December 28th, 2020 | Updated on June 9th, 2023
By the age of 35, nearly two-thirds of men will experience hair loss according to the American Hair Loss Association. Hair is a major factor that contributes to physical appearance. Loss of hair can make men appear older and less attractive to women.
While 95% of hair loss is caused by male pattern baldness, ultimately there are countless medical conditions and other causes of hair loss in men.
Hair Loss In Men And Steps To Prevent It
Keep reading to learn more about these causes, as well as steps to help prevent hair loss.
1. Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenic Alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss in men as well as in women. This is a genetic condition. Men affected by this condition will typically lose hair at the top of their heads and the front of the scalp.
One of the warning signs of androgenic alopecia is a receding hairline.
2. Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a mental disorder and falls within the spectrum of Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorders. It is also called “hair-pulling disorder”. The disorder is characterized by irresistible urges to pull out body hair.
In addition to the scalp, affected persons may pull hair from their eyebrows and eyelashes. Over time, this condition results in hair loss and bald spots.
3. Hypothyroidism And Hair Loss
Other causes of sudden hair loss may be related to certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism. The thyroid is responsible for controlling hormones that promote growth and development in the body. A person with hypothyroidism is unable to produce adequate hormone levels. This results in the thinning of the hair on the scalp as well as the rest of the body.
4. Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection spread through skin-to-skin contact, often with an infected person, animal, or object. It may appear anywhere on the body and is often red. Some infections may be swollen or itchy. When ringworm infects the scalp, it creates bald patches.
5. Side Effect of Medication
Hair loss can also occur as a side effect from medication for a particular condition. Persons being treated for cancer are especially susceptible to hair loss. Traditional cancer treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, as well as stem cell therapy. The purpose of these treatments is to destroy rapidly growing cancer cells, and other abnormal cells in the body.
Unfortunately, the cells that are responsible for hair growth are also fast-acting and may be susceptible to attack.
6. Trauma
Hair loss can be the body’s response to physical or emotional trauma.
Regarding physical trauma, hair loss may occur after having the flu, experiencing extreme weight loss, or undergoing extensive surgery. Hair loss might be a response to the emotional stress or trauma of losing a loved one.
This type of stress-induced hair loss is temporary and may last up to six months.
7. Protein Deficiency
Other reasons for hair loss include nutrient deficiencies, such as protein.
Keratin is a special type of protein that makes up the hair, skin, and nails. In addition to acting as a structural component, keratin also protects the body from damage. Without sufficient protein to make keratin, these parts of the body are weakened.
Persons deficient in protein may notice their hair becoming brittle or shedding frequently. In the rest of the body, protein deficiency may appear as fatigue, struggling to perform strenuous physical activity or prolonged healing of scrapes and bruises.
8. Iron Deficiency
Cells in the body require oxygen to perform basic functions, some of which include promoting growth and repair.
Hemoglobin, which is a protein within the blood, is primarily responsible for supplying the body with oxygen. For the body to produce hemoglobin, they need iron. Without it, the body lacks adequate oxygen supply.
Without oxygen to stimulate hair growth, people can experience thinning and hair loss on the scalp.
9. Hairstyling
Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by frequent pulling of the hair follicles. Certain hairstyles are responsible for causing this type of damage. For example, braids, cornrows, and ponytails or buns that are especially tight.
While this type of hair loss may be more common in women, men with longer hair may also be susceptible.
Hair Loss Treatment For Men
Male pattern baldness is one of the few causes of hair loss in men that is permanent. However, there are a variety of medications that either stimulate new hair growth or lessen the effects of hair thinning. Other treatment options like laser therapy to encourage hair growth and hair transplants are also available.
Trichotillomania can be treated with therapy and medication.
Consult with a doctor for treatment of hypothyroidism or other hormonal imbalances. A doctor should also be consulted when treating infections such as ringworm. When meeting with a doctor, discuss the types of treatments available, and bring up concerns for medications that list hair loss as a side effect.
Any hair loss due to stress will likely grow back on its own, otherwise, try reducing stress levels in the future.
The best treatment method for hair loss due to protein and iron deficiency is instilling a balanced diet. Most dietitians recommend 10 to 35% of total calories consumed should come from protein. Sources of iron include red meat, beans, and lentils, as well as supplements.
When considering hairstyle, opt for looser styles or otherwise wearing hair down.
Other successful methods of preventing hair loss include taking care of your hair. This means utilizing hair products without harmful chemicals. Additional tips include avoiding hot showers and reducing the use of heat on the hair.
Excessive heat leads to dryness, breakages, and may slow hair growth.
Hair gummy vitamins have also proven to be successful. Taking one or two vitamins a day strengthens the hair and helps it grow. They supply your hair with all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, and they taste good.
There are plenty of causes of hair loss in men. Though some are permanent and others are temporary, all nine can be prevented by taking care of the body and hair.
If you found this information helpful, consider checking out the rest of our site for more health and lifestyle tips!
