Women seem to be more vocal regarding the importance of their look– being dubbed as the crowning glory. On the other hand, men may not be so expressive about it, but their hair is also a symbol of masculinity and power.
A man’s hair is a part of his identity. This also represents vitality and strength. This explains how hair loss can be a devastating experience for men as much as it is for women.
However, hair loss is said to be more common in men than in women.
Why is Hair Loss More Common in Men – The Numbers Don’t Lie
Around 70% of men and 40% of women suffer from hair loss. Furthermore, a 2005 European study revealed that around 62% of men admitted that hair loss lowers their self-esteem. Reportedly, men are afraid to lose their attractiveness once they lose their hair.
It’s important to note that hair shedding is different from that of hair loss or alopecia. Hair shedding happens in certain stressful phases of life, but the hair will just grow back. On the other hand, hair loss or male pattern baldness is permanent.
A View on Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia is said to be hereditary. According to the National Institute of Health, this medical condition tends to run in families. This happens when the androgen receptors found in the hair follicles respond to DHT, a byproduct of testosterone.
It’s DHT that ultimately shrinks the hair follicles, which makes it impossible for growing healthy hair. DHT is produced in men, so this accounts for why men are more susceptible or genetically predisposed to hair loss or androgenetic alopecia.
Hair loss in men may begin in the puberty stage, and the risk also increases as you age. Women also experience hair loss but they never really experience going bald. Hair thinning is the more ample description of hair loss in women.
However, men’s hair loss is more defined and has a pattern. At age 50, around 85% of a man’s hair will be completely gone.
How To Manage Hair Loss In Men
While there is no way to stop androgenetic alopecia, there are several effective ways to reduce or control it.
Use FDA-approved Hair Medications or Treatments
Rogaine and Propecia are two of the most popular and effective hair treatments for hair loss in men. This helps control hair loss while also enable the growth of new hair. The trick here is to use the product at least twice daily for a period of six months.
Diet Modification
It is important to shift to a healthy diet which helps feed your hair with nutrients to grow. Make sure to eat food that is enriched with vitamin D, zinc, protein, iron, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids. Also, avoid oily and fried foods which could stimulate the oil glands and increase insulin and testosterone levels.
Hair Restorative Surgery or Transplant
More men are now open to a hair restoration or hair transplant procedures in getting their hair back. The use of FUE is preferred more by men, mainly because it’s faster and less invasive than other surgical techniques.
It also promises a shorter recovery period and minimal scarring. Most men would just keep mum about hair loss. But, with the medical technology and hair surgical procedures that people are enjoying today, it’s easy to be more aggressive and proactive in tackling androgenetic alopecia.
Overall, taking preventive measures and knowing your risk factors can help you deal and manage hair loss at an early stage.