While there are many reasons for hair loss, being either symptomatic or an actual condition, standard male pattern baldness is by far the most prevalent. Understanding your risk will at lest slow down your condition.
Scientifically known as androgenetic alopecia, it usually occurs due to a combination of two factors: genetics and an increase in the male hormone dihydrotestosterone. “Typical progression of male pattern baldness starts at the temples. This is followed by a receding front line and continued at the vertex of your head. Interestingly, however, it never occurs around the neck area,” explains Dr Adolf Klenk, head of the Dr Hurt Wolf Research Group.
“Statistics indicate that male pattern baldness a effects approximately 50% of men over the age of 50. It’s the most predominant form of hair loss associated in men,” notes Rasheed Patel from Fusion Laboratories.
Depending on genetics, it can occur in the mid-20s. However, it is usually more prevalent after 30, and becomes more serious with age.
Other Common Causes For Hair Loss Include…
Circle pattern hair loss, otherwise known as alopecia areata. This is an autoimmune skin disease that results in hair loss on the scalp, as well as other parts of the body;
Various skin conditions or diseases that result in inflammation on the scalp. These include eczema or scar tissue. The unwanted effects of medical treatments and pharmaceuticals, such as chemotherapy will also result in hair loss.
Treatments To Eliminate Male Pattern Baldness
Despite the many claims, research has not yet discovered a treatment that can eliminate male pattern baldness altogether. However, there are certain lifestyle interventions that can help to manage or even slow the process down.
Patel explains, “If hair loss is in your hereditary make-up, it’s bound to occur at some point. The risk can be minimised through well-developed diets and lifestyle practices. These include eating foods that lower dihydrotestosterone production.”
Foods high in polyunsaturated omega 6 fatty acids have been shown to be effective 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. These include nuts like cashews, pecans and walnuts. Seeds such as flax, hemp and pumpkin seeds.
Importantly you must avoid foods which raise blood sugar levels. An increase in your blood sugar causes more insulin to be released. Hormones in the body are in balance with one another. High insulin levels leads to reduced sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels. SHBG binds to DHT, which stops DHT from binding to hair follicles and causing hair loss.
Stress can also exacerbate male pattern baldness.
FAST FACT: It helps to be aware of your environment and know how polluted or dry the air around you is, to look after your hair properly.
What are the Best Treatment Options Available
There is no shortage of claims made in terms of treating male pattern baldness. Most men will do whatever they can to fix the problem. However, once you’ve understood why you get it, you have a much better chance of choosing a treatment plan that can truly help to control it.
“Male pattern baldness is a result of an escalation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT attaches to your hair follicles and disrupts its metabolic process,. This leads to thinning hair, and later hair fall. Hair loss can therefore be minimised or even reversed with DHT inhibitors, especially if detected in its early stages.” Patel explains further: ”With DHT inhibitors, however, it is crucial to find brands that are FDA-approved and as natural as possible.”
In 2000, a German hair and skin specialist, Kurt Wol , started researching how caffeine could help to manage hair loss. With many extensive experiments, it was proven that caffeine could actually prevent your hair from the predisposed harm of testosterone. “It must be kept in mind that most cases of hair loss are not due to disease, but only an unwanted individual genetic expression of hair, and it remains purely a cosmetic challenge,” states Klenk.
Here are Some Other Options to Consider Before Making an Informed Decision:
Laser Therapy
It works by increasing blood flow to the scalp and stimulating the metabolic process necessary for hair growth.
Hair Transplants
The most invasive treatment available, however, they are effective. Doctors preform the procedure by removing a strip of your skin that is covered with hair and carefully relocate it to the desired area.
Topical Solutions
The most common topical treatment to date is Minoxidil. It works by extending the period for hair growth, and increasing hair follicle size.