WHAT TO DO FOR HAIR LOSS?
Hair loss is an issue that affects millions of men the world over. While the causes of hair loss vary from person to person, there are some common factors that contribute to it. Heredity, hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, and even certain lifestyle choices can all lead to hair loss. Fortunately, there are a number of things that men can do to try and combat hair loss. In this article, we’ll be looking at what men can do to help prevent and treat hair loss.
Understanding the Causes of Hair Loss
Let’s start by looking at some of the most common causes of hair loss. The exact causes of hair loss vary from person to person, but here are some common factors:
Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle choices can also contribute to hair loss. This can include anything from an unhealthy diet to excessive stress. Additionally, over-styling and over-treating the hair with harsh chemicals can also lead to hair loss.
Types of Treatment
Now that we’ve looked at some of the most common causes of hair loss, let’s take a look at some of the treatments available. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to hair loss, there are a number of treatments that can help.
Medication
There are a number of medications that can be used to treat hair loss. These include oral medications such as finasteride, which can help to slow down hair loss, as well as topical medications such as minoxidil, which can help to promote hair growth.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is another option for treating hair loss. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can help to stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth.
Heredity
Heredity, or genetics, is one of the most common causes of hair loss. If a man’s father or grandfather suffered from hair loss, it’s likely that he will too. This type of hair loss is known as male pattern baldness and it typically begins as a receding hairline or thinning of the hair at the temples and crown of the head.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can also lead to hair loss. This is because certain hormones, such as testosterone, can affect the production of hair. When a man’s testosterone levels drop, his body can produce less hair. This is especially true as men age and their testosterone levels naturally decline.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can also lead to hair loss. For example, conditions such as alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder, and scalp infections like ringworm can all cause hair loss. Additionally, certain medications, such as blood thinners, can also lead to hair loss.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be the best option for treating hair loss. Hair transplants, for example, involve taking healthy hair follicles from one part of the scalp and transplanting them to the affected area.
Dietary Changes
Dietary changes can also help to treat hair loss. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help to promote healthy hair growth. Additionally, supplements such as biotin and fish oil can help to improve the condition of the hair.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can also help to reduce hair loss. This can include reducing stress levels, avoiding over-styling and harsh chemicals, and getting enough rest.
Prevention
In addition to treating hair loss, there are also a number of steps that men can take to help prevent it.
Medication
Taking medication, such as finasteride or minoxidil, can help to slow down hair loss and even promote hair growth.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment, such as LLLT, can also help to stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth.
Surgery
In some cases, surgical treatments, such as hair transplants, may be necessary to help prevent further hair loss.
Dietary Changes
As with treating hair loss, making dietary changes can also help to prevent it. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help to ensure that the hair follicles are receiving the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress levels and avoiding over-styling and harsh chemicals, can also help to prevent hair loss.
WHAT SHOULD MEN DO FOR HAIR LOSS?
Treat hair loss at home
Minoxidil (Rogaine®): Minoxidil can help with early-stage hair loss; it cannot regenerate an entire head of hair.
Home laser: You can purchase laser caps and laser combs to treat hair loss at home. Although only a few studies have looked at these devices, the results are promising.
Microneedling: Microneedling devices contain hundreds of tiny needles. Some studies show it can help stimulate hair growth.
Procedures to help hair regrowth
Corticosteroid injections: To help hair regrow, a dermatologist will inject this medication into bald (or thinning) areas. These injections are usually given every 4 to 8 weeks as needed, so you'll need to return to your dermatologist's office for treatment.
Hair Transplant: If you have thinning or bald areas due to male (or female) pattern baldness, your dermatologist may mention hair transplant as an option. This can be an effective and permanent solution.
Laser Treatment: If using daily minoxidil or taking medication to treat hair loss doesn't seem appealing to you, laser treatment may be an option.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Research shows this may be a safe and effective hair loss treatment. PRP involves drawing a small amount of blood, putting the blood into a machine to divide it into parts, and then injecting a portion of the blood (plasma) into the area with hair loss.
Hair loss is a problem that affects millions of men around the world. While the exact cause of hair loss varies from person to person, there are some common factors that can cause hair loss. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments and preventive measures that men can take to help prevent and treat hair loss. This may include medications, laser treatments, surgery, dietary changes, and lifestyle changes. It's important to remember that it's best to talk to your doctor before starting any hair loss treatment.
