Dr. Smriti Naswa, a consultant dermatologist at Fortis Hospital Mulund, sheds light on the hereditary patterns of hair loss in men. Post-puberty, men commonly experience hair loss from specific areas of their scalp, such as temporal recession, leading to a distinctive pattern of hair thinning on the crown of the head, leaving hair primarily on the sides and back in a horseshoe shape. This type of hair loss is genetically inherited, with susceptibility stemming from either parent.

Dr. Naswa underscores that while medications and treatments can effectively manage hereditary hair loss, they do not address the underlying genetic condition. Instead, these medications work by inhibiting the genes responsible for hair loss as long as they are consistently taken. Among the plethora of available products, only two, one medication and one lotion, are FDA-approved. These are prescribed following a comprehensive examination, adhering to standard operating procedures.

The anticipated timeframe for noticeable improvements in preventing further hair loss through treatment is typically 3-6 months. Before prescribing medications, patients undergo testing for nutritional deficiencies, as these can exacerbate genetic hair loss. Dr. Naswa emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to hair growth, which includes adopting a balanced diet, regular exercise, and overall healthy lifestyle practices.