Both men and women experience hair fall situations at certain points in life. Most of the time, the causes and symptoms may vary. However, men often see this experience as a major issue because women can easily conceal hair fall with wigs. However, this shouldn’t be a challenge for men. That’s why you need to check out the common factors that may cause receding hairlines and any other type of hair fall before they happen. That way, you know how to prevent them or ways to combat the condition.
What is Hair Loss?
Hair loss is a condition that makes the hair fall out. This condition can be temporary or permanent and can affect only your scalp or the entirety of your body. While anybody can lose hair on their head, males are more likely to do so. It could be brought on by hereditary factors, hormonal changes, illnesses, or a natural aspect of aging. Some fall out gradually or abruptly, depending on the cause.
Causes of Hair Loss
Various reasons often lead to hair loss. In most cases, regrowth is possible; however, some are hard to grow back. Here are some of the causes of hair loss:
- Hereditary Reasons
One of the significant causes of hair loss in men is hereditary reasons. However, it is worth noting that both men and women face this common factor. It is called male pattern baldness in men, and the medical term is called androgenic alopecia. It is also essential to note that hair loss caused by hereditary conditions can grow back with treatment.
- Age Factor
Another major cause of hair loss is the aging factor. As you grow old, there is a high chance that you may experience a receding hairline. That is mostly because, at old age, most hair follicles stop growing.
- Cancer Treatment
Cancer is another reason most people experience hair loss. This is due to the reactions of chemotherapy or radiation treatments. However, after a few months of finishing the radiation treatment or chemotherapy, the hair may start to grow back.
- Stress
Stress is another factor that leads to hair loss in both males and females. Too much stress or a life-changing event may lead to hair falling out.
- Bad Hair Care Procedures
If you use any bad hair care treatment or procedure, it may affect the growth of your hair. You should also watch out for hairstyles that may lead to hair loss, even as a man.
- Scalp Infection
Most people with scalp infections experience hair fallout from the follicles. This could lead to having a bald spot on the head.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
Although this may be surprising, it is a fact. For example, an untreated STI such as syphilis may lead to patchy hair loss on the head, eyebrows, or beard.
Symptoms of Hair Loss
Hair loss can occur in different ways and at different times. However, there are some signs and symptoms to look out for. Here are some of them:
- Patchy Bald Spots
- Itches on the hair
- Hair falling out by itself when you touch your head
- Slow Hairline Fallout
- Gradual hair thinning
- Scaling spreads over the scalp
You should see your doctor if the hair loss persists. In some cases, sudden hair loss can signal an underlying medical condition.
Why is Hair Loss a Big Deal to Men?
No one seeks to go bald or have patches on their head intentionally. Hence, the major reason hair loss, whether gradual or sudden, is such a big deal to men is because of the following reasons:
- Social Stigma
The social stigma attached to hair loss is more than enough for anyone to feel bad about themselves. Most men love their youthful look. However, with old age comes the loss of hair or baldness.
- Loss of Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
Losing your hair may also result in losing your self-confidence and esteem. The reason is that the hair loss struggle is real. Hence, most people lose their identity because of how they look or feel about themselves.
Types of Hair Loss in Men
There are different types of hair loss in both males and females. However, since the focus is on the male gender, here are some of the common types of hair loss that men face:
Male- Pattern Baldness
This is a common type of hair loss that is common in men. It usually starts with a receding hairline or loss of hair on the crown. Most of the time, the hair at the back of the head or sides is the last to fall off.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that attacks healthy follicles that grow hair in the skin. Injuries to the hair follicles will result in hair loss. This type of hair loss also runs in the family.
Alopecia totalis
Alopecia totalis is the condition where the entire scalp goes through hair loss. A disorder of the immune system often causes it.
Treatments
The following are some of the treatments that may help you regrow your hair:
- Therapies. One of the effective treatments for hair loss in men is therapy. Your dermatologist or trichologist can identify the root of your hair loss and suggest remedies that may be suitable for you. Experts at Ravkoo health can assist you in getting started.
- Surgery. Another treatment is surgery. The only surgical treatment for hair loss currently available is hair transplant surgery. It involves the removal of hair follicles at the back of the head, down to the scalp. It works best for male pattern baldness.
- Over-the-Counter Medications. You can also use some medications over the counter to treat some types of hair loss.
- Wigs and Hair Pieces. Wigs and hair pieces are not only for women. Recently, men and women have different hair pieces and wigs to cover baldness or hair loss.
Prevention
If you wish to avoid hair loss, there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are some of them:
- Be observant by checking your family history
- Avoid medications that may cause hair loss
- Treat sexually transmitted infections immediately
- Quit smoking as studies are showing the connection between baldness in men and smoking
- Be gentle with your hair
- Eat and Sleep well
- Protect the hair from too much sunlight or ultraviolet rays
- Request a cooling cap if you are being treated with chemotherapy to reduce the risk of losing your hair.
Conclusion
If you are currently experiencing hair loss, it is not the end of the world, as there are various treatments to make the hair grow back. A man is not made by his hair. Remind yourself of all the other things you can do. Alternately, focus on what you can control, like maintaining your fitness. It’s OK to seek assistance from others. And if you need some motivation, consider confident men who are bald or have their heads shaved. You need to conduct thorough research and investigate your family history to know more about the ways to prevent hair loss.
