When should I start Hair Loss treatment?

The Short Answer

The best time to start treating male pattern hair loss is as soon as you notice changes. Here's why timing matters:

Why Early Treatment Works Best

• Prevents Further Loss:
  • Easier to keep existing hair than regrow lost hair
  • Treatment stops the progression of hair loss
  • Maintains your current hair density
• Protects Healthy Follicles:
  • Active follicles respond better to treatment
  • DHT damage can become permanent if left untreated
  • Prevention is more effective than cure

How Do I Know If I’m Losing My Hair?

Look out for these early indicators:

• Receding hairline
• Thinning at the crown
• More visible scalp
• Increased hair fall when washing or styling
• Changes in how your hair sits or styles

Why Is My Hair Falling Out?

Around 90% of male hair loss is caused by male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia):
Driven by sensitivity to DHT

When It Might Not Be Male Pattern Baldness:
Sudden hair loss, patchy bald spots, scalp pain, or inflammation may suggest other causes such as stress, medical conditions, or nutrient deficiencies. A healthcare professional can help confirm the cause.

What Is DHT & Why Does It Cause Hair Loss?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone involved in traits like muscle mass and facial hair. On the scalp, however, it can gradually weaken hair follicles in men who are genetically sensitive to it — leading to male pattern baldness.

How DHT Affects Hair Follicles
DHT binds to follicles in susceptible areas (typically the hairline and crown). This causes follicle miniaturisation, meaning follicles shrink over time. Hair becomes thinner, weaker, and shorter. Eventually, follicles may stop producing visible hair altogether.

Why DHT Damage Gets Worse Over Time

• Each hair growth cycle becomes shorter
• New hair grows back finer than before
• Untreated follicles may become permanently inactive

The Role of 5α-Reductase
DHT is created when the enzyme 5α-reductase converts testosterone into DHT. Reducing this enzyme’s activity lowers DHT levels in the scalp and helps protect hair follicles.
 

How Treatment Helps
-Finasteride lowers scalp DHT, slowing or stopping follicle shrinkage
-Reduced DHT helps follicles stay active and produce thicker hair
-Minoxidil provides additional stimulation to support regrowth
-This causes follicle miniaturisation, meaning follicles shrink over time
-Hair becomes thinner, weaker, and shorter
-Eventually, follicles may stop producing visible hair altogether

Is Hair Loss Reversible?

The short answer is Yes — male pattern hair loss can be slowed and partially reversed, especially when treated early. Proven treatments include:

Finasteride / Dutasteride
-Reduces DHT, the main hormone responsible for hair follicle shrinkage
-Effective for around 9 out of 10 men with male pattern baldness

Minoxidil
-Stimulates hair follicles
-Increases blood flow to the scalp
-Helps promote regrowth

Using Finasteride and Minoxidil together delivers stronger results because they work in different ways — one protects follicles from DHT, the other stimulates growth.

Understanding Treatment Windows

• Best Case: Starting at first signs of hair loss
  • Highest success rates
  • Better chance of maintaining current hair
  • More treatment options available
• Good Case: Starting with noticeable thinning
  • Can still achieve significant results
  • May require more patience for visible improvement
  • Most treatments still effective
• Limited Effect: Starting after significant loss
  • Harder to achieve dramatic results
  • Fewer treatment options
  • May need to consider alternative solutions

Taking Action

Ready to start? Here are your next steps:

• Complete our online consultation for personalised treatment recommendations
• Track your progress through your MANUAL account

Remember

Modern hair loss treatments are highly effective when started early. While it's never too late to take action, beginning treatment while you still have active hair follicles gives you the best chance of success.