In the late 1950s a technique was developed to compensate for male pattern baldness by transplanting hair. It involves the removal of small tufts of hair containing active follicles, mostly from the back of the head. The tufts are then grafted to bald areas. From 200 to 300 tufts are usually required, and the grafting sessions take place once or twice a week. Even when the procedure is successful, a scalp treated with transplants does not closely resemble a full head of natural hair, but many men consider the result a distinct cosmetic improvement.

An alternative to transplanting hair is the application of a cream containing the drug minoxidil (brand name Rogaine), which was originally developed to fight hypertension. However, minoxidil must be applied daily over a period of months in order to regrow hair or prevent further baldness, and significant improvement may nevertheless be difficult to achieve.

In 1997 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug finasteride for treating baldness. Marketed under the brand name Propecia, this prescription drug prevents hair loss due to hereditary male pattern baldness in those who take a small daily dose. Finasteride does not prevent baldness in women, and because it has been associated with birth defects, the FDA recommends that women of childbearing age avoid contact with the drug.Propecia has been more effective than other treatment available .