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Geographic Divide: Where Men Are Most – and Least – Likely to Treat Hair loss
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A new study reveals significant regional disparities in the treatment of male-pattern baldness across the United States, highlighting the impact of factors beyond genetics, such as income, access to care, and social perceptions.
Millions of American men experience hair loss, with approximately 30% to 50% expected to face male-pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, by age 50. This condition,characterized by thinning and loss of hair,is a common concern,but the willingness to actively address it varies dramatically depending on where a man lives.
Recent research from GoodRx, a platform focused on medication savings, demonstrates that the pursuit of hair restoration isn’t uniform across the country. “the geographic disparity in fill rates isn’t due to genetics,” the report states,emphasizing that while male-pattern baldness is widespread,treatment rates are heavily influenced by socioeconomic factors and cultural norms.
States Leading the Way in Hair Loss Treatment
Washington D.C.leads the nation in prescription hair-loss treatment,with fill rates exceeding the national average by more then five times. Following closely behind are Massachusetts, New York, and California.In the nation’s capital,3.7% of all prescriptions for men aged 18 to 44 are for hair-loss drugs, compared to the national average of 0.7%.
Massachusetts (1.6%), New York (1.5%), and California (1.4%) also show substantially higher treatment rates. These states share common characteristics, including higher average incomes and a concentration of urban centers where maintaining a polished professional appearance may be particularly valued.
Where Treatment Rates Lag
At the other end of the spectrum, states in the South and Midwest exhibit the lowest rates of prescription hair-loss treatment. West Virginia has the lowest fill rate, at just one-quarter of the national average (0.18%).Mississippi (0.24%) and North Dakota (0.24%) also fall among the states with the least treatment. Wyoming (0.27%) and Alabama (0.28%) round out the bottom five.
The Role of Insurance Coverage
Access to treatment isn’t solely determined by a desire to address hair loss; insurance coverage plays a crucial role. While finasteride and Propecia are FDA-approved for male-pattern baldness, coverage varies considerably.
For those with commercial insurance, approximately 70% have unrestricted coverage for generic finasteride, but over a quarter lack coverage altogether. Brand-name Propecia faces even more limited coverage, with only 44% of plans offering unrestricted access.
Available Treatments for Hair Loss
- Minoxidil: An over-the-counter topical medication that stimulates hair growth by widening blood vessels in the scalp.
- Finasteride: A prescription oral medication that blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss. It works by shrinking enlarged
- Dutasteride: Works similarly to finasteride and may be more effective, though it is not FDA-approved for hair loss treatment and is prescribed off-label.
Researchers are also exploring innovative treatments, including:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: Utilizing a concentrated sample of the patient’s own blood injected into the scalp.
- Hair transplants: Surgically transplanting hair follicles from areas of growth to areas of loss.
- Microneedling: Stimulating stem cells in hair follicles to promote growth, often combined with other treatments like PRP and minoxidil.
Methodology
GoodRx calculated fill rates based on prescription claims data for finasteride 1 mg (Propecia and generics) and oral minoxidil 2.5 mg among men aged 18 to 44, between August 31, 2024, and September 2, 2025.Topical minoxidil was excluded due to its over-the-counter availability. State-level fill rates were standardized against the national rate, and population data were sourced from the 2022 American Community Survey. Insurance coverage data,valid as of September 2025,were sourced from Managed Markets Insight and Technology,LLC™ (MMIT).
This analysis, produced by GoodRx and distributed by Stacker, underscores the complex interplay of factors influencing hair
