The short answer to that question is no – they do not cause hair loss. However, if the constitution of the person is right they will exacerbate it. The important factor here – and for guys – is the presence of male pattern baldness (MPB) or androgenetic alopecia. Steroids will accelerate your hair loss if you have (MPB)

Steroids in the body

For some time now physicians have been aware that dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a powerful hormone manufactured in the body, attaches itself to hair follicles. Due to the fact that the follicles are not genetically programmed to withstand the hormone they become inflamed. Subsequently, the follicles become damaged and hair loss results. However, this process will only occur if you have MPB. Steroids are made up of varying hormones and if DHT is one of the steroids you use you are likely to be effected.

What are steroids used for?

Steroids are useful in the treatment of many different complaints in the modern world but overall they are effective in reducing inflammatory conditions such as vasculitis, dermatological problems, myostis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and lupus. This is not an exhaustive list by any means and often a GP will recommend that a steroid is only used for short periods where it is likely the condition is short term. (Steroids have many side effects other than hair loss). Steroids are also commonly used in the leisure industry (legalities and ethics need to be followed for sport). In particular, they are used for body -building and body growth.

The presence of DHT in steroids

If your doctor has prescribed a steroid for a medical complaint, then always check what the side effects are likely to be. If you are looking to use steroids for body building purposes than it is more than likely the steroid that is recommended to you will contain DHT. The following is a list from evolutionary.org which shows the commonly used steroids:

• Winstrol (Stanozolol)
• Masteron
• Anavar (Oxandrolone)
• Primobolan (Methenolone)
• Anadrol (Oxymetholone)
• Trenbolone
• Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)
• Proviron (Mesterolone)

The only steroids in the above list which are not steroid based are Trenbolone and Dianabol.

Can I prevent hair loss through steroids?

Nobody can guarantee you can stop it, but the probability can be reduced by using treatments that block DHT levels already in the body. They are medications such as Finastride, Minoxidil, Dutastride, Proscar, N2Shampoo, and Azelex.

Options with Skalp®

If you need to be using steroids and you have been unable to prevent hair loss – then don’t worry. Another option maybe scalp Micro Pigmentation with Skalp®. This is a process whereby a tattoo of your hair and hair line is applied to your shaven head giving the look of someone who does not have hair loss but has chosen the highly fashionable shaven head look.

Scalp Micro Pigmentation offers a great service for people struggling with hair loss or who just want to join the bald fashion trend and look their very best. Trained practitioners apply pigments to the scalp so it appears as if you have a full head of hair – but cut fashionably short.