Male pattern baldness (AGA) commonly develops between the ages of 20 and 40.
For many men, noticing thinning hair at a young age can be a major psychological blow.
At the same time, some may wonder, “Is there any way to treat this myself?” and start researching various methods.

In this article, we explore whether hair loss can really be treated on your own and provide detailed guidance on effective treatment options and how to choose a suitable clinic.

Can You Cure Hair Loss by Yourself?

Hair loss is often a significant source of insecurity. Many men hope to treat it on their own, either due to psychological resistance to medical treatment or a desire to save money.

There are several types of hair loss, but can male pattern baldness (AGA) be self-treated?

Conclusion: You Cannot Cure AGA Hair Loss on Your Own

The bottom line is that if your hair loss is caused by AGA, it is difficult to treat it on your own.
However, if the cause is stress, poor lifestyle habits, or improper hair care, addressing the root issue may lead to improvement.

Why You Can’t Treat AGA Hair Loss by Yourself

Why is it said that AGA-related hair loss is so difficult to treat without professional help?

This has to do with the mechanism of AGA itself.
AGA occurs when male hormones disrupt the hair cycle, dramatically shortening the growth phase of hair.

Normally, human hair goes through three phases: growth, regression, and rest.
The growth phase typically lasts 2 to 6 years.
However, with AGA, this phase shortens to only a few months to a year, causing hair to transition too quickly into the regression phase and leading to visible thinning.

To improve AGA-related hair loss, it’s necessary to suppress the production of male hormones—but this cannot be achieved through lifestyle changes alone, making self-treatment ineffective.

Effective Medications for Hair Loss Treatment

To treat AGA at its root, pharmacological therapy is typically used. Below, we’ll explain two of the most commonly prescribed medications at clinics.

Finasteride

Originally developed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, finasteride was later found to be effective for AGA. The brand-name drug “Propecia,” which contains finasteride, became available, and subsequently, generic versions also became widely prescribed at clinics. While minoxidil (discussed later) is more well-known for its hair-regrowth effects, finasteride remains essential in AGA treatment for its ability to suppress hair loss.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil was initially developed to treat high blood pressure, but it was later observed to stimulate hair growth as a side effect. It has since been used as an AGA treatment. In addition to oral tablets, minoxidil is also available in topical formulations.

Although finasteride is commonly prescribed at many clinics, minoxidil’s vasodilating effects mean its use should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Also, minoxidil’s efficacy varies between individuals, and some patients may not see any improvement even with consistent use. If the cause of hair loss is not AGA, continued use of minoxidil could lead to adverse health effects, making careful evaluation essential.

Benefits of Receiving Treatment at a Male-Specialized Clinic

While hair loss treatment is available at dermatology or general internal medicine departments, there are distinct advantages to visiting a male-focused clinic.

Consultation with AGA Specialists

Male-focused clinics often have physicians who specialize in AGA and have experience with numerous cases and in-depth knowledge compared to general outpatient departments. Identifying the exact cause of hair loss is not always easy, but seeing a specialist can help ensure accurate diagnosis and earlier intervention.

Customized Treatment Plans

Even within AGA cases, scalp conditions and hair types vary greatly. Specialized clinics leverage their expertise to offer tailored treatment plans based on individual needs. Some clinics also possess advanced diagnostic tools and the latest medications, allowing for more efficient treatment in a shorter period.

More Treatment Options

While medications are standard for hair loss treatment, male-focused clinics also provide a wider variety of treatments including mesotherapy, topical solutions, and hair transplants. Mesotherapy involves injecting hair-growth-promoting substances directly into the scalp. Although expensive (often costing tens of thousands of yen per session), the variety of available options is a major benefit.

How to Choose a Clinic for Hair Loss Treatment

There are numerous clinics offering hair loss treatment, and it can be overwhelming for first-timers. Here are some key points to help you find the right one:

Convenient Location and Hours

Hair loss treatment typically requires ongoing visits, so choose a clinic that is easily accessible from your home or workplace. Consider clinic hours, proximity to public transportation, and parking availability. If there are no nearby options, clinics that offer online consultations may be a good alternative.

AGA Expertise

Choose a clinic with a strong track record in hair loss treatment. Even among male-focused clinics, areas of specialization can differ (e.g., hair loss, erectile dysfunction, cosmetic medicine). Clinics with departments specifically dedicated to AGA or hair loss treatment often offer advanced care backed by extensive experience.

