BLDN guide
Going bald? Your options, laid out
BLDN does not think you have to shave, and does not think you have to treat. Both are respectable. What helps is seeing the whole menu at once, without a sales pitch attached to any item.
This page is general information, not medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Do nothing
Hair loss is not a health problem in itself. Plenty of men let it happen and adjust their haircut as it goes. It costs nothing and closes no doors, though most treatments work better earlier than later — so 'nothing for now' is worth revisiting rather than defaulting to.
Buzz or shave
The cheapest, fastest and most reversible-in-spirit option: a buzz grows back, and a shave takes the pattern out of the equation entirely. Upkeep is minutes a week plus moisturiser and SPF.
Hair systems and cosmetic cover
Modern hair systems, fibres and scalp micropigmentation are non-surgical and can look convincing. They involve ongoing cost and maintenance, and micropigmentation in particular is worth researching carefully — results depend heavily on the practitioner.
Medical treatment
There are approved medical treatments for male pattern hair loss, including topical and oral options, and dermatologists also use in-office procedures. They differ in evidence, side-effect profiles and how long you need to stay on them.
We deliberately don't name dosages or tell you what to take. That conversation belongs with a clinician who can look at your scalp and your history. The American Academy of Dermatology's page below is a good, non-commercial starting point.
Hair transplants
Transplantation moves your own hair from denser areas to thinner ones. It is surgery: it has real results for the right candidates, and real risks, costs and limits. Donor supply is finite, and ongoing loss elsewhere often means further sessions or continued medical treatment.
Cheap package deals abroad are heavily marketed, and outcomes vary widely. If you're considering treatment in another country, read the surgeons' society guidance on medical tourism first and check who is actually performing the procedure.
BLDN's stance
Medication, transplants, hair systems, waiting, buzzing and shaving are all personal choices. We collect information so you can make one deliberately. We do not sell treatments, take commissions on them, or treat any of these paths as a failure.
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is general and educational. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for care from a qualified professional. Talk to a board-certified dermatologist about diagnosis, treatment options and anything that changes suddenly.
Sources
Health information on BLDN is general and educational. It is not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment, see a board-certified dermatologist.