Hair loss is a nightmare for any individual, no matter their gender; however, hair loss in men is a catastrophe experienced with an appalling frequency. It may be temporary or permanent, and many factors can trigger it. If you are feeling discouraged by looking at a head of thinning hair, receding hairline, or bald patches in your mirror, don’t worry! We have got you covered. 

Enlisted below are the prime causes of hair loss in men, popular hair growth treatments, and preventive measures that you may take to avoid balding and restore your self-confidence and youthful appearance. 

 

Causes of Hair Loss in Men

Male Pattern Baldness

The American Hair Loss Association claims that 95% of hair loss in men occurs due to male pattern baldness (MPB), which means that genetics plays the lion’s share in most cases of hair loss in men. Men suffering from male pattern baldness inherit hair follicles with increased sensitivity toward a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT decreases hair follicles’ life span, resulting in a receding hairline and a thinning crown. 

Drugs, Hormones, and Aging

Besides genetics, reaction to a medication, hormonal changes, and aging are among the top contributing factors. In extreme cases, stress may also lead to baldness or thinning of hair. 

Shockingly, many commonly prescribed drugs can also trigger the onset of male pattern baldness or induce temporary or permanent hair loss. 

Certain diseases like diabetes, anemia, thyroid issues, or lupus tend to initiate temporary hair loss in men. Ringworm and similar ailments tend to result in bald patches on the head.

Lifestyle Choices

Some other determinants of hair loss in men include sudden or extreme weight loss, poor diet, infections, or reckless grooming habits. A diet low in protein and iron may, on average, dramatically reduce body weight and result in unexpected hair loss. Wearing your hair in tight hairstyles, exposing it to frequent heat styling, and steam treatments may also damage the hair follicles. 

 

Hair Loss Treatments for Men

Hair loss treatments in men vary from medication and non-invasive procedures to invasive surgeries. 

Medication

Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are available to treat thinning of the crown. Medication usually takes around six months to one year to start showing results. Minoxidil (Rogaine), an OTC liquid applied to the scalp twice a day and Finasteride (Proscar), a prescription tablet taken daily, are the most commonly used drugs to treat hair loss in men. 

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) 

PRP is a non-surgical hair restoration treatment involving injecting blood-rich plasma or stem cells into the patient’s scalp to stimulate hair growth in that area. Undergoing this treatment will give you faster results and a painless procedure resulting in rapid hair growth where the hair is thinning or has fallen out entirely. 

Hair Transplant

Hair transplant surgery is invasive, but using advanced technology, you may opt for minimally invasive procedures. It includes grafting tiny hair plugs from areas where it is growing adequately to places where it is thinning or balding. This surgery can be costly and requires multiple sessions to reach satisfactory results. 

Hair Loss Prevention for Men

You can introduce several lifestyle changes to reduce hair loss and prevent your head from balding. Some of these are as follows:

Quit Smoking

Smoking can inflict more harm than damaging your respiratory organs and heart. A 2020 study concluded that hair loss is significantly higher in individuals who smoke than in non-smokers. So, doing away with cigarettes may reduce your chances of ending up with a bald head! 

Perform Scalp Massages

Using essential oils and massaging them onto your scalp can improve hair density and stimulate rapid hair growth. It can significantly decrease the chances and speed of hair loss in men. To see optimal results, we suggest you religiously oil your scalp 2-3 times a week!

Maintain a Nutritious Diet

Keeping a balanced diet rich in lean protein, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits can work wonders for the health of your hair. Simultaneously, avoiding excessive sugar intake will complement hair growth. Make sure you drink adequate water and incorporate foods rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair. 

Conclusion

If you are experiencing abnormal hair growth, itching, or redness on your scalp, immediately contact your doctor. Book an appointment with our team of professionals today to discuss any further concerns/queries you may have before starting your treatment! 

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