Check Reviews and Reputation

As with any medical treatment, the rapport with your physician and the quality of care matter. Even a highly skilled doctor can create anxiety if they are unfriendly or unclear in their explanations. Also, a clinic in a prime location isn’t always the most trustworthy. Be sure to read reviews and testimonials from actual patients for insight into the clinic’s reliability.

Some Cases of Hair Loss Can Be Improved with Self-Care

As mentioned earlier, if hair loss is caused by AGA, it is difficult to treat on your own. However, if the cause is factors such as lack of sleep, excessive stress, or insufficient hair care, it may be possible to improve the condition through self-care.

Let’s take a closer look at specific measures that can be effective.

Improving Sleep Quality

During sleep, hormones that promote hair growth are secreted. If you suffer from extreme sleep deprivation, you may temporarily experience symptoms of hair loss.

Make sure to get enough sleep, and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to maintain a consistent routine.

To ensure high-quality sleep, avoid using your smartphone, PC, or watching TV before bedtime, and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol in the evening.

Reviewing Your Diet

Human hair is primarily composed of protein, and zinc and B vitamins are also essential nutrients.

In addition to maintaining a well-balanced diet, try to consciously consume foods that are rich in these nutrients.

Foods rich in protein

Chicken breast, tofu, eggs, fish, etc.

Foods rich in zinc

Oysters, liver, nuts, etc.

Foods rich in B vitamins

Brown rice, bananas, broccoli, etc.

Establishing an Exercise Habit

Exercise helps promote blood circulation, relieve stress, and improve sleep quality — all of which are beneficial for addressing hair loss.

Start with light activities such as walking, jogging, or swimming, and gradually increase the distance or duration.

Strength training is also effective in stimulating the secretion of growth hormones. Try squats, sit-ups, push-ups, and other simple exercises consistently within a manageable range.

Managing Stress

When chronic stress builds up, it can lead to poor blood circulation, preventing essential nutrients from reaching the hair.

It may not be realistic to completely eliminate stress in today’s society, but it’s important to find ways to manage it — such as setting aside time for hobbies or incorporating meditation into your routine.

Scalp Care

Deterioration of the scalp environment is a common cause of thinning and hair loss, so it’s important to review your daily hair washing routine. Pay particular attention to the following four points:

• Use a shampoo with mild cleansing agents (amino acid-based)
• Gently wash the scalp using the pads of your fingers rather than your nails
• Rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving any shampoo residue
• Dry your hair completely using a hairdryer

Quitting or Cutting Back on Smoking

Nicotine in tobacco causes blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for nutrients necessary for hair growth to reach the hair.

Try to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke and aim for complete cessation in the long run.

If you feel the urge to have something in your mouth, consider chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, or eating gummies as alternatives.

For Hair Loss and AGA Treatment, Consult Men’s Pride Clinic MITA TOKYO!

Hair loss treatment does not require large-scale procedures like surgery; it mainly involves medication, which places a relatively light burden on the patient.

However, for those who have never undergone treatment before, concerns such as “Will someone see me going to the clinic?” or “Will this really be effective?” may create a psychological barrier.

To overcome these worries, it’s important to choose a trustworthy clinic that specializes in hair loss and AGA treatment and offers online consultations, so you don’t have to visit in person.

At Men’s Pride Clinic MITA TOKYO, we have a specialized AGA treatment department and offer both in-clinic and online consultations.

Consultations are conducted by male doctors with full consideration for your privacy. For online consultations, everything can be handled via phone, so there is no need to worry about showing your face.

Additionally, after the consultation, medications can be delivered to your home via courier, making it convenient even for those who live far away or have busy schedules.

Conclusion

AGA can be a serious concern for men, and noticing hair thinning at a young age can cause considerable emotional distress. Unlike temporary hair loss due to stress or poor lifestyle habits, AGA is difficult to treat without medical intervention.

Fortunately, there are now many clinics offering specialized AGA treatment, including convenient online services. If you’re considering treatment but worried about visiting a clinic in person, Men’s Pride Clinic MITA TOKYO offers discreet and accessible care through online consultations.

We provide clinically proven medications such as finasteride and minoxidil, and offer personalized treatment plans based on your unique condition. Feel free to reach out for a consultation.