Facts & myths about hair loss

• Why am I losing my hair?

  The most common cause for hair loss in men is male-pattern hair loss, also known as male androgenetic alopecia (MAA). Typically, this affects the temples, front of the scalp and crown (top) and progresses at a different rate for each man. It is both genetic and affected by personal variations in your hormones.

  There are other causes for hair loss which have different features. Please note that the products Numan offers are only effective for MAA. If you’re not sure what is causing your hair loss, do see your GP for advice. Some of the different causes include:

  • • Alopecia areata: happens suddenly, in patches and hair loss may also include other areas of the body besides the scalp
  • • Telogen effluvium: affects the entire scalp, happens suddenly and is usually triggered by a stressful event or a new medication
  • • Tinea capitis: dry, scaly patches on the scalp which are often itchy.

• Is male-pattern hair loss hereditary?

  Yes, in part. Although geneticists are not clear on the exact pattern of inheritance, having a close relative with male-pattern hair loss puts you at higher risk of developing it yourself. The other factor in male-pattern hair loss is hormonal: higher levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone, a modified version of testosterone) are associated with male-pattern hair loss. If you’re interested in learning more, you can consult Numan’s Book of Hair (coming soon).

• Can you cure male-pattern hair loss?

  There is no absolute cure for male-pattern hair loss. Finasteride is a proven effective treatment which works to reduce hair loss and promote regrowth, but it only works as long as you are using it. After you stop treatment, you can expect all of the improvement in your hair quality to be lost in 6-12 months. If you’re interested in learning more about male-pattern hair loss and how the different treatments work, you can consult Numan’s Book of Hair (coming soon).

• What are my options for treating male-pattern hair loss?

  You have a few different options. The first-line treatment that Numan offers is finasteride, a tablet which you take once every day. It works by reducing the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT - a modified form of testosterone which is involved in male-pattern hair loss) present in the scalp, thereby helping to maintain and promote hair growth. Other options include cosmetic procedures such as scalp tattooing and hair transplantation. For more about your options when it comes to treating male-pattern hair loss, you can consult Numan’s Book of Hair (coming soon).

• Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?

  When buying prescription medications online, you should always look out for the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) logo — you can see it on every page of the Numan website. This indicates that we are registered with the MHRA and that we are authorised to sell medicines online. Make sure that you answer all of the assessment questions accurately and truthfully, and if you’re not sure about an answer, check with your doctor. Always read the information leaflet that comes with your medication and follow the instructions.