Hair is an integral part of who you are, and that goes for both men and women. Hair loss can have a devastating impact, lowering your confidence and affecting your personal and professional life. Because there are many different types of hair loss in men, when you start losing your hair, it’s often difficult to understand why it’s happening. Could it be male pattern baldness or just your body’s response to a stressful event or situation? We know you have many questions about hair loss, and this blog post provides some answers to some common questions from men.
Is Hair Loss Normal?
Yes. As you’ll find out, some forms of hair loss are hereditary. Nearly seven million men in the UK live with male pattern baldness, a genetic form of hair loss. Hair loss in men follows a typical pattern which starts with hair receding then getting thinner at the temples and the crown. When these two areas of hair loss meet, they form the classic horseshoe pattern with hair on the sides and back. Complete baldness occurs in some men while others retain hair around the sides and back.
Testosterone is the chief cause of male pattern balding so hair loss can start soon after puberty and by 60 most men have some form of hair loss. If your hair loss is following this classic pattern, or you have a history of baldness in the family, then it’s most likely male pattern baldness. However, if you are developing patchy areas on your scalp or your hair is falling out in clumps, it’s best to go and see your doctor.
What Causes Hair Loss In Men?
Androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness is the top cause of hair loss in men. It is caused by a hereditary sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which comes from testosterone. DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, denying them the ability to grow healthy hair. Hair follicle lifespan becomes shorter, the hair becomes thinner and loses colour and falls out with increasing frequency. The hair is falling out faster than it can grow back.
Other causes of hair loss include stress, poor diet, physical and emotional trauma, or a hormonal imbalance. Chemotherapy or autoimmune diseases can also result in hair loss which is often temporary. If you’re in good health but start losing hair rapidly, you should consult the doctor.
Is It Possible To Stop Hair Loss?
The quick answer is yes. While there is no cure for hair loss, especially male pattern baldness, two effective treatments are available. The first one is finasteride which disrupts the action of DHT, thereby protecting the hair follicles from the damage caused by DHT. Finasteride will stop hair loss in about 90% of cases. However, if you stop taking the medication, hair loss will resume. You will require a doctor’s prescription for finasteride.
Minoxidil is the second drug which is available without a prescription. It comes in the form of a lotion, liquid or foam. You apply it to the scalp once a day, and it stimulates blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles.
Will My Lost Hair Grow Back?
This is a common question from men who are suffering hair loss and are looking for answers before seeking treatment. Until you take action and go to see a doctor, the hair loss will most likely continue. Finasteride alone or in combination with minoxidil has been seen to help hair regrowth because finasteride blocks DHT. The drug protects the hair follicles against the effects of DHT, resulting in healthier follicles and normal hair growth cycle.
Surgical options such as hair transplant may also help with hair restoration because donor hair grafts come from areas immune from DHT. So, depending on the treatment you choose, yes, your hair will more than likely grow back. Other options, such as scalp micropigmentation may create the appearance of thicker hair.
Do Caffeine Hair Shampoos Stop Hair Loss?
There is little clinical evidence to support the effectiveness of many caffeine shampoo products when it comes to preventing hair loss. Since the mechanism for hair loss due to male pattern baldness is well understood, only products which disrupt this mechanism have a chance of success. Caffeine shampoo and similar products may well help with general hair health and strength but will not prevent hair loss due to male pattern baldness.
Still, Have Questions About Hair Loss?
Whether you have just noticed your hair loss or have been trying different remedies, there are always more questions than answers. At Vinci Hair, we have hair restoration experts ready to help. If you have questions about treatment options or what you can do to look after your hair better, don’t hesitate to call or send us a message.
You’re not alone when it comes to dealing with hair loss, and hopefully, this blog post answers some of the questions you may have.
