Although everyone loses a certain amount of hair each day (for most people, it’s between 50 and 100), losing more hair than usual may indicate that you are starting to lose it due to male pattern baldness. It might also be an indication that you have a medical issue, such persistent stress, an illness, or a nutritional deficiency, which is why you’re losing hair. Seven frequently occurring reasons for male hair loss are listed below. We’ve described each potential cause, how it could happen, and any impacts it might have on the scalp and hairline.
Why Your Hair Is Falling Out
- Male Pattern Baldness: Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of permanent hair loss in men. It occurs due to genetic factors and the hormone DHT.
- Severe or Chronic Stress: Stress can lead to telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair shedding that causes abrupt hair fall due to disruptions in the hair growth cycle. It is essential to manage stress to prevent hair loss.
- Poor Diet: While dietary issues don’t cause permanent hair loss, certain nutritional deficiencies such as low protein intake or lack of iron can contribute to temporary hair shedding.
- Certain Medications: Medications such as high blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, beta-blockers, retinoids, thyroid drugs, and cancer treatments are associated with temporary hair loss as a side effect.
- Medical Conditions: Hair loss can also occur due to underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disease, lupus, autoimmune diseases, fungal scalp infections, and other health issues.
- Hair Care Products: Certain hair care products that damage the hair or cause scalp irritation can contribute to hair loss by weakening hair and causing shedding.
- Tight Hairstyles: Tight hairstyles that pull on hair follicles can lead to hair loss. Dreadlocks, braids, and other hairstyles that place tension on the hair can even cause a form of permanent hair loss known as traction alopecia.
Understanding these causes can help individuals take steps to prevent or treat hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.
What Is Male Pattern Baldness?
Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of permanent hair loss in men. It occurs as a result of genetic factors and the effects of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In male pattern baldness, hair loss typically occurs in a specific pattern, starting with a receding hairline and thinning on the crown of the head. This pattern often results in a horseshoe-shaped ring of hair around the sides and back of the head. While male pattern baldness is more common as men age, it can occur at any age and affect men differently in terms of the extent and rate of hair loss.
Facts About Male Pattern Baldness
Here are some facts about male pattern baldness:
- It is the most common type of hair loss in men, affecting up to 70% of men at some point in their lives.
- Male pattern baldness is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
- It typically follows a specific pattern of hair loss, starting with a receding hairline and thinning on the crown of the head.
- Male pattern baldness can begin as early as puberty, but it is most common in men over the age of 50.
- While male pattern baldness is generally considered a harmless condition, it can have psychological effects such as decreased self-esteem and confidence.
- There is no cure for male pattern baldness, but there are various treatments available to slow down or stop hair loss and promote hair growth, including medications, hair transplant surgery, and other hair restoration procedures.
- Some lifestyle factors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, have been linked to an increased risk of male pattern baldness.
What Are The Causes Of Male Pattern Baldness?
Male pattern baldness is primarily caused by genetic factors and the effects of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Here is a closer look at these causes:
Genetic factors: Male pattern baldness is often inherited from either the mother’s or father’s side of the family. Certain genes that are passed down can make a person more susceptible to the effects of DHT on hair follicles.
Hormonal factors: DHT is a hormone that is produced from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. In people with male pattern baldness, hair follicles on the scalp are more sensitive to the effects of DHT. This can cause the hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.
Other factors, such as age, underlying health conditions, and environmental factors, may also contribute to male pattern baldness. For example, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been linked to an increased risk of male pattern baldness, while some medical conditions and medications can also contribute to hair loss. However, the exact role of these factors in male pattern baldness is not fully understood.
What Are The Treatment?
There are several treatments available for male pattern baldness that can help slow down or stop hair loss and promote hair growth. Here are some of the most common treatments:
- Medications: Two medications that are FDA-approved for treating male pattern baldness are finasteride and minoxidil. Finasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, while minoxidil helps to stimulate hair growth. These medications can be taken orally or applied topically.
- Hair transplant surgery: Hair transplant surgery involves removing hair follicles from one part of the scalp (usually the back or sides) and transplanting them to the balding areas. This can be an effective long-term solution for male pattern baldness.
- Low-level laser therapy: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses red light wavelengths to stimulate hair growth. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP therapy involves injecting a person’s own platelets into their scalp to stimulate hair growth. The platelets contain growth factors that can help to promote hair growth.
- Hairpieces or wigs: For some people, wearing a hairpiece or wig may be a good solution to cover up balding areas.
It is important to note that not all of these treatments work for everyone and that they may have some side effects. It is best to consult with a doctor or hair loss specialist to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.