Are you concerned about your hair thinning or receding? You’re not alone. Hair loss in men can be caused by genetic factors or environmental influences. Here, we’ll dive into potential treatments and remedies that may help slow down the process. Keep reading if you are excited about learning more.
The Male Pattern Baldness: What You Need to Know
Androgenic Alopecia which is nothing but the Male Pattern Baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men. Losing hair anywhere between 50 to 100 is said to be normal. Hair loss or Baldness occurs at a faster pace due to excessive hair loss replacing new hair growth.
The Science Behind Hair Loss: What Causes It?
Genetic and hereditary history: if any of your relatives or family members have hair loss then there’s a greater chance for you to face this thinning of hair.
Medical conditions: autoimmune diseases, hormonal problems, thyroid problems, scalp infections, or trichotillomania (a type of hair-pulling disorder) could also lead to baldness.
Medications and treatments: Conditions like cancer, depression, gout, arthritis, and heart disease can cause hair loss as these medications have potential side effects.
Stress-causing factor: stressful events or long-term stress can also affect your hair growth.
Exploring Hair Loss Treatments: What Works?
Minoxidil (Rogaine) – The topical medication is applied to the scalp. It slows down hair loss and promotes new hair growth.
Possible side effects – dryness, irritation, burning and scaling. It is advisable to visit the doctor for any serious side effects.
Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) – available as pills that work by inhibiting the androgen hormones. It’s a better medication than the former. It is recommended for a period of 3 months to 1 year. Look out for side effects.
Hair transplant – These are two surgical types of hair plants that can be costly and cause discomfort.
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) – involves removing skin from the back of your scalp where an abundance of hair is present after the removal of hair follicles. The surgeon reinserts the hair follicles into patches of hair loss.
Follicular unit extraction (FUE) – here the hair follicles are removed directly from the scalp and then transplantation is done directly on the bald areas. Direct hair implantation (DHI)
is a modification of this technique as specialized tools are used to complete the procedure.
Hair loss Prevention – Tips to Protect Your Hair Locks
Scalp massaging – according to Healthline, healthy Japanese men massaged their scalps for 4 minutes each day and had thicker hair.
Balanced platter – a healthy balanced diet containing iron-rich foods, high proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids must be included as a daily routine.
Being gentle with hair – avoid using hair styling, chemical treatment, curling, and bleaching.
Stress management – Indulging yourself into habits like yoga practice, listening to music, meditation, regular exercise and most importantly getting a good night’s sleep.
Natural Remedies for Hair Loss: Herbs, Minerals, and Vitamins
Oils – Oiling hair is an integral part to strengthen the follicles. Peppermint oil helps with hair growth. Rosemary promotes blood circulation of the scalp. You can also use coconut, castor, and almond oil has proven to be effective.
Vitamin B7 – foods like nuts, onion, eggs, sweet potatoes, and oats are loaded with biotin. Avoid supplements rather add them to your diet for maximum benefits.
Onion Juice – Keratin, a sulfur-rich protein component helps in promoting hair growth
Bhringraj – Ayurveda mentions this popular herb which has anti-aging properties and helps in rejuvenation.
Green tea – Rich in flavonoids, esp catechins. It claims to inhibit the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) thereby slowing hair loss.
Hibiscus – Rich in Keratin it nourishes and strengthens the hair roots.
Overcoming Hair Loss: Strategies to Regain Confidence
Try these methods to prevent hair loss.
- Lowering your stress levels.
- Incorporate a healthy diet with regular exercise.
- Avoid hairstyles that can put pressure on the hair
- Using hair products and chemical treatment.
- Avoiding smoking.
- Start scalp massaging with oils.
- Talking to healthcare professionals if any medications are causing hair loss.