Nobody wants to talk about it, but what can you do if your hair is thinning? Anyone can lose hair on their head, but men are more likely to do so. Unfortunately, most men will develop male pattern baldness at some point in their lives. It could result from heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or aging. When you start balding, how much hair you lose is usually determined by genetics. Male pattern baldness is a severe concern for most people, but despite this, many men choose not to act while there is still time.
The main issue with hair loss is that the longer you wait, the more difficult it is to reverse the damage. Going bald does not happen overnight. Most men experience gradual hair loss over years and decades, with their hairline gradually receding and the hair on their scalp becoming progressively thinner.
Before you start looking for bald head solutions, let us learn more about hair loss and balding, so you can make informed decisions when the time comes.
1. Start at home
Several factors, including stress, poor eating habits, lack of sleep, and pollution, contribute to the rising prevalence of hair loss. The most common cause of baldness is hereditary hair loss with age. According to Dermatologist Jerry Shapiro, MD, in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Langone, up to 80% of men and 50% of women will experience some form of hair loss during their lifetime.
You can do several things to minimize hair loss at home itself:
- Taking care of your hair – When brushing and combing your hair, use a detangler and avoid tugging, especially if wet.
- Inquire with your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking that may be causing hair loss.
- You should also avoid exposing your hair to UV rays from the sun and other heat sources.
- Give up smoking – A study by Ralph M Trüeb suggests there could be a link between smoking and male baldness.
- Rule out infections like COVID, TB, typhoid, and dengue, which can also cause temporary hair loss for three to six months.
2. Identifying your baldness pattern
Once it is established that you are indeed balding, it’s essential to know that men typically lose their hair in a few distinct ways. Understanding this can help medical professionals provide the most appropriate diagnosis and course of action for each patient. Some doctors and trichologists use scales, which are often similar to the Norwood scale. On a scale of 1 to 7, the Norwood scale helps to classify the stages of male pattern baldness.
3. Pick the way forward
Male pattern baldness can be treated in a variety of ways. The majority of treatment options work best when hair loss is just beginning. Those who start treating hair loss later in its progression may only benefit from stronger treatment options, such as surgery. Some of the available hair loss treatment options are listed below.
Finasteride and minoxidil are two FDA-approved medications for male-pattern hair loss. Laser light therapy and hair transplantation are also effective treatment options. Diodes that emit light that can penetrate the scalp are the basis for laser therapy. In a hair transplant, a dermatologist removes healthy follicles from dense growth areas and places them where needed.
By recognizing the early signs of baldness mentioned above, you may be able to reverse hair loss before it causes significant damage to your hairline. Before beginning any treatment, consult your dermatologist, trichologist, or doctor for medical advice.
Also read: Honest Suggestions for Men Struggling with Hair Loss
