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Friday, November 29th
How Hair Loss Affects Men
Cue-ball. Chrome Dome. Bowling Ball. Baldie.
We've all heard them - the funny nicknames for someone who is balding or completely bald. But for men who are suffering from hair loss, the names are anything but funny.
By age 50, roughly 85 percent of all men suffer from some form of hair loss. Maybe it's just a little thinning here or there, or maybe it's full-on recession of the hairline. And while most men will act as if the hair loss doesn't bother them, the truth is, the majority of men suffering from hair loss would do anything to reverse their losses.
No matter which kind of hair loss you suffer from, there is hope and help available.
Often referred to as "male pattern baldness," the most common type of hair loss among men is androgenic alopecia. It accounts for over 95 percent of all cases of hair loss in men. Androgenetic alopecia is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones. In this type of hair loss, the hair follicle - which is necessary for producing new hair growth - shrinks and ceases hair production. This type of baldness generally starts atthe hairline and recedes. The hair will become shorter, thinner and finer on the top and sides of the head, eventually forming a "U" pattern on the head.
While it is true that there are a number of reasons why a person can lose their hair, for most men, the only culprit responsible for their shedding mane is heredity. In cases of inherited hair loss, hair follicles are sensitive to Dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT. DHT-sensitive hair follicles will shrink, which shortens the lifespan of each hair follicle that is affected. The eventual result is a complete lack of new hairgrowth.
Other causes of baldness in men include:
- Telogen Effluvium: This type of hair loss is characterized by hair shedding in several areas that does not follow a specific pattern. It also tends to start suddenly and without any prior warning. This kind of hair loss often is the result of a metabolic dysfunction, hormonal stress or from using certain medications.
- Anagen Effluvium: This kind of hair loss is very similar to telogen effluvium, except that it generally results in the loss of all hair, not just patches here or there. Anagen effluvium is most commonly suffered by those who are receiving relief for various forms of cancer, including chemotherapy and certain kinds of drug cocktails designed to kill cancer cells.
- Alopecia Areata: It is believed that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which a person's own immune system attacks hair follicles, causing existing hair to fall out and no new hair to grow.
- Scarring Alopecia: A person suffering from this kind of hair loss has his own hair follicles destroyed and replaced by scar tissue, which prevents the growth of new hair.
- Congenital Hypotrichosis: This type of hair loss generally affects a person at birth and usually stays with them for the length of their lives. The majority of cases of this kind of hair loss are caused by genetic defects.
- Infection: Sometimes hair loss can be caused by an infection, such as ringworm. It also can be caused by various fungi and viruses, which often are easily handled. Once the infectious source is identified and dealt with, hair regrows.
- Defective Hair Shafts: A final cause of hair loss can be a defect with a person's hair shaft. This damage can be caused by genetics, something in the environment, or inappropriate hair care.
The good news is that since the majority of hair-loss cases in men are classified as androgenic alopecia, there are numerous options available. Some 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor drugs, such as Propecia, can be used to help reverse hair loss in cases of androgenic alopecia. Some men also have experienced success with the topical usage of minoxidil, which is available in many over-the-counter products for men.
If all else fails, hair replacement/transplant technology may be another viable option. However, transplants may need to be redone, as they only cover up places where hair already has been lost and do nothing to stop the remaining hair from falling out.
Hair Loss Product FAQ
Hair loss products are shampoos, serums, creams, foams, or supplements used to stimulate the regrowth of hair. They come with different instructions for application, but they all work to fill in areas of patchiness or total loss of hair. Hair loss products are a much less expensive alternative to surgeries or other medical procedures to try and reverse hair loss.
Most hair loss products range anywhere from $25 - $70 per tube or bottle. You'll have the option to buy a supply that will last you a few months. Buying in larger quantities usually comes with discounts and makes it so you don't run out or need to make frequent online orders.
Yes! Hair loss products are safe. If you're buying from a reputable company, they will list all of the ingredients in their products. You can review the list to make sure you aren't allergic or trying to avoid anything in their formula. Many hair loss products are full of vitamins and other nourishing ingredients that are good for your skin and hair follicles.
Hair loss products work to do a few different things to stimulate growth. Some are effective in cleaning out clogged hair follicles that may have been stunted due to excess oils or thick hair products. Other formulas work to block the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), primarily responsible for male pattern baldness. Some hair loss products stimulate blood flow in the areas where your head needs help regrowing hair. Products differ in how they target hair loss and it is best to select one based on the type of baldness you're experiencing.
There are many causes of hair loss. Some are the result of genetics, while others are hormonal imbalances, hygiene issues, or lifestyle choices. If you have healthy hair follicles intact where no hair is growing or hair is thinning, you will be able to stimulate new hair growth with the right products. Determining your type of hair loss will help you know how to select a product that will be effective for you.
As nice as it would be if hair loss products worked overnight, this is not the case. Most supplements, gels, creams, and serums take 4-6 months before you get visible results. Hair grows slowly whether or not you are using products to help the process, so it takes a while for your body to regenerate new growth.
Absolutely! Hair loss products are not only intended to regrow hair that has been lost, but also to prevent future hair loss as well. By nourishing and stimulating hair follicles, you are less likely to have stunted hair growth in the future. You aren't 100% guaranteed never to lose any hair again, but hair loss products work to at least slow down the process.
Both men and women can suffer from hair loss. Most people would do just about anything to get a full, thick head of hair back. Luckily, hair loss products are formulated to help men and women alike. Some products are marketed toward just men or just women, while others will benefit anyone suffering from hair loss. There are options out there for everyone!
Yes. Liquids can be absorbed by the body in just a couple of minutes, and have a high absorbency. Tablets can take up to a half-hour to be broken down; because the body has to break them down, only about 53% of the tablet may be absorbed by the body. Consider travel: pills may be the easiest to take with you and have a longer shelf life. Gummies are a fun way to take a supplement, but watch the sugar content.
Many users will see baby hairs grow in about a month or six weeks. It takes a while for the vitamins or other ingredients to settle into the body and stimulate the follicle and for the baby hairs to start appearing.
Most of the products have a money-back guarantee, and the difference is from 30 days to a year. Since it can be more than three months until you notice new growth, you'll want your guarantee to last at least that long, especially if you've spent quite a bit of money on your product or set of products. Prescription products do not come with any guarantee.
Some can. Reviewers of some of the products have raved about helping them with male pattern baldness and alopecia as well. It may also depend on when you start using the product. If the hair thinning is relatively new, the follicle may be more receptive to rejuvenation. If the thinning has occurred for quite a while, it's possible to see results, but after a longer period of use.
For acne prone individuals, excess biotin can trigger breakouts. Another reason to check with your doctor. Some of the supplements contain ingredients that can interfere with thyroid test results. Some may not be recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
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