Hair loss is a universal issue, and one that is more common than you might have thought initially. Men who are over the age of 50 have 1 in 2 chances of experiencing hair loss. This ratio increases to 4 in 5 men (or 1.25 out of every 2), by the time they reach the age of 70. So, rest assured that you are not alone if you’ve been feeling like your hairline is receding every time you look in the mirror!
There are a number of reasons why men experience hair loss. Being aware of the cause can be crucial in finding the right solutions for the problem. So, let’s explore the most common reasons for hair loss in men.
Genetics
The most common cause of hair loss in men is something none of us can really control – our genes. Male pattern baldness (or androgenetic alopecia, if you want to get technical) is triggered by genes passed down to you from your family.
It’s almost comical that doctors still aren’t exactly sure of why this happens. They know its because different people have different combinations of hormones, but they don’t know why certain hormones cause hair follicles to shrink. The process of balding occurs gradually and typically in the same pattern for most men, which is usually a thinning of the hairline above your temples and crown – and doctors aren’t sure why this happens either.
Early onset of male pattern baldness could even begin as early as your teens, depending on your family’s history. Indications of this include thinning of the hair, and also the change in length and texture, i.e., it will get shorter, finer, and softer.
This means that you can get a pretty good idea of what’s to come in your future if any of the elder members of your family such as your father, grandfather, uncles, etc. have started going bald. The good news is that this gives you a head start on taking preventative methods to stop or at least slow the process down the line.
Medical Issues
Temporary hair loss can also be a symptom of a different medical issue, such as anemia, thyroid issues, diabetes, or lupus. Certain infections such as ringworms can also cause bald spots or scaly patches on the scalp. In other cases, a simple fever or the flu may also cause temporary hair loss. These can be rectified with proper treatment.
In other instances, hair loss could be a side effect of medicine or treatment that is required for certain medical issues such as arthritis, gout, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular issues. Another medical procedure that is widely known to cause hair loss is chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which is used in the treatment of cancer. But the good news is that your hair should grow back once treatments end.
Stress or Shock
Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss that is also associated with high-stress levels, sudden shocking events, or changes to the body. It can be triggered by an event that causes major physical trauma, after surgery, during periods of illness, or at times when you feel tremendously tense due to something specific that occurs.
But the good news is that, unlike male pattern baldness, this is a temporary form of hair loss and can be reversed with care and treatment if needed. Still, stress-related hair loss could last several months before it goes away.
Nutrition and Diet
A healthy diet is a crucial part of any human being’s life, and failing to fulfill the nutritional needs of your body will definitely manifest itself in a number of different issues – one of them being hair loss. In particular, a diet low in protein and iron can also cause your hair to thin.
Certain dieting habits can also be harmful since they may cause you to not get enough of essential nutrients like protein, fatty acids, and zinc. Sudden or excessive weight loss can also cause hair loss in certain instances. If these inadequacies continue over a longer period of time, it can lead to a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium.
If you are looking to enhance your diet to promote hair health, increase your consumption of foods rich in Vitamin E and selenium. Although both of these are available as supplements, avoid them unless they are prescribed since they can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
Your Immune System
A type of genetic condition called alopecia areata causes sudden hair loss that leaves quarter-sized round bald spots all over your head. This occurs because your body’s own immune system attacks your hair follicles, causing small patches of hair to fall out.
This condition typically begins in childhood and is hereditary, which means that you are more likely to have it if one of your close family members has it. However, it is not contagious, nor is it painful or dangerous. While your hair may grow back, it’s possible that it could fall out again as well.
Impulse Control Disorder
The clinical definition of an impulse control disorder is that it is characterized by the failure to resist urges, temptations, and behaviors that are excessive and/or harmful to oneself or others. Trichotillomania, a condition that affects 1-2% of teens and adults, is one of the most common types of ICDs.
People who have trichotillomania have frequent, irresistible urges to pull out hair from various parts of their body such as the scalp, eyebrows, and other areas despite trying to stop. Since trichotillomania, or hair-pulling disorder, is a mental disorder, treatment often focuses on tackling the root cause of such behavior. Therefore, treatment for impulse control disorders typically involves different types of therapy or medications related to mental health, such as anti-depressants.
Grooming
It’s great to see a man who takes care of his own appearance, but it is a bit of a double-edged sword when it comes to hair loss. Like women, men with long hair who wear hairstyles that cause the hair next to the scalp to be pulled tightly may experience hair loss. This includes ponytails, braids, or cornrows. This type of temporary hair loss is called traction alopecia. Other hair grooming treatments like hot oil treatments and perms could also damage your hair follicles and cause hair loss.
