Hair Loss

The general term for hair loss is alopecia. There are several common types of alopecia that lead to different kinds of hair loss.

Male pattern baldness

This is an inherited trait that is passed down from your family. It is responsible for more than 90% of hair loss cases.

Male pattern baldness is characterised by thinning hair and a receding hairline. This means that hair begins to thin at the temples and the top of the head before a bald patch develops around the crown. This typical pattern is sometimes referred to as an "M" shape.

As these areas of hair loss continue to grow they join together, leaving a small patch of hair at the front of the head. This patch will eventually thin, leaving a small area of hair around the back and sides of the head.

Spot baldness (alopecia areata)

The second most common form of hair loss is caused by an autoimmune disease, which leads to the body attacking the scalp. This causes inflammation in affected areas and results in hair loss. The condition is more common in people with other autoimmune conditions, including hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and Down's syndrome.

These areas vary in size and shape, and alopecia areata can last for different lengths of time. Most people will find that their hair grows back within a few months. The condition is reported in 1-2% of men but usually affects teenagers and young adults.

Total hair loss (alopecia totalis)

This condition causes complete hair loss on the scalp and is caused by an autoimmune disease. It generally affects young people under the age of 40, as well as those who have undergone chemotherapy.

Scarring alopecia

Also known as cicatricial alopecia, this is usually a complication of another condition. Scarring alopecia causes the complete destruction of the hair follicle, meaning that the hair will never grow back.

Anagen effluvium

Medical treatments are usually responsible for causing anagen effluvium. Certain tablets used to treat infections or viruses can cause mild hair loss, while chemotherapy or radiotherapy can lead to total baldness.

Anagen effluvium can affect the entire body and is usually temporary. Once the course of treatment is finished, hair will normally grow back.

Telogen effluvium

This kind of hair loss is caused by severe stress and causes the growth cycle of hair follicles to be interrupted. As a result, your hair will shed. The hair will normally grow back in the long-term.

There are three main causes of hair loss: genetics, psychological and physical.

Genetics

Male pattern baldness is caused by an inherited hypersensitivity to hormones known as androgens, particularly the male hormone testosterone. This causes affected hair follicles to shrink and produce thinner hair. Over time the hair follicle will become so small that it can no longer produce hair.

For years scientists believed that the genes were passed on from your mother's side of the family, but it is now known that it can come from both sides of the family.

For most people the aging process will result in some hair loss. 2 out of 3 men will experience hair loss by the age of 60.

Psychological

Stress is associated with greying, thinning hair. Intense stress that affects sleep patterns and diet is particularly problematic.

Physical

Autoimmune diseases can cause spot baldness and total hair loss. This is where the immune system attacks the body by mistake.

A poor diet can accelerate hair loss. It is recommended that you eat a healthy, balanced diet to keep your hair in optimal condition.

Treatments such as chemotherapy can cause baldness because the medication affects hair follicles. Certain hairstyles that place great strain on the hair follicles can quicken hair loss, including cornrows or tight ponytails.

The likelihood of experiencing hair loss increases with age. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), more than half of men over the age of 50 will see some hair loss.

Those at most risk are men with close relatives that have experienced male pattern baldness at an early age. This is because the condition is passed down by family members.

Given that the main cause of hair loss is genetic, it is hard to physically prevent the process. However, there are certain things that you can do to help.

These methods are most useful in cases of hair loss caused by psychological and physical factors.

• Eating a balanced diet is recommended. Hair follicles are made of proteins, so it advisable to get plenty of protein from your food. Good sources include fish, beans, dairy, cheese and nuts.
• It may also be advisable to avoid certain types of shampoo that contain chemicals harmful to your hair. If you think your scalp is sensitive, stick to organic shampoos.
• Some experts recommend including more calcium in your diet. It has been shown to improve hair strength, thickness and general health.
• Avoid certain hairstyles that place a strain on the hair follicles. This includes ponytails and cornrows. These hairstyles can cause a condition known as traction alopecia, which is caused by tension on the hair follicles over a long period of time. Try not to pull your hair too tightly if you wear it in one of these styles.
• Stress has been linked to hair loss. Popular stress-reduction techniques include yoga and meditation.

Many men accept that hair loss is a part of life and do not seek treatment. However, younger men may be distressed by hair loss and want to find out how to treat it.

If you are worried about hair loss, there are a number of treatments to consider. It is important to remember that there is no cure for hair loss at this time, but it is possible to slow or even reverse the process to some extent.

Natural remedies

There are a huge number of natural remedies that purportedly prevent hair loss. Their effectiveness has generally not been proven by science. Amongst the most popular is saw palmetto.

Medication

You can also buy medication that has been proven to slow and sometimes reverse hair loss. The most popular medications on the market are an over-the-counter lotion and a brand of prescription tablets.

It is possible to buy the lotion at your local pharmacy without a prescription. However, you will need to visit your doctor to get a prescription for the tablets.

You will have to rub the lotion onto your scalp every day. These medications take a few months to have any effect in most cases. Regrowth will be lost if you stop using the medication, and hair loss will continue at its previous rate.

Surgery

Another option is to undergo surgical treatment for hair loss. There are three main kinds of surgery available today.

A hair transplant involves taking hair from the back of the scalp and putting it on the bald front section, while scalp reduction is used to treat small bald patches by removing the bald section of the scalp and stretching a healthy section of hair over it. The third possibility, known as flap surgery, involves covering a small area of hair loss by stretching healthy scalp over it.

Surgery is an expensive option and you will likely have to cover the cost yourself. Be aware that some procedures may need to be repeated further down the line.

If you do want to take the surgical route, make sure to research a reputable surgeon.

Wigs

Another treatment option is to buy a wig. Modern wigs are high-quality and represent a good option for those suffering hair loss from cancer and chemotherapy.

Counselling

Some men may find hair loss particularly distressing. Psychological distress can include low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and other emotional disturbances. In these cases, it is advisable to seek help and counseling.

Talking to a professional can help you come to terms with hair loss, and help you to decide whether you should seek treatment or not.