Hair Loss
Going bald is a fact of life for millions of men. In fact approximately two-thirds of men will eventually be affected by male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) There are several forms of hair loss (alopecia) and many causes for the scalp to lose hair. In general, most hair loss is not associated with disease or the use of various medications – though loss of hair can occur from both of these situations.
The most common reason for male pattern baldness is a combination of hereditary factors, hormones and age. Specifically, a compound called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) affects susceptible hair follicles – typically the front, top and crown of the scalp. DHT is created from testosterone; it is an androgen that is required for male sexual development.
Male pattern hair loss usually begins in the early 20s but can take years to manifest itself significantly. It usually develops very gradually, typically involving the appearance of a bald spot on the crown of the scalp accompanied by thinning at the temples. There's no cure for male pattern baldness, although other forms of male hair loss are often reversible and new products are available that may slow the process down.
How can I prevent Hair Loss?
You cannot prevent male pattern baldness, although there may be ways of slowing down the process or disguising the problem.
What treatments are available for Hair Loss?
Many conditioners, shampoos, vitamins, supplements and other products claim to help grow hair but this is not true. There are basically two medicinal options:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): A topical solution that works best on the crown rather than the frontal region. This product may grow a little hair but its success has been to slow the hair loss process and retain what is currently there. There are few side effects and if you stop using the product your hair loss will continue. This product also may not work for all men.
- Propecia: This is a prostate drug that shows signs of helping grow and thicken hair in some men. Typically it is offered in a lower dose and again works best at retaining existing hair. There are side effects and the use of both of these drugs should be discussed with your family doctor.
Another option is hair transplant surgery. This is an expensive and arduous process with mixed results. Transplant surgeries are however evolving and you should once again consult with your family doctor.
Are there any other options?
Thankfully, bald has become an admired aesthetic in our culture. So simply accepting and embracing your situation is your best course of action.
Otherwise you can style your hair for a hair cut (typically short) that minimizes the contrast between balding and non-balding areas. Long hair has the reverse effect and is very ageing. It shouldn't need saying, but combing hair over a bald spot is not a good idea.
For more information see:
Some “myths” about male pattern baldness
You inherit baldness through your mother’s male relatives…
Genes do play a role in baldness, but it can come from either side of the family. It also doesn’t guarantee you will lose your hair. Looking at your relatives will provide you with a good indication of what may occur to you.
Losing some hair daily is a sign of male pattern baldness…
If you have male pattern baldness then yes, however if you don’t, this is a normal process and it will grow back. Adults lose about 10,000 scalp hairs every day – this is healthy. Hair normally lives for approximately 5 years. For men balding, these hairs are simply not being replaced at the same rate.
Wearing hats all the time will “choke the circulation” to your scalp and cause hair loss…
This is inaccurate, the wearing of hats will not accelerate hair loss.
Too much shampooing, coloring and other hair products, and/or vigorous massaging can cause hair loss…
None of this is accurate. Good hair care is important and in the smallest of ways may help nominally delay loss – but it has little to do to prevent it.
A sunburnt scalp can lead to hair loss…
In some cases severe sunburns or a series of burns could damage delicate hair follicles at the root level especially in men genetically predisposed for hair loss. It is important, especially in men with thinning hair to wear sun protection.
Taking vitamins, supplements and/or steroids may help grow hair…
While taking vitamins is important it plays no role in hair loss. There are no miracle cures nor drugs that will help re-grow hair. However Steroids do impact hair loss. Anabolic steroids raise the levels of the baldness-inducing male hormone. If you are genetically prone to hair loss, steroids will actually accelerate your loss. This could be immediate or delayed by several years.
Diet has an impact on hair loss…
It’s very important to eat well in order to be healthy overall – including your hair. However, generally a normal diet has no proven benefit or detriment to hair loss or growth.
Stress can cause hair loss…
In some extreme cases, including surgery, it can ‘shut down’ hair growth, however it does not cause male pattern baldness. Typically after these events, hair production would resume.
Standing on your head, increasing blood flow to your head will cure hair loss…
While blood flow is important to hair growth there is no scientific evidence to support this approach.
