Premature baldness in men is a common problem that can be pretty stressful. It affects millions of men worldwide and can lead to social isolation and low self-esteem. It is estimated that about 85% of men experience hair loss at 50, and a few start in their 20s.
Fortunately, several treatments are available for premature baldness in men, ranging from medication to hair transplants.
This article takes an in-depth look at premature baldness in men, its causes, ways to fix it, and tips on preventing it.
What is Premature Baldness?
Premature baldness is defined as abnormally rapid or extreme hair loss that occurs before the age of 35. This excessive hair loss typically leads to thinning or complete absence of hair on the scalp or other body parts such as eyebrows, beard, and even chest area.
The balding pattern varies with each individual but usually follows a similar way, with receding temples and thinning crown area with a horseshoe shape remaining along the sides and back of the head.
Signs of Premature Hair Loss in Men
The most apparent sign of premature hair loss is a noticeable decrease in the amount or thickness of existing hairs, which will eventually cause patchy areas where no new hairs grow back. Other signs may include: thinning or balding of the hair on top of your head, receding hairline at the temples, a widening part in the middle of your scalp, and an increase in shedding.
What Causes Premature Baldness in Men?
Several factors can lead to premature baldness in men, such as:
- Smoking: Smoking has been linked to increased testosterone levels which may lead to male pattern baldness.
- Genetic Trait: Hereditary traits play a significant role in determining who will experience premature baldness. If either parent had this condition, you are likely to get it.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications tend to cause side effects such as hair loss or thinning of existing hair due to their impact on hormones and follicles. Examples include certain antibiotics, antidepressants, chemotherapy, and even steroids for bodybuilding purposes.
- Excess Intake Of Vitamin A: Overconsumption of vitamin A can inhibit the production of sebum needed for healthy scalp conditions and eventually leads to excessive dryness leading to dandruff formation, which causes premature balding over time.
- An Illness: Various illnesses such as lupus, thyroid disorders, cancer, and trichotillomania (compulsive pulling out of one’s hair) can lead to premature baldness.
- Alopecia is a medical condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hairs, thus leading to the balding or thinning of existing ones.
- Lupus: Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that affects various parts of the body, including skin and hair follicles, causing inflammation and scarring, leading to permanent hair loss in affected areas.
- Thyroid Disorders: Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism can cause excessive shedding due to changes in metabolism and hormones in the thyroid gland.
- Excessive Use of hair products: Using too many styling products or using them too frequently may dry out the scalp and damage follicles resulting in premature baldness over time.
- Stress has been linked to increased levels of cortisol hormone, which then leads to lowered testosterone production, eventually making it difficult for new hairs to grow back on affected areas, leading to further thinning or complete absence thereof.
- Nutritional Deficiency: Lack of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and biotin can lead to poor scalp conditions and premature hair loss due to follicle damage.
Ways to Fix Premature Baldness in Men
There are several treatments available for fixing premature baldness in men:
- Take Medication: Various medications help treat male pattern baldness, such as Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Finasteride (Propecia). These medications work by reducing levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is responsible for causing hair loss in many cases. However, these drugs do not stop further hair loss completely; they just slow down the process.
- Hair Transplant: Hair transplantation is one of the most effective ways of treating premature baldness since it involves taking existing hairs from thicker parts of your scalp and transferring them into areas where there is no hair growth or thinning. This procedure requires a skilled surgeon like those from hair transplant Turkey, who will carefully place each follicle, giving you a natural look after surgery.
- Laser Treatment: Laser treatment is a relatively new procedure that uses low-level laser light to stimulate hair follicles and encourage them to regrow. This method is quite effective in treating premature baldness, but results vary depending on the individual’s response.
- Shampoo Treatment: Various shampoos contain biotin or palmetto extract that helps reduce shedding and promote healthy hair growth. However, these shampoos do not stop hair loss completely; they only slow down the process.
- Home Remedies: Several home remedies are available for treating premature baldness, such as massaging your scalp with essential oils and applying onion juice or garlic paste directly onto affected areas. You can also take herbal supplements containing vitamins and minerals known to improve scalp conditions.
When Does Premature Baldness in Men Start?
The age at which men start experiencing premature baldness can vary from one person to another due to genetic predisposition, health, and lifestyle habits.
Generally speaking, it begins between the early twenties for most men and progresses more rapidly if left untreated. The severity of this condition also varies from mild thinning of existing hairs to complete absence thereof over time if proper treatment is not taken.
Tips to Prevent Premature Hair Loss in Men
Although treatments are available to fix premature baldness, it’s best to take preventive measures to avoid the condition altogether. Here are some tips:
- Avoid excessive hairstyling, such as blow drying or using chemical hair products.
- Try not to wear tight hats or headgear, which can restrict blood circulation and damage hair follicles over time.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet containing all essential nutrients for optimal scalp conditions.
- Reduce stress levels by engaging in activities that relax you, such as yoga, meditation, or exercising regularly.
- Minimize smoking and alcohol consumption since both of these have been linked to increased testosterone levels leading to male pattern baldness eventually if left unchecked for long periods.
Final Thoughts
Premature baldness in men affects millions of people worldwide and can lead to social isolation and low self-esteem and confidence in men. That’s why you’ll find men wearing hair patches to hide their baldness.
Fortunately, Men can now use the various baldness treatments available, from medication to hair transplants. They can also take preventative measures, like eating healthy, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and exercising to prevent premature hair loss.