, those follicles shrink cycle by cycle — producing progressively finer, shorter hairs at the temples and crown until they stop producing visible hair at all.
The critical fact: miniaturised follicles can be revived; dead ones cannot. Treatment started while the area still has thinning hair can thicken and hold it for decades. Treatment started after years of smooth, shiny scalp has far less to work with — at that stage only transplantation moves hair back. This is why “I'll see how it goes” is the most expensive decision in hair loss.
Not all male hair loss is pattern baldness, though. Sudden diffuse shedding (telogen effluvium after illness, stress or crash dieting), coin-shaped bald patches (alopecia areata), and flaky, itchy scalps (seborrhoeic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, fungal infection) each have different treatments — and treating the wrong one wastes precious months. Diagnosis comes first.
What's actually proven to work.
- Minoxidil (topical, 5%). The foundation. Applied daily, it extends the growth phase and enlarges miniaturised follicles. Expect 3–6 months before visible change, and a temporary shed early on (a good sign — old hairs making way). It works for as long as it's used.
- Finasteride (oral, prescription). Blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT — the closest thing to switching off the cause. The strongest evidence base in male hair loss. Side effects are uncommon but real, and deserve an honest, individual discussion with the doctor rather than a WhatsApp rumour — which is exactly what the consultation is for.
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma). Your own platelets, concentrated and injected into the scalp to stimulate follicles. A genuinely useful adjunct that improves density alongside medical therapy — typically 3–6 monthly sessions, then maintenance. At the clinic, PRP is performed by Dr. Kanchan personally.
- Treating the scalp itself. Dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis amplify shedding. A medicated shampoo routine is a cheap, evidence-backed multiplier for everything above.
- Fixing real deficiencies. Iron, vitamin D, thyroid and protein status are checked when the pattern suggests it — corrected deficiencies restore shedding to baseline. (Supplements without a deficiency, however, do nothing for pattern baldness.)
- Hair transplant — last in sequence, not first. Transplantation relocates hair; it doesn't stop ongoing loss. Done without stabilising medication, the transplanted island survives while the surrounding native hair keeps receding. Stabilise first, transplant after — any clinic that skips this conversation is selling, not treating.
What doesn't deserve your money.
- Onion juice, rice water and “hair growth” oils. No credible evidence for pattern baldness. Massage feels good and harms nothing — but DHT does not care about onions.
- Non-medical “hair spas” and salon treatments. Cosmetic conditioning for the hair shaft — pleasant, irrelevant to the follicle. Pattern loss continues underneath.
- Unregulated supplement stacks. Multi-ingredient “hair gummies” rarely outperform a normal diet unless you're genuinely deficient. Biotin megadoses in particular are over-marketed and can distort lab tests.
- Caps, helmets and frequent shampooing myths. None of these cause pattern baldness, and avoiding washing only worsens dandruff-related shedding. Blame DHT and genetics, not hygiene.
- “Guaranteed regrowth” packages. No ethical practitioner guarantees regrowth. Realistic medicine talks about stabilisation, thickening and timelines — marketing talks in guarantees.
When to see a dermatologist.
- Your hairline or crown has visibly changed in photos over the last 1–2 years.
- You're seeing scalp through the hair under bright light, or your shed clearly exceeds ~100 hairs a day.
- Hair is coming out in patches, or shedding started suddenly after illness or stress.
- The scalp itself is itchy, flaky, painful or scarred — that's a scalp condition driving the loss.
- You're considering a transplant — get the stabilisation conversation first.
At the Aliganj clinic, Dr. Kanchan Srivastava examines the scalp and miniaturisation pattern (dermoscopy), screens for the treatable mimics, and builds a sequenced plan — medical therapy first, PRP where it adds value, and honest guidance on transplantation when relevant.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a consultation with Dr. Kanchan for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions.
Can baldness actually be reversed?
Do I have to use minoxidil forever?
Is finasteride safe? I've read scary things online.
How many PRP sessions are needed, and does it hurt?
My father is bald — is it pointless to treat?
When is a hair transplant the right choice?
What patients say.
My experience has been very good. Dr. Kanchan ma'am treated me — she is the best dermatologist in the town.
Having been a regular at the doctor's clinic I absolutely love how hygienic and professional they've always been. My laser treatment has been very effective. If you are looking for a good doctor for cosmetic treatment, you can blindly trust Dr Kanchan ma'am.
Dr. Kanchan Srivastava is a very good dermatologist. Doctor behaviour is so curious and good.