Hair loss in men: causes and treatments
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When to worry about male hair loss?
Hair loss is a reality that many men face at some point in their lives. While hair loss is a natural process—we all lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day—there are times when it becomes more of a concern. Knowing when to worry can help prevent more significant loss and take the necessary steps to maintain a healthy head of hair.
The first warning sign is often a significant increase in the amount of hair lost on a daily basis. You may notice more hair on your pillow in the morning, in the shower drain, or on your brush. Another indication may be visible thinning of hair, whether at the crown, temples, or across the scalp. A receding hairline is also a typical sign of androgenetic alopecia, often referred to as male pattern baldness.
It is essential to note that hair loss can be gradual or sudden. Rapid hair loss can be particularly alarming and require immediate medical attention, as it may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disease or hormonal disorder.
Ultimately, it’s time to worry about hair loss when it becomes persistent, you start seeing bald patches, or it’s affecting your quality of life. An early consultation with a dermatologist or trichologist can help you determine the exact cause and explore available treatment options.
What can cause hair loss?
Hair loss in men can result from a variety of factors, from genetic influences to lifestyle habits and medical conditions. Understanding these causes can help you identify specific triggers and take preventative or corrective measures.
Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness)
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in men, affecting about 50% of men by the age of 50. The condition is largely hereditary and is linked to androgens, male hormones such as testosterone. Androgenetic alopecia typically follows a recognizable pattern: a receding hairline and thinning at the crown of the scalp, which can progress to complete baldness in some areas.
Stress and lifestyle
Stress, whether physical or emotional, can play a major role in hair loss. Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss often triggered by stress. It occurs when more hair follicles than usual enter the resting (telogen) phase, leading to diffuse hair loss across the scalp. Stressful events such as major surgery, serious illness, or intense emotional stress can precipitate this condition.
Nutritional deficiencies
A diet lacking essential nutrients can contribute to hair loss. Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein, and relies on a regular supply of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin are particularly known to weaken hair follicles, leading to thinning and hair loss. An unbalanced diet or eating disorders such as anorexia can make this problem worse.
Health problems and medications
Certain chronic diseases and conditions can also cause hair loss. Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, disrupt hormonal balance and can lead to hair loss. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks the hair follicles, are also common causes.
Additionally, some medications can have side effects that include hair loss. Cancer treatments, antidepressants, blood thinners, and blood pressure medications are among the most commonly associated with this problem. If you suspect that your medication is causing your hair loss, it is important to consult a doctor to discuss possible alternatives.
Improper hair care
Excessive use of hair products containing harsh chemicals, excessive heat from blow dryers, flat irons, and repeated curling can damage the hair shaft. Over time, these practices can weaken the hair and cause hair loss. Tight hairstyles, such as ponytails or braids, can also cause excessive pulling on the follicles, leading to a hair loss condition called traction alopecia.
How to treat male pattern baldness naturally?
Although hair loss can be a frustrating experience, there are several natural approaches men can take to slow or treat baldness. These solutions aim to improve the overall health of the hair and scalp without resorting to medication or surgical interventions.
Balanced diet
Hair health starts from the inside out. A diet rich in essential nutrients can support hair growth and prevent hair loss. Protein, being the building blocks of hair, should be consumed in adequate amounts. Include protein sources like eggs, oily fish, lean meats, and legumes in your daily diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, are essential for maintaining a healthy scalp. Vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as minerals like iron and zinc, also play a crucial role. Leafy green vegetables, berries, avocados, and whole grains are excellent sources of these nutrients.
Essential oils
Essential oils have been used for centuries to promote hair growth and improve scalp health. Rosemary oil, for example, is known to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, thereby promoting hair growth. Peppermint oil has similar properties and can also provide a cooling sensation that soothes the scalp.
To use these oils, mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil, then gently massage into your scalp. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing. Repeat this treatment several times a week for optimal results.
Scalp massage
Scalp massage is a simple yet effective technique to improve hair health. By stimulating blood circulation, it helps bring more nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting healthier hair growth.
For an effective massage, use your fingers to apply gentle pressure to the scalp in circular motions. You can do this with or without oil. Using an essential oil can also enhance the experience and boost the beneficial effects. Spending five to ten minutes a day on this ritual can make a noticeable difference in the density and strength of your hair.
Stress reduction
Stress is a known enemy of hair health. It can cause or worsen hair loss by disrupting the hair growth cycle. Adopting stress management techniques can therefore be crucial to maintaining healthy hair.
Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress levels. By incorporating these activities into your daily routine, you can not only improve your overall well-being but also reduce the risk of stress-related hair loss.
Food supplements
To support hair health from the inside out, dietary supplements can play a vital role, especially when diet alone is not enough to provide all the necessary nutrients. AJYMENHAIR is a dietary supplement specially formulated to combat hair loss and promote thicker, healthier hair.
AJYMENHAIR and its benefits
This course of food supplements combines natural ingredients with recognized properties for hair health:
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Flax Complex (Linumlife®) : Inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT, a hormone often responsible for androgenic alopecia, thus reducing hair loss.
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Venus Hair Extract : Accelerates hair growth and strengthens hair follicles, improving hair strength and overall appearance.
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Zinc : Supports the production of new hair cells and regulates the sebaceous glands, helping to prevent hair loss.
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Marine Magnesium : Helps reduce stress and maintains optimal electrolyte balance, indirectly promoting hair health.
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Horse Chestnut : Improves blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring essential nutrients are delivered to hair follicles for denser hair.
By incorporating AJYMENHAIR into your daily routine, you benefit from a holistic approach to preventing hair loss and improving the overall health of your hair. This dietary supplement is designed to provide the nutrients needed to maintain strong, resilient and shiny hair.
How to stop hair loss in men?
Adopt proper hair hygiene
Good hair hygiene is essential to prevent hair loss. Use gentle shampoos that do not contain sulfates or parabens, as these ingredients can be too harsh on the hair and scalp. Regular scalp cleansing is necessary to remove excess sebum, dead cells and impurities, which can clog hair follicles and stunt hair growth.
Avoid brushing your hair when it's wet, as it's more likely to break. Also, reduce the use of heat appliances like hair dryers and flat irons, or use them on a low heat setting to minimize damage.
Taking care of your overall health
The overall health of your body has a direct impact on the health of your hair. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet, regular exercise and good stress management, is essential. Hair, like any other part of the body, depends on nutrients and oxygen delivered through the blood. Poor circulation, often due to a sedentary lifestyle, can therefore affect hair growth.
Exercise improves blood circulation, not only to the muscles but also to the scalp, thus promoting hair growth. In addition, staying hydrated is crucial, as dehydration can make hair dry and brittle, increasing hair loss.
Consult a healthcare professional
If hair loss persists despite all these measures, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or trichologist. These specialists can assess your individual situation, perform tests if necessary, and propose a tailored treatment plan. They may recommend more advanced options, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, laser phototherapy, or even hair transplantation, depending on the extent of hair loss and your goals.