Hair loss is a reality for many men – and it can be a tough pill to swallow. After all, hair is often seen as a symbol of virility and strength. When it starts to thin or fall out, it can feel like you’re losing a part of yourself.
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men, and it can have a significant impact on a man’s self-esteem and confidence. There are two main types of baldness: genetic and reactive.
Reactive baldness is caused by external factors such as stress, illness, or medications. Genetic baldness, on the other hand, is caused by a combination of family history and hormones.
It’s vital to know the difference between these two types of baldness and how they are treated. You also need to know the potential causes of each type of baldness and the impact they can have on a man’s life.
What is Genetic Male Hair Loss?
Genetic hair loss is caused by a combination of factors that are passed down from your parents. Also called androgenetic alopecia, it is the most common form of hair loss in men and women. It is characterized by a receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown of the head. Male pattern baldness affects about 50% of men by the age of 50.
There are several different causes of genetic male hair loss, including hormones, aging, and family history. However, the most common cause is a genetic predisposition. If you have a family member who is bald, you are more likely to experience hair loss yourself.
While there is no cure for genetic male hair loss, there are treatments available that can help to slow down the progression of the condition. A good diet rich in Vitamin B, Omega-3 oil, and magnesium could improve hair health. An active lifestyle that incorporates stress-reduction techniques could also help lower hormone levels that affect androgen levels.
If you are concerned about hair loss, speak to your doctor about the best course of treatment for those who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness.
What is Reactive Male Hair Loss?
Reactive hair loss is characterized by a sudden and dramatic loss of hair, usually in patches or clumps. This type of hair loss can be extremely upsetting and can often lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem.
There are many different reasons why someone may experience reactive hair loss. It can be caused by psychological stress, physical trauma, certain medical conditions, or even certain medications. Regardless of the cause, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible if you are experiencing reactive hair loss. With proper treatment, this kind of hair loss can often be halted, and even reversed.
Common Causes of Reactive Male Hair Loss
Nutrition
Nutritional deficiencies have an impact on hair health and growth. A diet low in minerals and vitamins such as iron, vitamin B7, vitamin D, vitamin C and zinc can induce hair loss. Hair keratin needs vitamins and proteins to grow healthy hair, and any deficiency slows down or thins out hair growth.
Stress
Another common cause of reactive hair loss in men is stress. When the body experiences stress, certain hormones increase and instigate the body’s fight or flight response. The stress trigger does not need to be something serious; it could be a long meeting, a domestic situation, or even a change in finances.
When the body is under stress, it creates cortisol to calm the person and help them face the stressful situation. However, cortisol could also lead to weight gain and cause hair loss.
Medication
Many medications can cause hair loss as a side effect, especially if they are taken for a long period of time. Some common examples include blood thinners, beta blockers, antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs.
Illness and Other Health Conditions
There are also diseases, infections and other health conditions that can cause hair loss. If you have a thyroid problem or anemia, hair loss could be a symptom of these conditions.
Those who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease are also prone to hair loss due to their condition or as a result of their medication.
Infections such as ringworms could also create bald patches on the skin, including on the scalp.
Grooming Techniques
Excessive and harsh grooming techniques could also induce hair loss in men. Tight ponytails, buns, and cornrows can pull hair from the scalp. It can cause temporary hair loss called traction alopecia. Additionally, coloring, perming and other hair treatments can harm hair follicles.
Reversing Male Hair Loss is Possible
Your hair cycle is influenced by hormones. As a result, any hormonal changes will have an impact on your hair growth and might cause hair loss.
If you’ve recently started taking or changed birth control pills, it could be the reason for your hair loss, especially if you’re sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. To remedy this, experiment with different types of pills to find one that will provide you with the benefits of contraception without sacrificing your hair growth and quality.
You may also experience hair thinning post-pregnancy when hair growth levels drop dramatically. Fortunately, hair grows back in time with this type of hair loss.