What Men's Hair Loss Looks Like
Almost all men experience a form of baldness at some point in their lives. While some types of baldness cause thinning hair, other types cause a man's entire head to go bald.
There are many causes of men's hair loss, with most due to genetic, hormonal, or age-related reasons. If you are experiencing hair loss, finding the cause can be the key to helping stop it.
We go over the main reasons you may be experiencing hair loss in this helpful guide.
What Men's Hair Loss Looks Like
While most men experience at least some hair loss, what it can look like varies from person to person. Balding in males can occur in many areas of the scalp. Hair loss typically forms in the center, sides, or front of the head.
Men's hair loss happens when hair follicles shrink until new hair can't grow from them anymore. The hair will get shorter until the new hair growth stops.
Male Pattern Baldness
The most common form of baldness in men is male pattern baldness. This type of baldness usually starts in the late teens or early twenties. Some of the symptoms are temporary and will only affect a small part of the scalp, while others may last for years.
A typical male baldness pattern begins at the hairline and gradually recedes to form an "M" shape. This circular area on the back of the head thins and eventually stops growing. In rare cases, the balding area looks like an elongated "U" pattern on the sides and back.
Hair Loss From Stress
Chronic stress is a contributing factor in hair loss in men. When a man experiences stress, the cells responsible for hair growth slow down.
Symptoms of hair loss from stress can vary from mild to severe. It can include symptoms like the shedding of hair and even premature baldness. While most hair loss caused by stress is temporary, some cases can last for years.
Finding ways to relieve stress and regrow hair can be a key to preventing or reversing hair loss. This type of hair loss should return once stress levels return to normal.
Alopecia
Alopecia is a disease of the immune system, making it difficult for hair follicles to grow new hair. People with alopecia develop patches of hair loss on their scalp, eyelashes, and beard.
Men with alopecia may find their skin is first very itchy. The hair then gets loose at the root and comes out in clumps. While the exact cause of alopecia is not known, genetics and the environment seem to play a significant role.
Hair Loss From Genetics
Researchers believe genetics can come into play regarding hair loss in men. Genetic hair loss can start as early as age 30 but continues well past puberty.
One of the myths people associate with genetics and baldness is that it comes from your mother's side. In actuality, baldness can occur in any male.
Hair Loss From Infections
Fungal infections like ringworm are a common cause of hair loss in men. These infections often result in circular patches on the scalp.
Although temporary, hair usually returns to the scalp once the infection has cleared. If you delay your treatment for too long, your hair loss can become permanent.
Folliculitis is another infection that can cause hair loss in men. This infection targets the hair follicles by causing them to get inflamed. If this infection is severe enough, it can cause bald patches on the head.
Another infection that can cause baldness is piedra. When someone gets this infection, they may notice hard bumps on the hair. You'll find this fungus most often in tropical locations.
Once they know what kind of infection you have, treatment options will vary. Often, anti-fungal medications or antibiotics will cure the condition. If left untreated, infections can sometimes cause permanent scarring.
Other Causes of Men's Hair Loss
Balding in a man can also happen because of health problems. If you've ruled out factors like stress and infection, your balding may stem from one of the following reasons:
iron deficiency
too much vitamin A
chronic illness like lupus or diabetes
malnutrition
use of blood thinners
It's worth it to talk to your doctor to get to the root of the problem.
Hair Loss Treatment
The good news is that there are some very effective methods to treat male baldness. These methods range from medication to transplant procedures.
If you see a receding hairline in the mirror, your doctor can help. There are many different medications available depending on your hair growth needs.
You can also try medicated shampoos and topical solutions to regrow hair. You'll have to be patient with these solutions, as they can take up to six months to work.
A more extreme hair loss solution is a hair transplant. A doctor will graft hair from the back of the scalp to more prominent areas. Although successful, this is an expensive procedure.
Micro-pigmentation is another excellent option for people with balding hair. This solution gives the appearance of a fuller head of hair by using a tattooing technique on the scalp.
Once you notice your hair thinning, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you can begin the treatment, the better your chances of regrowing hair are.
Get Your Hair Back With by Identifying Hair Loss Early
The loss of hair can cause low self-esteem in many men. Knowing the causes of men's hair loss will help guide you towards treatments that can help.
Are you suffering from hair loss and are looking for a solution? If so, Got Scalp micro-pigmentation could be the solution you've been looking for. Contact our office today to get the process started.