Thinning hair (AGA) is 90% "early detection". Self-check by progression level and correct countermeasures
"Did my hairline recede?" "Did hair loss on pillow increase?" AGA (Androgenetic Alopecia) is a progressive disease. Before it's too late, know your progression level accurately and start medically correct countermeasures. Explained with Hamilton-Norwood classification.
Why "Still okay" becomes fatal
Every time looking in the mirror, somehow styling of bangs doesn't determine well. I feel that more hairs get entangled in fingers when shampooing.
If you feel even a little uncomfortable, it might be a sign of AGA (Androgenetic Alopecia). The terrible thing about AGA is that it does not cure naturally and progresses reliably if left untreated. While leaving it as "It must be my imagination", hair roots die little by little and approach a state where hair never grows again.
However, there is no need to despair. Now medicine has advanced, and if appropriate treatment is started early, it is sufficiently possible to stop progression and regain hair.
First, let's start by grasping your current situation calmly.
AGA DiagnosisSelf-assess male pattern baldness (AGA) progression easily.Mechanism of hair loss (Hair Cycle)
Normally, hair repeats the cycle of "Growth phase (2-6 years)" -> "Regression phase (2 weeks)" -> "Resting phase (3-4 months)". However, when AGA develops, the hair cycle becomes extremely short due to the influence of male hormone (DHT).
- Normal: Grows thick and long over 2-6 years
- AGA: Growth stops in a few months to 1 year, and falls out while still thin and short
This is called "Miniaturization". If short and thin hair (hair like downy hair) is mixed in fallen hair, it is a danger signal that the hair cycle is disturbed.
By Progression Level: Hamilton-Norwood Classification
The progression pattern of AGA is broadly divided into two types: "M-shape (from hairline)" and "O-shape (from top of head)", and is classified by degree of progression.
Initial (Stage I-II)
- State: Hairline recedes a little, begins to take a shape like M. Or scalp around the whorl looks a little transparent.
- Countermeasure: It is best to notice at this stage. There is a high possibility that it can be maintained with hair restorers or preventive oral medicines.
Middle (Stage III-IV)
- State: M-shape deepens, or thinning hair on the top of head is clearly visible. State where thinning hair on frontal and top of head is not connected.
- Countermeasure: Full-scale treatment by combined use of oral medicine (Finasteride etc.) and external medicine (Minoxidil) is necessary.
Late (Stage V-VII)
- State: Thinning hair on frontal and top of head connects, leaving hair only on temporal and occipital regions.
- Countermeasure: Recovery may be difficult with only drug treatment, and surgical treatment such as self-hair transplantation may be necessary.
Where does your condition fit? Let's check the objective risk level using Jenee's diagnostic tool.
AGA DiagnosisSelf-assess male pattern baldness (AGA) progression easily.3 Scientifically Proven Treatments
Please do not be confused by urban legends such as "Hair grows if you eat seaweed" or "It is good to hit the scalp". Treatments recommended as Recommendation A (Strongly recommended) in guidelines of Japanese Dermatological Association are actually very few.
1. Defense Medicine: Finasteride / Dutasteride (Oral)
- Action: Blocks enzyme that makes substance causing thinning hair (DHT) and reduces hair loss.
- Effect: Extremely high effect in "stopping progression" and "maintaining status quo".
2. Offense Medicine: Minoxidil (External / Oral)
- Action: Promotes hair growth by expanding capillaries and sending nutrients to hair papilla.
- Effect: Effect of "growing new hair" and "thickening hair".
- Oral medicine (Minotab) is powerful, but requires doctor's guidance because there are risks of side effects such as systemic hypertrichosis and palpitations.
3. Surgical Treatment: Self-Hair Transplantation
- Action: Transplant hair roots of occipital region which is hard to be affected by AGA to thin part.
- Effect: If fixed, it continues to grow for a lifetime without maintenance, but cost is high (1 million yen ~).
Recent Reality of Treatment to Know (Cost / Side Effects)
Approximate Cost (Monthly)
- Prevention / Maintenance (Finasteride only): 3,000 yen - 5,000 yen
- Hair Growth / Improvement (Finasteride + Minoxidil): 10,000 yen - 15,000 yen
- Full-scale Treatment (Including injection treatment etc.): 30,000 yen ~
Risk of Side Effects
Since it is a medicine, possibility of side effects is not zero.
- Libido decrease / Erectile dysfunction (ED): About 1-2% of total
- Initial hair loss: Phenomenon that old weakened hair falls out temporarily around 1 month after start of treatment (It is also evidence that medicine is working).
Improvement of Lifestyle Habits You Can Do Now
Although not as powerful as medicine, if the body which becomes the foundation is not prepared, effect of medicine will be halved.
- Sleep (Golden Time): Hair growth hormone is secreted while sleeping. Let's secure high-quality sleep using the tool below.
- Meal: Please consciously intake hair material "Protein (Keratin)" and "Zinc" helping synthesis. Natto, eggs, oysters, liver etc. are recommended.
- Stress Care: Stress constricts blood vessels and cuts off nutrient supply to hair roots. Know your state with the tool below and let off steam regularly.
Summary: Today is the "Youngest Day"
In AGA treatment, the most important resource is "Time". If hair roots die completely, hair will not return no matter how good medicine is used.
"I wonder if I should wait and see a little more" Even while hesitating, the hair cycle is progressing.
First, knowing your own risk is a big step. Why don't you start from what you can do now for your future self?
AGA DiagnosisSelf-assess male pattern baldness (AGA) progression easily.
