CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS IN MEN
Male Pattern Baldness
The most common type of Hair Loss in Men is known as Male Pattern Baldness or Androgenic Alopecia. 40% of Men are affected by this type of Hair Loss by 35 and 50% by the age of 50. Typical characteristics of Male Pattern Baldness are receding from the front of the hair line or temple area, and / or Thinning from the crown. As the Hair Loss gradually progresses, eventually the top of the scalp will become bald and the hairs will still grow at the sides, and back of the scalp. By the time the characteristics of MPB are noticeable up to 50% of the hairs within the Thinning area may be lost. Male Pattern Baldness is caused by the male hormone Dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT. Eventually, in all Men, the DHT hormone causes the hair to thin at the top of the scalp, however Men that are susceptible to Thinning at an earlier age will inherit a sensitivity to the DHT hormone. MPB can be inherited from either side of your parents’ family history. To find out exactly how the DHT hormone causes Hair Loss read The Science behind how it works. If Male Pattern Baldness is common throughout your family history treating Hair Loss as a preventative measure may ensure that your hair doesn’t thin at all, or at the very least slow down the process which can delay it for a number of years. Other types of Hair Loss in Men include Alopecia Areata / Totalis / Universalis, Telogen Effluvium and Trichotillomania.
Anemia
Anemia (also known as Iron deficiency) results from having a low numbers of red blood cells. It can be caused due to your diet lacking in Iron rich foods, your body not absorbing the Iron correctly or loss of blood, illness and pregnancy. Iron optimises energy levels, nourishes your skin and keeps your heart healthy. It is essential for your general fitness and well-being. If Anemia is suspected to be a contributing factor to your Hair Loss our Consultant may recommend that you have a blood test to check your Iron levels, specifically your Ferritin levels. Ferritin is stored Iron and it helps to produce hair cell protein. Having the correct levels of Ferritin also promotes the Anagen ‘Growing’ Phase of the hair growth cycle. If you are lacking in Iron your body will utilise stored Ferritin from non-essential tissue and give it to essential tissue such as your heart. Anemia can be treated with an Iron supplement prescribed by your GP.
Diet
Our clients are all offered a diet assessment to look specifically at protein intake. A diet lacking in protein can further accelerate the Hair Loss and result in slow growing and brittle hair. If a client is looking to dramatically change their diet, to become vegan for example we will recommend that they ensure they are still getting their daily requirement of Protein for other sources than meat, fish or dairy.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is also known as diffuse thinning. When experiencing this type of Hair Loss up to 70% of the Hair Follicles may shed and remain in the resting phase for longer than usual before growing again. Due to there being significantly less active hairs growing to cover the scalp, it results in a finer layer of hairs and the scalp being more visible. This type of hair loss can be caused by stress, poor diet, illness or a change in hormone levels.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is thought to be triggered by an autoimmune disease, whereby the body attacks the hair follicles and disrupts normal hair formation and growth. As Alopecia Areata advances it is possible to result in complete hair loss on the scalp and in some cases loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair and body hair too. this condition is known as Alopecia Totalis or Universalis.
The exact cause is yet to be discovered so there isnt a known cure, however, treatments such as Scalp Micropigmentation may help manage the condition by offering a camouflage
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is the psychological condition that results in the sufferer developing an uncontrollable complulsion to pull hairs out directly from the scalp or in some cases eyelashes or eyebrows. this condition is most common in children aged 9 to 13, however, if untreated it is sometimes carried into adulthood. It is important to address the underlying psychicological condition to prevent further hair loss, then in some cases the treatments and servicesz we offer may help to improve the density of hair, depending on how active the hair follicles are within the affected area.