What Causes Male Hair Loss?

Also known as alopecia, hair loss is a condition caused by an interruption in the body’s hair production cycle. It is possible to occur on any part of your body, but it most commonly affects the scalp, especially for men. This condition can be temporary or permanent, and it happens as follows:

• The average scalp has 100,000 hairs that go through a natural growth cycle.
• The growth cycle consists of three phases:

• Interruptions of the cycle by unprecedented factors or follicle damage can lead to hair falling out faster than it regenerates.
• This can result in symptoms as:
  • Thinning hair roots.
  • Patchy or sparse hair loss.
  • Eventually, complete baldness if left untreated.

Common Causes of Male Hair Loss

Men can begin experiencing hair loss as early as their twenties, emphasizing the importance of early awareness for prevention. Alopecia can stem from various factors, and some common ones include:

• Genetic Factors and Male Pattern Baldness

A family history of male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, increases the likelihood of experiencing it yourself due to genetic factors. This condition typically begins with a receding hairline above the temples, progressing to further hair loss at the top of the head. Unfortunately, in many cases, the hair may not regrow.

• Hormonal Imbalances and Hair Loss

Excess androgens, including DHT, disrupt the hair growth cycle and shrink follicles, accelerating hair loss while impeding regeneration. Scalp sensitivity to DHT varies due to androgen receptor gene variations. These genes facilitate binding with hormones like DHT and testosterone, promoting body hair growth. Specific gene variations can heighten androgen receptivity in the scalp, leading to hair follicle sensitivity and male pattern hair loss.

• Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Hair Loss

Sometimes, lifestyle factors can be the very root of the problem. Therefore, let’s talk briefly about some of the most common factors that lead to male hair loss.

Smoking and Hair Loss

Smoking obstructs the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the scalp, narrowing blood vessels and slowing down blood flow. This impedes follicles from growing new hair.

Diet

Dietary issues can significantly impact hair health, due to nutritional deficiencies. Prioritize adequate intake of essential ingredients like protein and iron, crucial for maintaining healthy hair.

Obesity

When you’re a bit overweight, your body’s production of insulin and thyroxine can become under strain, causing hormonal changes that result in hair loss. In addition to that, obesity commonly causes heart conditions that require some types of medications which have hair loss listed on the top of their side effects list.

• Medical Conditions and Medications

Sometimes, hair loss can be due to the side effects of a variety of medications. The most commonly used ones are for cancer, depression, high blood pressure, and heart conditions.

Preventive Measures and Treatment Options

To successfully get yourself ready for the treatment route, try to follow these useful tips for hair loss prevention:

• Get The Nutrition You Need

A healthy body is necessary for good hair, as we have already discussed in the blog. Aim to keep your body hydrated and increase your intake of meals high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron.

• Get Scalp Massages Frequently

Scalp Massages can help blood circulation in your head while stimulating your hair follicles. This can help your hair restore its density and regeneration.

• Try to Reduce Your Stress Levels

Stress-induced hair loss can catch you by surprise sometimes. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to relax and reduce your stress levels, such as physical exercises, yoga, meditation, and listening to music.

• Buy The Right Products

You need vitamins for hair health, hair care products for growth, and essential oils for hair growth, among other things, to keep your hair and scalp healthy. However, it’s always advisable to consult your dermatologist to determine which products and natural treatments are best for you.

With that being said, let’s move on to address the options for hair loss treatments

• Topical Minoxidil

Among numerous hair restoration options, this medication has proven efficacy in restoring hair growth and density. Despite its positive outcomes for some, it’s essential to note potential side effects and suitability, emphasizing the importance of consulting with a doctor before use.

• Remedies from Nature

Nature has a solution for everything. There are plenty of natural solutions you can use to restore your hair’s balance, such as oils like rosemary oil, herbs and plants like green tea and Bhringraj, or biotin, which you can find in foods like sweet potatoes, nuts, oats, and onions.

• Oral Medications

Some people benefit from these types of remedies more than others. The most commonly used ones are Finasteride, Spironolactone, and Dutasteride.

• Hair Transplant and Laser Treatments

If you feel like it’s a bit too late to seek help from medications and natural remedies, or if you just simply want quick solutions, you can always try to have hair transplant surgery or laser therapy.

Bottom-line

Hair loss is like any other problem we face while aging. So to sum it all up, understanding the problem is always the main factor in making the right decisions when solving it. There is always a way, but as we mentioned, never forget to consult your doctor first.