Hair loss is something that bothers many men. Starting to see through your hairline or seeing a photo from "bad angle" can be very stressful. It was so for me at least.
But why does it actually happen? And what can we do to fight this process of nature? Is there even something to do, other than going for starting to save up for hair transplant?
Let's take a look at the main reasons why men lose their hair and what you can do to keep your hair healthy.
1. Genetics Is the Main Reason
One of the most common reasons for hair loss is genetics. This type of hair loss is called 'hereditary baldness' (androgenetic alopecia).
If your father or grandfather started losing their hair early, it's likely that it could happen to you as well. But it does not have to be just your father being bold. It can be your grandfather from mother's side, remote ancle, etc.
How do genetics speak into baldness? The answer is called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This DHT is slowly expanding under the scalp, making the follicles to close once they do not have enough power to let the hair growth continue.
When can you experience DHT balding first time? It depends, there are some that have a rough encounter during early 20s. Most guys encounter it around their 30s. And some are lucky to only find out in their 50s.
It weakens the growth of hair, and without you giving your hair extra nutrients, the hair just starts to disappear, slowly but surely.
2. Lack of Nutrients
A lack of important vitamins and minerals can have a big impact on the health of your hair.
Vitamins like biotin, vitamin D, iron, and zinc are key for hair growth and strength. If your diet doesn’t contain enough of these nutrients, hair follicles can weaken, and hair growth can slow down or stop entirely. Therefore, a balanced diet full of essential vitamins and minerals is crucial.
3. Stress and Lifestyle
Stressful lifestyle can also affect your hair. Excessive stress can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, where more hair than usual falls out at once. If your hair problem occured suddenly and out of nowhere, the chances are high that this is the source issue.
Poor diet, lack of sleep, and smoking can also weaken hair follicles and cause hair loss.
4. Hair and Scalp Care
Improper hair care can also lead to hair damage. Using harsh shampoos, frequent use of hot styling tools, or chemical treatments damages your hair.
To keep your hair healthy, it’s important to use gentle products and minimize damage. And if it can give your hair nutrients it needs, even better.
How to Fight Hair Loss?
- Give your hair nutrients: Through food that enters your body, as well as through the haircare that you use.
- Take care of your hair: Learn how often and in which way to use hair products. (Hint: Using whatever shampoo you find in the shop during every shower is deffinitely not making anything better)
- Healthy Lifestyle: A diet full of natural protein, regular exercise, and enough sleep can help keep your hair healthy. Vitamins like biotin, zinc, and vitamin D are also very helpful for hair growth.
In Conclusion
You must see it as a complex issue. Hair is part of your body. If your body does not feel like it has enough nutrients to send to your hair, it will simply not send it there. And then your hair, otherwise even healthy, will simply slowly start to fade away. Lack of nutrients will make your hair weaker, DHT will make the follicles smaller and smaller, and as a combination of two forces, you end up with much less hair on your head.
Hair loss is a common thing that many men experience, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything about it. With proper care, a healthy lifestyle, and the right hair care, you can stop the process and even get your hair back to growth phase, instead of "fading away phase".
