Hair loss affects a large portion of men. It’s normal to have hair fall of about 50 to 100 strands daily. A person may be diagnosed as having hair loss when they lose up to 100 hair strands per day. Telogen effluvium can be more severe when hair loss reaches 300 strands a day.
About 85 percent men will experience hair loss. Hair loss is a common problem, but it can affect self-esteem, psychological health, and even physical well-being.
Understanding male hair loss
Androgenetic Alopecia or male pattern hair loss affects a large portion of males. Understanding it in its entirety is important to manage and reduce its effects.
Male hair loss: causes and effects
In male hair thinning, genetics plays a major role. Androgenetic alopecia is the most common, accounting for approximately 80 percent of all cases. Hair loss can also be caused by hormonal changes or thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism can cause hair loss. Hair thinning is reported to affect 50 percent those with hyperthyroidism.
Stress and pollutants have a significant impact on hair health. For example, hair loss may increase during stressful times. Stress is a major cause of hair loss. It’s a combination of hormonal and immune responses.
When the body encounters stress, it activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Cortisol levels can disrupt normal hair growth by pushing hair follicles prematurely into resting phase and increasing shedding.
Stress can also impact androgen levels. Dihydrotestosterone, in particular, plays a key role in male pattern hair loss.
Symptoms of a disease and their diagnosis
The receding of the hairline is a common and early sign of male hair loss. This typically starts at the temples and moves backward, creating an “M” shape. Over time the hairline can recede, revealing more forehead.
Thinning hair at the crown or top of the scalp is also a hallmark. This area can gradually thin out until a bald patch develops. This pattern may progress until it meets the receding brow, forming an even larger bald patch.
Some men have diffuse hair loss across their scalp, rather than in specific areas. This type of hair loss causes a reduction in the hair volume and density, which makes the scalp more visible.
Affected hair follicles will produce thinner, shorter hairs over time. This miniaturization of hair is a hallmark of androgenetic Alopecia. Hair becomes finer, until it stops growing.
Male hair loss is diagnosed by a complete history and physical examination. A healthcare provider will ask about hair loss’ onset, progress, and family background.
Also, they will examine the scalp in order to gauge the extent and pattern hair thinning. Pull test: Gently tug on a small hair section (around 40-60hairs) and count the number of hairs that come out. Losing more hairs than normal can indicate hair loss and be used to diagnose severity.
A dermatologist may use a scalp biopsy in some cases to examine the hairs follicles with a microscopy. This procedure is used to remove a small sample of scalp tissue that can be used to differentiate between the different types of hair thinning.
Blood tests can be used to eliminate underlying medical conditions which could cause hair loss. These tests can be used to check thyroid function, hormonal levels, iron deficiencies, and other nutritional deficiencies that could impact hair health.
Hair loss: High-Tech solutions
With technological advancements, it’s now possible to address hair loss efficiently and safely. Experts have prescribed some high-tech hair loss solutions.
Topical treatments, medications
Hair loss is often treated with a multifaceted strategy, which combines topical treatments with medications to address the underlying causes. These treatments can range from over-the counter solutions to prescription medication.
Minoxidil comes in liquid and foam forms. The product is applied directly on the scalp. It increases blood circulation to the hair follicles and promotes hair growth. It is most effective in treating androgenetic (male) alopecia.
Finasteride, a prescription-only oral medication, is available only by prescription. It inhibits 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which converts DHT into testosterone. Finasteride works by reducing DHT, which helps reduce hair follicle shrinkage. It also slows down hair loss. Finasteride can cause side effects such as sexual dysfunction. It is necessary to continue using it in order to maintain the hair growth benefits.
As with finasteride it is an oral medication which inhibits both the type I as well as type II 5-alpha -reductase, resulting in a significant decrease in DHT. The drug is used primarily to treat benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), but has also shown efficacy in treating male-pattern baldness. Topical dutasteride formulations, however, are gaining in popularity for their potential to reduce systemic side-effects while treating hair loss.
