For decades, long and thick hair has been a symbol of youthfulness and self-confidence. It characterizes a man’s image, emphasizing his unique style and harmoniously blending with his modern and well-thought-out image. However, the phenomenon of thinning hair is unfortunately common. Thinning hair is one of the most common processes in people’s lives, and it doesn’t matter how old a man is. The causes of this condition remain difficult to determine, but an understanding of the processes that occur will help you cope with this problem with dignity.
Causes of Thinning Hair According to Science
Hair loss occurs due to hormonal or genetic causes. The male hormone testosterone is partially converted in the body to dihydrotestosterone. The amount of this hormone is different for everyone, and it’s this feature that determines a person’s baldness. Genes play a major role in determining the degree of hair loss in men. The weakening of the hair follicles on the head is also caused by the narrowing of the pores on the scalp. This process is called miniaturization and occurs due to the transition of hair follicles through stages of active growth.
This decline in the ability of hair follicles to grow is usually gradual and barely noticeable. It can start in young age and for years, a man may not feel any changes in his hair. However, the consequences of this process are significant. Global Growth Insights reports that up to 85% of men and 50% of women experience moderate to severe hair loss during their lives.
The baldness that most men suffer from is called male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is manifested by the fact that the hair on the head begins to fall out, mainly in the temporal areas and at the temples. However, these changes in the structure of the tresses are long-drawn-out, and for a long time, a man doesn’t notice any problems. WebMD notes that by the age of 35, two-thirds of all men in America will have some degree of male pattern baldness.
Other Reasons and Hormonal Changes
In addition to genetic predispositions, there are other causes of androgenetic alopecia. In addition to a genetic predisposition to this disease, there are secondary reasons that may worsen the state of the hair and thicken. Various endocrine disorders can be the cause of this process, as a result of which the functioning of the hair follicles is disrupted. A decrease or increase in hormone levels can be the reason for this condition.
For example, thyroid diseases often lead to diffuse alopecia, that is, to the simultaneous falling out of all hairs on the head. Verywell Health notes that women are eight to nine times more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism than men. This data indicates that problems with the endocrine system are frequent among both men and women, and baldness can be a consequence of this.
Scalp Care and Lifestyle
The state of the scalp directly affects the functioning of the hair follicles. The secretions from the sebaceous glands, the health of the tissue, and the work of the muscles at the root of the hairs affect their growth rate. In addition, a prolonged deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals slows down blood circulation and worsens the state of the tresses. Significant mental stress is another factor that worsens the condition of the hair. Stressful situations increase the level of cortisol in the body, which suppresses the work of the follicles.
Harsh chemical treatments, pulling the hair strongly, and other irritating factors can worsen the problem of baldness. In addition, a poor diet and lack of special nutrients decrease the rate at which hair grows. Therefore, for the prevention of this condition, it’s necessary to take care of the health of the scalp.
Modern Medicine and Preventative Measures
There are several methods in modern medicine that can stop baldness. A number of pharmacological products affect the work of the hormones responsible for the growth and of the hair. Minoxidil, which is applied locally to the scalp, helps to increase blood flow to the tissues. Moreover, Finasteride reduces the production of DHT, thereby inhibiting its effect on the follicles. In addition to medication, there are several procedures that can be used to prevent further baldness.
All these methods are effective and safe, which makes them a promising area of baldness treatment. The timely prevention of this condition is much more important than cure. To increase the rate of growth and thicken the hair, it’s recommended to follow a special diet that includes foods with zinc and iron. The health of the scalp is also essential, and daily care will help maintain the scalp in good condition. Thereby it’ll be possible to sustain the processes that happen on the scalp and the functioning of the follicles.
A man’s appearance is an essential aspect in his life. Losing hair is a natural process for many, but it can become difficult if the cause is unknown. There are several reasons that lead to thinning hair and baldness. However, the timely prevention of this condition will make it possible to avoid significant inconvenience and maintain a good appearance for many years.
