Hair loss is a common and progressive condition in men that stems from genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. It often stops or slows between the ages of 30 and 50. Although male pattern baldness is inevitable for most individuals, lifestyle changes and medical treatments provide potential ways to stop hair loss.
By the time you turn 30, you have a 25% chance of displaying some balding. By age 50, 50% of men have at least some noticeable hair loss. By age 60, about two-thirds are either bald or have a balding pattern. While hair loss is more common as you get older, it doesn't necessarily make it any easier to accept.
Practice a balanced and nutritious diet, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive heat and chemical treatments. Regular scalp massages can stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles. Additionally, consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist for personalized advice on preventing age-related hair loss.
Hair loss is easiest to reverse when it is treated early and quickly before any severe balding has begun. If you are able to recognize the early stages of male pattern hair loss, you will be able to seek treatment sooner, and ultimately retain a full head of hair.
For people experiencing stage 3 of the Norwood scale, a follicular unit excision (FUE) hair transplant is usually the preferred solution to help restore hair and combat pattern baldness. FUE hair transplants involved extracting individual hairs from the sides and back of the head.
Age: The chances of developing male pattern baldness increase with age. About 25% of men see the first signs of hair loss before age 21. By age 50, half experience hair loss, and about 70% will lose hair as they get older. Hormones: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a type of androgen.
Busting the Myth
Ultimately, hair loss isn't as simple as inheriting it from one side of the family. Instead, it's a blend of genetic influences that come from both parents.
Yes, absolutely! Stress, excessive heat styling, age and even genetics can deplete your hair's thickness. Keeping your scalp and roots healthy is how you can promote the growth of thick hair. You can do the same by oiling regularly, refraining from wearing tight hairstyles and following a nourishing hair care routine.
As the skin's characteristics and responses can alter with age, older adults over 65 may experience different results or an increased risk of side effects. Despite its topical application, a small amount of Minoxidil can be absorbed by the body, potentially affecting blood pressure and overall cardiovascular function.
Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.
Hair texture and density can vary significantly from person to person, and many individuals with thick, luscious hair wonder if their abundant locks are a safeguard against future baldness. While hair thickness can provide some protection against hair loss, it is not a guarantee against balding.
Hair transplant surgery can range from $3,000 to more than $15,000. The average cost is $6,000 to $12,000. Hair restoration surgery can be successful for men and women. Your costs will vary based on the type of procedure, where you have the treatment, your surgeon's fees, and other factors.
Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss that affects people after they experience severe stress or a change to their body. Symptoms include thinning hair, usually around the top of your head. Treatment exists to reverse hair loss, but hair will typically grow back in three to six months without treatment.
Men may start showing signs of baldness by the time they are 30 years old. Many men are nearly bald by age 60. A type of baldness related to the normal function of the male hormone testosterone is called male-pattern baldness.
In fact, Stage 2 hair loss is often the most treatable stage because the damage is not yet irreversible. There is still an opportunity for regrowth, especially when a combination of treatments is used early on. While the term “cure” might not be appropriate, it is possible for hair to regrow in Stage 2.
Some people who don't lose their hair have low levels of the enzyme that converts testosterone, and so more recently researchers have been seeking ways of blocking the enzyme in others.
Taking hair loss medication
According to a 2019 review of studies , minoxidil, applied topically, is the go-to treatment for androgenetic alopecia in both men and women. Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine, which is available over the counter (OTC).
Despite its popularity in the media and amongst consumers, biotin has no proven efficacy in hair and nail growth of healthy individuals. Only 1 study has shown decreased levels of biotin in healthy individuals, though this data was confounded by multiple factors, including patient history.