If you are a man, hair loss can be uncomfortable and worrisome, but losing your hair is not unusual. According to the American Hair Loss Council, 40% of young men ages 16 to 28 suffer from hair loss, and by the time men reach 50, about 85% have experienced significant thinning. Here are 4 reasons that men lose their hair.
Male Pattern Baldness
The most common reason that men lose their hair is from Male Pattern Baldness (MPB). The technical name for MPB is androgenic alopecia. This condition is responsible for 95% of hair loss in men. Men (and women) suffering from MPB inherit hair follicles that are sensitive to a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, and the follicles stop producing hair, or cause hair to thin. Men usually experience a receding hairline first, and then the loss and thinning of hair on top of the head, leaving a “horseshoe” of hair around the sides of the head.
Diet & Nutrition
Many people who start to experience hair loss first look to diet and nutrition for a natural remedy. Unfortunately, the unregulated market allows the selling of “lotions and potions” that claim to help prevent hair loss or even regrow hair. Decreased protein intake, niacin deficiencies, and sudden weight loss have been shown to effect hair growth, as well as the over-supply of selenium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. Overall, there is very little conclusive research about the role of nutrient supplementation and hair growth.
Proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair growth in men. Consuming a balanced and nutrient-rich diet can help promote hair growth, reduce hair loss, and improve the overall health of the hair. Here are some foods that men should eat for hair growth:
Eggs: Eggs are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for hair growth. They also contain biotin, a B-vitamin that helps strengthen hair and prevent hair loss.
Salmon: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy hair growth. It is also a good source of protein and vitamin D, which are essential for healthy hair.
Spinach: Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. These nutrients help promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Nuts: Nuts are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins that are essential for healthy hair growth. Almonds, walnuts, and Brazil nuts are particularly beneficial for hair growth.
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A helps promote healthy hair growth and can help prevent hair loss.
Avocado: Avocado is rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, which can help promote healthy hair growth and reduce hair loss.
Berries: Berries are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect hair follicles from damage and promote healthy hair growth. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are all good choices.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. It affects men of all ages and can have a significant impact on their self-esteem and confidence. Alopecia areata is characterized by patchy hair loss, but in some cases, it can progress to total hair loss on the scalp, a condition known as alopecia totalis.
The exact cause of alopecia areata is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles. This can result in inflammation and damage to the follicles, leading to hair loss. Genetics may also play a role in the development of alopecia areata, as the disorder tends to run in families.
There is no cure for alopecia areata, but there are hair loss treatments available that can help slow down the progression of the disorder and promote hair regrowth. These treatments may include topical medications, oral medications, injections, or light therapy. However, not all treatments work for everyone, and some men may need to try several different approaches before finding a solution that works for them.
Thyroid Disorders and Hormone Imbalances
Both hypothyroidism (when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones) and hyperthyroidism (when the gland produces too much) can cause hair loss in men. When hormones are not produced properly in the body, they can inhibit the regrowth of hair at the follicles after it grows out. This means that the hair thins across the entire scalp, rather than having patches of hair loss or bald spots. This type of hair loss, like some other kinds of medical hair loss, is temporary, and hair usually re-grows a few months after the treatment is over.
Contact Us
If you are experiencing hair thinning or hair loss and are looking for a solution, get a free consultation today. We are proud to provide the leading Baltimore hair loss solutions, from transplants to toupees. Call (410) 931-3399.