Statistics show that two out of three men will experience some amount of hair loss by the time they are 60. Some may even start to notice hair loss as early as their teens, and around 25 percent of men will start balding by the time they are reach their 30s. Wondering why hair loss in men is so prevalent? Here are ten of the most common reasons for hair loss in men.
- Genetics
Transference of genetic material from parent to child comprises the various traits expressed in DNA. Some claim the male relatives on the mother’s side determine hair volume. However, studies reveal that if a father is balding, the son will more often than not inherit that trait (inheriting it from the mother’s side is a myth). And while genetics seem to be the most logical reason for hair loss, it is by far not the most relevant.
- Medical Issues and Medications
Temporary hair loss can be attributed to certain medical conditions like thyroid disease or anemia. Also, certain medications – notably those that treat cancer, depression, arthritis, high blood pressure and heart disease – can also cause hair loss. Radiation and chemotherapy cause widespread hair loss all over the body; hair lost through cancer treatment will grow back once treatment end.
- Steroid Use
Many athletes and bodybuilders choose to take growth hormones and steroids. These negatively affect not only your hair, but can damage your organs, skin, and affect you psychologically. Note that performance-enhancing steroids are not the same as the steroids that are found in inhalers, anti-inflammatory medications, or creams for damaged skins. Remember, steroids are safe only when prescribed by a doctor and used according to instructions.
- Stress, Anxiety and Mental Health Factors in Balding
Sudden cases of shock and trauma can trigger hair loss on even the healthiest scalp. Most times once the initial shock or stress wanes, the hair will resume normal growth. The psychological trichotillomania can cause a person to tug out patches of their own hair, eyebrows or lashes. In this case, the hair will grow back as long as the follicular structure remains intact and the desire to yank out one’s hair subsides with medication and/or therapy, and time.
- Poor Diet
Eating a balanced diet is important as that is what keeps internal systems functioning and fuels the normal activity and performance of the body. A diet that lacks protein, iron and calcium can negatively affect hair growth. For many, supplements that contain Biotin, as well as other vitamins and minerals, can add proper nutrients for hair health.
- Alopecia
Alopecia is an autoimmune disease that results in coin-sized patches of hair loss. Unfortunately some cases extend to larger areas of the body and in more extreme cases, a total loss of hair that is irreversible. There is no cure for alopecia, but precautions can be taken to slow the progression of the disease.
- Male Pattern Baldness
Also known as androgenetic alopecia, male pattern baldness is the result of changing hormone levels in men as they age, causing the shrinkage of the hair follicle, where the hair meets scalp. Since male pattern baldness is a hereditary condition, each case is different but may explain why one brother may have thick, lustrous hair, while the other goes bald.
- Lack of Sleep
A lack of sleep prevents the body from fully resting and recharging. It also can add to rapid hair loss. A lack of sleep manifests initially with hair losing its shine and bounce; eventually it can reduce circulation to the scalp that increases the rate of hair thinning and loss.
- Extreme Hair Care
Damage to the follicles from intense and oft-repeated hair treatments can hurt hair far worse than it ever helped. People who “fry” their hair with crimpers or heat can stunt their hair growth or cause it to break away. Because overloading of chemicals kills follicles, men who follow fashion trends of frosting and bleaching may also run the risk of damaging their hair or burning their scalp, depending on the product, its ingredients, and their sensitivity to both.
- Smoking
Not only does smoking cause cancer of the lungs, throat, and mouth; as well as lung disease, it also strains the heart and circulatory system which can affect hair health. Plus, smoking alters the endocrine system that destroys the body’s ability to produce collagen as well as certain oils used in the production of hair.
Hair Loss? There are solutions
Losing one’s hair can be a devastating occurrence to men of any age. While some men happily shave their heads and embrace the look, others will do or risk anything to replace their lost hair. The good news for them is that there are healthy, safe, effective solutions, and that is where the experts at Northwest Hair Restoration fit in. If you are losing your hair or want to enhance the hair you have, reach out to us today by calling (253) 572-2949 or requesting an appointment online by clicking here.
