Here’s what you should know about hair loss in men 

Explore the various causes and symptoms of *hair loss in men and follow our expert tips and advice to control and prevent hair fall.

1. What causes hair loss in men?
2. What is male pattern baldness and why it occurs?
3. Symptoms of hair loss in men
4. How to prevent hair loss in men?
5. Hair care tips to follow
6. When to see a doctor?

“Hair today, gone tomorrow”—we have all heard stories of receding hairlines that occur with age. Though the purpose of this statement is to prepare you for something that’s inevitable, accepting hair loss is not easy, especially when you are in your 30s! Did you know that almost 25% of men start losing hair by the time they are 30 years old? As common as hair loss sounds, the effect it has on a person’s life can be unpleasant. Though things may appear bleak, all is not lost. There are various hair loss treatments and hair care tips that can slow down the process.

Before we share tips on how to prevent it, let’s look at what causes hair loss in men in the first place.

The primary cause of hair loss in men is genetics. In fact, over 95% of men experience *hair fall because of their genes. It is normal for people to lose 50 to 100 hair strands a day. And there’s no need to panic, because new hair grows as fast as you lose it. The problem, or should we say hair loss in men, occurs when new hair does not grow to replace the ones that have fallen out.

Other know causes of hair loss in men include:

• Alopecia areata
  
• Thyroid issues or anaemia
  
• Medications such as blood thinners, high doses of vitamin A, steroids
  
• Scalp infections
  
• Radiation or chemotherapy treatments
  
• Poor diet
  
• Stress
  
• Tight hairstyles that cause strain to the scalp
  

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, is the most common type of hair fall in men and again, your genes play a big role here. Research shows that the gene responsible for male pattern baldness, is related to male sex hormones called androgens. These androgens handle a variety of bodily functions, including regulating your hair growth. At times, these androgens can cause the hair follicles to get smaller, and the hair that grows is thinner, finer, and shorter. With time, it takes longer for your hair to grow back. Eventually, the follicles shrink, and no hair grows at all. Men who have a genetic predisposition to hair loss, experience a receding hairline with thinning strands around the crown area. Over time, this area goes bald, and you notice a horseshoe pattern of hair above the ears that circles the back of the head.

Male pattern baldness can affect teenagers as well but typically it occurs in adult men. The chances of this occurring increases with age. Men who have close relatives with male pattern baldness are at a greater risk of developing the same condition. However, you can get an early start if you identify the symptoms of hair loss from the beginning. So, how to stop hair loss in men? Allow us to enlighten you.

The symptoms of hair loss in men can occur gradually or suddenly, and sometimes, it doesn’t just affect your scalp but your whole body.

• Circular or patchy bald spots:

A major symptom of hair loss in men is the appearance of circular or patchy bald spots. This can occur on your scalp, eyebrows, or beard, and make your skin itchy or painful before the hair starts falling out.

• Gradual thinning of hair on top of the head:

This is the most common type of hair loss in men, where with age, your hairline starts receding on the forehead.

• Sudden loosening of the hair:

This type of hair fall in men occurs due to a sudden emotional or physical shock. It can cause the hair to loosen and fall off when you run your fingers through it. This type of hair loss is usually temporary as the hair eventually grows back.

• Patchy scales that spread over the scalp:

Such type of hair loss in men occurs due to ringworm. This condition is often accompanied by broken hair, swelling, redness, and oozing.

Prevention is always better than cure. Instead of dealing with a condition that causes physical and mental distress, you can take some measures that will answer your question - how to prevent hair loss in men? Here are some easy tips you can follow:

• Be gentle: 

Always be gentle to your hair. Do not comb it harshly or subject your delicate hair to heat styling or chemical treatments as it can weaken your mane.

• Sun protection:

Exposing your hair directly to the harmful UV rays of the sun can damage it. Protect your hair from sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light.

• Choose the right hair products:

When you choose the right hair products for your hair, you are ensuring that it stays healthy and strong. Hair like this seldom falls prey to hair loss. If you want to strengthen your hair from inside-out, try Head & Shoulders UltraMen Hair Retain 2-in-1. This unique hair product from Head & Shoulders is created with a boosted formula that contains Ginseng for stronger hair from root to tip. Plus, the 2-in-1 formula cleans and conditions your hair in one easy step and prevents hair loss*.

• Quit smoking:

If you smoke, it’s time to kick the butt. Some studies have discovered an association between smoking and baldness in men.

Though hair fall in men is a hereditary phenomenon, these tips can help prevent hair loss in males to a certain extent.

When you search “how to control hair fall in males?” on the Internet, you’ll come across a slew of hair care tips that will help you control hair loss. Since too much information can get overwhelming, we are here to help. These essential hair care tips will help you keep hair fall in check.

• Consume a healthy diet:

A diet that is rich in all essential nutrients is your practical answer to how to reduce hair fall in men. Add lean meats, fish, soy, or other protein sources to promote hair health and keep hair loss at bay.

• De-stress:

Apart from being chaotic for one’s overall health, stress also causes hair loss, which is why you need to find some effective ways to keep your stress in check.

• Don’t brush wet hair:

Avoid brushing wet hair as it is brittle and prone to breakage. This could lead to the loss of your precious hair strands.

• Avoid over-styling:

Using styling products occasionally is fine, but your hair suffers when you get into the habit of styling it daily. Refrain from using gels or hair wax every day as it leaves behind residue that can cause dandruff and hair loss.

• Keep your head sweat-free:

Keeping your hair sweat-free is vital as it can trigger dandruff. Plus, the sweat can get accumulated in the pores and weaken the hair roots, and lead to hair loss.

The secret to understanding how to stop hair fall for men lies in knowing when to visit your doctor. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience sudden patchy hair loss, develop a rash, or your skin becomes scaly.

With the right hair care products and adhering to a careful hair care regimen, you can prevent or at least delay hair loss.

(*due to breakage)

*All references on this page refers to hair fall or hair loss due to breakage.