Hair Loss FAQs

The most common cause of hair loss in men is called male pattern baldness. The scientific name is androgenetic alopecia.

Male pattern baldness is caused by genetics and it’s very common, with up to 2/3rds of men affected by the age of 35. It's caused by the heightened sensitivity of hair follicles to a hormone called DHT, which is a by-product of testosterone production. As we get older, DHT levels build in the body and this constricts blood flow, and by extension oxygen and nutrients, to sensitive hair follicles.

Each hair follicle traditionally supports three hair strands. The aggregation of DHT reduces the number of hair strands that each sensitive hair follicle can support in a process called ‘miniaturisation’. This is seen physically as hair thinning. Baldness ensues when sensitive hair follicles can no longer support any hair strands.

Male pattern baldness is generally diagnosed on where you are losing your hair. It causes hair loss in a well-defined pattern, either at the temples, or crown, or both. Over time, the hairline often recedes to form a distinctive M shape, usually alongside a balding crown.

Whilst genetics, specifically DHT levels in scalp tissue and hair follicle sensitivity to DHT, are usually to blame for hair loss, there are sometimes other causes such as serious illness, nutrient deficiency, excessive alcohol, smoking, stress and a lack of exercise.

At Man Behind The Mirror we are scientifically driven and results led. That’s why we sell the only two clinically approved hair loss treatments: Finasteride and Minoxidil. Finasteride is a tablet which should be taken once daily. Minoxidil is a topical spray that should be applied to the scalp twice daily.

Studies have shown that most men who took Finasteride consistently experienced a reduction in hair loss within 12 months. In clinical trials, up to 90% of men stopped their hair loss from progressing and up to 65% experienced some level of hair re-growth. Because of this high success rate, Finasteride is the leading prescription drug for treating male pattern hair loss.

Minoxidil is another medically approved treatment for male pattern baldness. Minoxidil relaxes and widens the muscle walls of blood vessels, and when applied to the scalp, increases blood flow to the hair follicles. The enhanced blood flow provides much needed oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth. Studies have shown that Minoxidil is effective at combating hair loss for 2 out of 3 men.

These treatments are supported by our Shampoo Boost which contains a tailored formula of nutrients such as Copper Peptide and Sophora Flavescens, which studies have shown to have anti-DHT properties, and Ginger, which strengthens hair and improves blood circulation to the hair follicles.

We also offer our Biotin Gummies. Biotin, also known as vitamin H or B7, boosts the keratin infrastructure of the body. High keratin levels support head hair and beard hair to be as strong and thick as possible. Taken daily, our Biotin Vitamins also contain important minerals such as zinc, which plays a crucial role in hair tissue growth and repair.

Man Behind the Mirror has been created to address the sensitive issues that men face such as hair loss. We want to educate men on the science behind them and the most effective treatments available to treat them. We want you to relax in the knowledge that with these products you are doing all you can do to tackle hair loss. You can then focus on the things that matter in life.

Yes.

In clinical trials, both Finasteride and Minoxidil have proven to be effective at not just stopping hair loss, but re-growing hair that’s already been lost.

In a 1998 study from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, men using Finasteride achieved an average increase of 15% in hair density on the scalp.

Trials with Minoxidil have shown similarly impressive results. In a four month study, three quarters of men judged that their hair density increased, with over 90% of the participants rating Minoxidil as very effective, effective or moderately effective at stimulating hair growth.

No. If you wish to purchase one of our prescription treatments, you’ll be asked to complete an online consultation questionnaire through our website. Once completed, and after you submit an order, our partner clinicians will review your consultation to get an understanding of your type of hair loss and your medical history. Our partner clinicians will then decide whether to prescribe you the treatment. If prescribed, our partner pharmacy will dispense your treatment and deliver it to your home within a couple of days.

Like all medicine, Finasteride and Minoxidil can cause side effects.

Clinical trials for Finasteride have shown that side effects are uncommon and affect only a small percentage of men. Side effects that some men experienced included sexual dysfunction. You should be aware of the potential side effects before taking this treatment. Please read the patient information leaflet before taking Finasteride.

The most common side effect for Minoxidil is at the scalp where the application is made and relates to itching and skin irritation. This irritation is attributed to alcohol and propylene glycol which are ingredients in significantly all Minoxidil solutions. The unique formula used by Man Behind the Mirror does not contain alcohol nor propylene glycol which reduces the likelihood of these side effects. In any event, you should be aware of the potential side effects before taking this treatment. Please read our patient leaflet before taking Minoxidil.

In general, it takes between 3 to 6 months to see the results of our treatments. Both Finasteride and Minoxidil must be taken continuously to maintain hair growth. When you stop taking them, any gain in hair quality or quantity is generally lost within 12 months.

Finasteride and Minoxidil are the only scientifically proven medications to treat male pattern baldness, though there are other alternatives.

One alternative to the treatments we offer is hair transplant surgery. During this procedure, a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will remove small patches of skin containing one or two hair follicles from either your back or the side of your scalp. These hair follicles are then implanted one-by-one into the scalp. Some doctors recommend patients to take Minoxidil after the transplant to minimise any post-transplant hair loss.

Whilst often effective, surgical procedures like this can be expensive and painful, whilst there can be side effects such as bleeding and scarring.