Hair is a crucial component that affects our appearance and self-esteem. For men, this is even more so given that they are more at risk of losing their hair over time. Hair loss in men comes in many types due to several reasons and is a common issue that affects virtually all men at some point in their lives. According to the American Hair Loss Association, this balding begins as early as before the age of 21 for those with hereditary male pattern baldness up until 50 and beyond. Approximately 85% of men will have much thinner hair. Without further ado, let us get into the nitty-gritty of this subject and learn the common causes of hair loss and how to prevent and treat it.
Types of Hair Loss
Hair loss, also called alopecia, comes in many types. Get to know the common types, starting with the number one cause for balding in men.
1. Androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness)
Androgenetic alopecia is the main reason for hair loss in about 95% of men. It is a genetic condition that affects both sexes and is due to inherited traits, typically resulting in a thinning crown and frontal scalp and a receding hairline. The hair loss trend from male pattern baldness generally follows a predictable pattern. Hair can either recede from the front hairline to the back of the head or thins at the top around the sides, eventually leaving a “horseshoe” pattern.
2. Involutional alopecia
Unlike male pattern baldness, involutional alopecia is similar to every other bodily process, wherein hair growth decreases in function as the body gets older and ages along with it. In this case, hair follicles found in the head and other body parts become shorter, thinner, and fewer in number.
3. Telogen effluvium
Unlike the previous two, hair loss from telogen effluvium is only temporary and occurs due to specific changes in a person’s hair growth cycle. A lot of hair goes into the resting phase simultaneously, causing thinning and shedding.
Causes of Hair Loss
Although it is not exactly known why some hair follicles follow a shorter growth period than others, doctors have pinpointed several factors that could influence hair loss:
1. Hormones
Abnormal levels of androgens can lead to hirsutism or excessive hair growth in some areas of the body and hair thinning.
2. Genes
Genes from both parents could inherit hereditary traits that cause male pattern baldness.
3. Medications
Like chemo and radiotherapy, certain drugs and therapies can result in temporary hair loss.
4. Autoimmune diseases
Certain autoimmune diseases may cause alopecia areata, which prompts the immune system to affect the hair follicles and normal functioning. In most people that develop this disease, hair loss is only temporary, but their hair may be more delicate and lighter than usual at first.
5. Cosmetic procedures
Shampooing often, dying one’s hair, bleaching, and perms contribute to hair thinning, making it brittle and weak. Although these procedures do not precisely cause baldness, the severe damage they may cause could sometimes lead to permanent bald spots.
6. Diet
Low-protein diets or heavy calorie restrictions lead to deficiencies in micronutrients essential for hair growth.
Actionable Tips to Prevent Hair Loss
Although there is no silver bullet solution to hair loss, there are some steps you can take that may significantly help prevent it.
1. Start eating right
As mentioned above, your diet plays a significant role in strengthening and keeping your hair healthy. You could potentially quicken the onset of hair loss by following a bad diet, especially if you do not get enough protein, iron, and other nutrients.
Hair-healthy foods generally contain nutrients that promote hair growth and keep the scalp healthy by producing natural oils like sebum that serve as a natural conditioner. In short, stick to a balanced diet of protein-rich foods, fruits, and leafy greens to get all the necessary minerals and nutrients your hair needs like biotin, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, and many other trace minerals.
2. Avoid habits that damage your hair
Many of our day-to-day habits can lead to damaged hair and increase the risk of hair loss, such as shampooing daily, using hair dryers, and opting for hairstyles that constantly pull on the hair like braids and ponytails. As such, be more mindful of how you handle your hair and check whether your routine could adversely affect your locks.
Showering daily keeps the scalp healthy and clean and may protect against hair loss. However, doing so may also wash away the beneficial natural oils it produces for your hair. Thus, consider washing your hair every other day instead of using a mild shampoo if a daily bath is necessary to avoid dry hair.
Certain hairstyles like cornrows, plaits, ponytails and tight braids put heavy stress on hair follicles and cause unnecessary damage, like breaking the hair shaft. The same applies when using hairdryers and heated rollers frequently for styling hair. That does not mean you should no longer use them to make your hair look good, but tone down your hair’s exposure to them. And if these kinds of hairstyles are fundamental to your look, make sure that they are not too tight and give your hair some breathing room.
3. Manage your stress
Long periods of stress or a single highly-stressful event can directly affect hair health, making it feel like they are thinner than usual and triggering temporary hair loss. These changes are generally reversible, and hair usually grows back to its original state after a few months once stress levels normalise. As such, always find ways to destress after long days at work or relax during high-stress periods.
Treatment Options for Hair Loss
With modern advancements comes many ways of treating many health issues, including hair loss. Below are some of the best ways to treat hair loss, starting with the simplest.
1. Hair systems
Hair systems are a non-surgical approach to managing hair loss. This modern-day cosmetic solution, which uses natural hair, an invisible base, and modern ventilation methods, is worn to cover up baldness from hair loss.
Users can rely on their hair replacement specialist in Singapore to customise their hair system according to their needs and styling preferences. The final product can be applied instantly and at a fraction of the cost of other treatment methods. Moreover, thanks to the constant developments and improvements made to hair systems, these hair loss solutions have become so realistic that they are indistinguishable from the real deal.
2. Hair transplant surgery
Hair transplant surgery may be the preferable option for those interested in a more permanent solution. This process essentially removes grafts or individual hair follicles from donor zones in other parts of the body and places them in the balding areas of the head.
Results are not instant, and the new hair may take up to a year to grow to the desired length. In addition, surgery can be substantially more costly depending on whether grafts or individual follicles are used for the process, without taking into account whatever supplements or medication are necessary to support the transplant.
3. Medications
There are several over-the-counter medications in the form of foams and ointments that can help in treating hair loss. The two most common medications are finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine). Finasteride works by decreasing the amounts of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp, a hormone known to cause hair follicles to become thinner. The medicine may help slow hair loss and promote hair regrowth by reducing DHT levels. It is important to note that this treatment is only for male pattern baldness that affects the crown and middle of the scalp.
On the other hand, minoxidil was initially used to treat high blood pressure. Still, it came with a side effect of excessive and unwanted hair growth, which caught the attention of drug companies and led it to be repurposed as a treatment for male pattern baldness. The medicine works by widening hair follicles, enabling thicker hair strands to grow, and prolonging the growth period of hair. Both come with side effects, so it is best to seek a doctor’s approval first to ensure your safety.
4. Laser combs
The laser comb is a new device used in hair loss treatment whose advocates claim that they promote hair growth through concentrated light that stimulates hair follicles. In truth, the treatment shows mixed results, and a 2014 study that reviewed its effects on men and women with androgenic alopecia shows it may work better in combination with other kinds of treatment like finasteride and minoxidil.
Conclusion
Hair loss comes in many types and may occur due to a handful of reasons. Regardless of those reasons, it is vital to always take proper care of your hair, whether you have a family history of hair loss or not. And if it does happen despite your best efforts, keep in mind that there are plenty of hair treatment options available that can help preserve your good looks.