Hair Thinning in Men: Signs, Causes, and Treatments
You may face the issue of hair thinning and balding as age increases.
While some may embrace their baldness, others may feel self-conscious and wish to prevent or slow down the thinning process.
Thinning hair in men is a natural part of aging; men lose their hair faster and more noticeably than women.
According to a study, 30 to 50% of men face hair loss by the age of 50 years.
In this article, we will learn about the thinning of hair in men and its causes.
We will also discuss the various methods to cover hair thinning in men.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hair thinning in men can vary as per the individual.
Some of the common symptoms to look out for are as follows:
- Receding hairline, usually starting from the forehead and moving back towards the crown of the head.
- Hair thinning on the crown of the head leads to a visible bald spot.
- Decreased hair volume and thickness.
- Increased hair shedding, including more hair on the pillow, shower drain, or clothing.
If you see any such symptoms, you must talk to a dermatologist about your condition.
Causes
The exact cause of hair thinning is not yet known, but as we know, Male Pattern Baldness is related to androgens (male sex hormone).
So, hair thinning can be related to hormonal disbalance.
Some other factors that can cause hair in men are as follows:
Genetics and hormones
Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) is a common condition that results in receding hairline and thinning at the crown.
A combination of hormones and genetics causes this condition, specifically Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is a hormone that helps to develop sexual structures and traits in males.
Excessive DHT can shorten the hair growth cycle and leads to hair follicle shrinkage over time.
This can lead to hair shrinkage and balding if not treated on time.
Nutritional deficiencies
Lack of vitamins and minerals such as Iron and Biotin can affect hair health and lead to hair thinning.
Iron is essential for the healthy growth of hair, and Biotin is responsible for strengthening hair strands.
Stress
Chronic stress can alter the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair thinning and loss.
Stress can cause hair follicles to enter the resting phase, known as telogen, leading to hair shedding.
Medical conditions
Some medical conditions like thyroid disorders and scalp infections can contribute to hair thinning in men.
Thyroid disorders can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle.
At the same time, scalp infections can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
Treating and covering hair thinning
There are various methods one can try to cover thin hair or can treat the underlying disease to stop hair loss and thinning.
Some of the methods to coverup the thinning hair are as follows:
Wigs
A wig can cover large areas of thin hair, and the color can match your hair’s natural color.
Although, this is a temporary treatment method and can lead to more hair loss.
Scalp sprays
You can spray colorants on the scalp to match the color of your hair.
This will help in filling the empty spaces and make your hair look dense.
Scalp massage
Gently put pressure around the scalp with the fingertips.
This helps increase the blood flow to the scalp area and promotes hair growth.
Essential oils
Applying essential oils such as rosemary, castor, and lavender oils can help promote healthy hair growth.
These oils can nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth reducing hair thinning in men.
Shampoo
Try using anti-thinning shampoos that add volume to the hair and nourish follicles.
You can use Bio Margosa for hair volumizing and to make them look thicker.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved medicine for healthy hair growth in thinning and bald areas.
Your doctor may recommend Hair4u 2%, and Tugain Solution 10 containing Minoxidil for hair growth.
Hair transplant
A hair transplant is a therapy where a surgeon moves hair follicles from the areas of the head to have healthy follicles.
These follicles are placed at the bald areas of the scalp, which helps in regrowing hair.
Generally, it is a safe method, but some people may face side effects such as infections, bleeding on the scalp, itching, and swollen hair follicles.
Conclusion
Hair thinning is a common problem that many men face. It can be caused by different factors such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, and poor lifestyle choices.
While there are various treatments available, prevention is always better than cure.
If hair thinning is causing significant distress or affecting the quality of life, it’s important to consult a doctor.
To manage the issue, they can recommend appropriate treatments, such as medication or hair transplants.
With the right approach, hair thinning can be effectively managed, and men can maintain healthy, full heads of hair.
Remember, taking care of your hair and seeking help if needed is important!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can thinning hair grow back male?
Yes, thinning hair can grow back in men. However, it depends on the cause of hair thinning and the treatment approach. In some cases, hair may grow back naturally. In contrast, medical intervention such as medication or hair transplants may be required in others.
How do men fix thinning hair?
Hair transplants and lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy diet and using gentle hair products. It’s important to consult a doctor to know the best approach based on the cause and severity of the hair thinning.
What causes hair thinning in males?
Most guys lose hair due to a genetic trait from their parents called male-pattern baldness. Other causes include certain meds, insufficient protein, or too much vitamin A. Stress or sickness can lead to sudden hair shedding, known as telogen effluvium.