Topical dutasteride inhibits locally the conversion of DHT to testosterone in the scalp. Topical Dutasteride works by decreasing DHT at the site of application. This reduces hair follicle shrinkage while not affecting DHT systemically.
Modern technologies and procedures
Hair loss treatments have evolved. Advanced procedures and cutting edge technologies offer more effective and less invasive options. These innovations give individuals options to combat hair loss, with minimal downtime and improved results.
Hair transplantation: Follicular unit extraction (FUE), and Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) are both effective in hair restoration. FUE involves the extraction of hair follicles directly from the scalp with a micro-punch and their transplantation to the balding regions. This method leaves small, dot-like, scars that are less visible and heals faster than FUT.
FUT is also known as strip method. A strip of scalp is removed from the rear of the head. The strip is then dissected and the individual follicular cells are transplanted to the balding regions. The FUT procedure can be used to transplant many grafts at once, which makes it ideal for people who need extensive hair restoration. The procedure does leave a linear scar on the donor area, which can be visible with short hairstyles.
Low-level laser therapy The red light wavelengths are used to stimulate hair growth and activate the hair follicles. This non-invasive therapy is available through different devices like combs, caps or helmets that can be used in the clinic or at home. The light energy penetrates through the scalp. LLLT has been shown to improve hair density and thickening in patients suffering from androgenetic alopecia. It can be used as an adjunct to minoxidil and finasteride in order to achieve better results.
Stem cell therapy, regenerative medicine and stem cells: This emerging field uses stem cell technology to promote hair growth. This approach involves harvesting stem cells from the patient’s body and injecting them into the scalp. Stem cells are able to develop into different types of cells and secrete growth hormones that help hair follicles grow and regenerate. Although still experimental, early clinical trials and studies have shown promising results in improving hair health and density.
Hair Loss: Tips for managing it
In order to effectively manage hair loss, you need to adopt a holistic approach, which includes good nutrition, stress management and avoiding harmful practices. Here are some tips that will help you maintain healthy hair, and slow down the progress of hair loss.
Keep a healthy diet
Make sure you include a wide variety of foods rich in nutrients that promote hair health. Lean meats such as fish, eggs and nuts, along with leafy greens and fruits, provide essential nutrients.
Hair health is dependent on staying hydrated. Water allows nutrients to reach the hair follicles while keeping the scalp hydrated.
If you are on a restricted diet, supplements may be a good option. Multivitamins, biotin and fish oil can fill in nutritional gaps to support hair growth.
Reduce stress
As mentioned, stress can cause hair loss. Relaxation techniques can be incorporated into your daily life. Meditation, deep breathing, yoga and tai-chi can reduce cortisol and promote well-being.
Exercise reduces stress hormones, improves blood circulation and increases endorphin levels which can positively impact hair health.
Sleep enough each night. Quality sleep is critical for the body’s repair processes. Follow a regular sleep schedule and get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep.
Use harmful hair products
Handle your hair with care to avoid damage and breakage. Avoid excessive brushing and use a wide toothed comb. Be gentle when styling. Select hair care products free of harsh chemicals and sulfates.
Avoid using heat styling tools such as blow dryers. To reduce damage, use a heat protector spray when you do have to use one. Air drying is the best option.
Avoid tight braids, buns and ponytails. These hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia where the hair is pulled from the roots resulting in hair loss and thinning.
Selecting hair care products that contain beneficial ingredients is essential. Dandruff can be controlled by products that contain ketoconazole. By reading labels and selecting products that suit your hair type, you can ensure proper care.
Modern Solutions to Hair Loss
For those who are looking to restore their hair, advanced treatments and technologies can offer promising results. These innovative lifestyle changes and approaches provide a comprehensive approach to managing and possibly reversing hair loss.
Consult a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan. You can then achieve the best results in your quest for healthier hair.
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