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Written By: Sponsored | Updated : June 28, 2023 4:16 PM IST
Hair Loss: The Root of the Problem and How to Address It
Whether you're shedding by the handful or just noticing extra strands in the shower, hair loss can be a touchy subject. Most men will experience some form of moderate to severe hair loss as they begin ageing. And, to some degree, it's a natural part of the ageing process, just as it is for women. But for many men, along with the loss of hair comes a struggle with their confidence and self-esteem.
While there's no foolproof method to combat hair loss, there are things you can do to address it. But first, it's important to understand why you may be losing your hair in the first place. So here are a few of the most common causes of hair loss and what you can do about it.
If you're experiencing androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, the culprit is likely your genes. And when it comes to genes, at least in the year 2023, there's not much you can do about them. The "good news," if it can be called that, is that you don't need to do a genetic test. Just look to the older men in your immediate family. If they have a receding hairline, there's a good chance you will too.
After genetics, changes in hormones are the next more common culprit. DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a sex hormone that your body naturally produces. It plays a major role in developing traditionally masculine physical features, such as the prostate, a deeper voice, and, uncoincidentally, hair. However, DHT can also bind to your scalp and begin to shrink your hair follicles. And follicle sensitivity to DHT increases with age, meaning it's more likely to cause thinning and loss as you grow older.
Additionally, your hair goes through a natural cycle of growth and shedding. Each hair has a phase of active growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and rest (telogen). And after the final shedding phase (exogen), the phases cycle continuously. However, as you age, the duration of the anagen phase decreases as the telogen phase lasts longer. This change accounts for the natural hair loss that everybody experiences with time.
Genetics, DHT production, and the natural decline of growth activity are three of the main causes of hair loss. While there are others, it's likely that you're experiencing one of the main culprits or some combination thereof. And, again, while there isn't a magic wand to fix male balding don't give up hope! There are tools at your disposal to help you fight the good fight for great hair.
Just as there's no one cause of balding, there's no one solution. But there are some treatments that many find highly effective. Increasingly, one of those effective treatments is medication. Hair treatment medication has come a long way in the last decade, for both prevention and restoration.
Some of the best medications use both minoxidil and finasteride as their active ingredients. Some use one or the other. Minoxidil prolongs your hair follicles' anagen growth phase by stimulating them. Finasteride inhibits the presence of the 5-alpha reductase enzymes that are largely responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. Both can be applied topically, slowing hair loss and increasing hair density, and finasteride can be taken orally as a pill.
If you're interested in a solution that doesn't use medication, consider laser therapy. Low-level laser therapy uses red light laser devices to stimulate your hair follicles, similar to minoxidil. It's a relatively painless process that can even be done with purchasable at-home devices. LLLT has no significant side effects and is generally well-tolerated by most people. There's also no recovery time involved, so you can zap your scalp and get on with your day.
For those who've already lost a significant amount of hair, a hair transplant is an option on the table. A transplant involves a surgeon identifying DHT-resistant follicles on your scalp or, with certain procedures, on another area of your body. Then they move those grafts from that area to the balding part of your head. A hair transplant is generally a more expensive and time-intensive solution than others, but the results can be excellent and long-lasting.
Male pattern baldness is a common issue that affects two out of three men worldwide. And while there's no one-size-fits-all solution, there are things you can do to improve the health and appearance of your hair. No matter what method you choose, keep in mind that you won't see results overnight.
All solutions to addressing baldness take time. In all likelihood, it will take months before you start to see any real results. So it's important to make sure you practice self-care for your mental health in the interim.
Remind yourself that the quality of your hair does not determine the quality of your character. You're still who you are, luscious locks or not, as are the many, many other men in your position. That said, many people take great pride in their hair. And it wouldn't be surprising if the loss of yours has affected your confidence. If you feel you're struggling with your condition, know that there are support groups out there.
Men don't often expose their vulnerabilities to other men, especially when it comes to issues concerning their physical appearance. But doing so can make the journey just a little bit easier. Take care of yourself in a way that genuinely works for you. And, who knows? With time and the right treatment, you might have a full head of hair again in just a few months.
Disclaimer: Above mentioned article is a Consumer connect initiative, This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of IDPL, and IDPL claims no responsibility whatsoever.
