How to stop hair loss in men?

The problem of hair loss keeps some men awake at night. No wonder, since strong and thick hair is considered something attractive in our cultural circle. The causes of excessive hair loss may lie in genetics, hormones, autoimmune diseases or very poor grooming habits. However, it is worth knowing that there are virtually no situations in which absolutely nothing can be done. Find out how to stop hair loss in men.

What can hair loss in men be from?

Androgenetic alopecia

The most common cause of hair loss in men, is androgenetic alopecia. This condition affects between 70 and 80 percent of patients presenting to doctors with excessive hair thinning. Androgenetic alopecia occurs when hair follicles become sensitive to the testosterone derivative dihydrotestosterone. Initially, the hair becomes thinner and weaker, until eventually it falls out, and the hairstyle visibly reduces its volume. With the passage of time, the follicles become dormant and inactive, despite the fact that they are not damaged. This type of baldness can affect men as young as 20-30 years old. The first symptom is the deepening of the bends, then the hair on the top of the head falls out, and finally the remaining hair. The characteristic feature of this condition is that the hair remains only on the occipital area.

Telogen alopecia

Telogen alopecia is associated with a disruption of the natural hair cycle. Although more common in women, it is also found in men. The pathomechanism of this type of alopecia has not been fully elucidated. It can be related to the endocrine system, chronic stress and improper dietary habits, as well as prolonged intake of certain medications. However, it is generally hypothesized that it is a disease related to the autoimmune system. If the trichologist manages to find the cause of the problem, most of the hair can be recovered in as little as 6 months, so taking intensive diagnostic measures is very worthwhile in this case.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata affects both men and women. It is increasingly appearing in patients under the age of 30. It is characterized by the appearance of bald patches on the scalp. In the course of the disease, inflammation develops, as a result of which hair follicles are destroyed and hair falls out. Its causes are suspected to be autoimmune. There are different types of alopecia areata – focal, multifocal, generalized, total or diffuse. Sometimes atopic skin lesions and nail disease co-occur.

Seborrheic alopecia

This type of alopecia is associated with a course of seborrheic dermatitis. Initially, dandruff appears on the skin, followed by yellow scales and occasional exudates. The scalp itches, and over time excessive hair loss may join the symptoms. Seborrheic alopecia is generally somewhat easier to treat than androgenetic or alopecia areata. Although the treatment is long-lasting, it usually gives patients hope of regaining their hairstyle naturally. However, therapeutic interventions must be taken quickly enough, even before irreversible damage to the hair follicles occurs.

Seasonal hair loss

Seasonal hair loss can be further exacerbated by stress and poor health habits. Under standard circumstances, we lose 50-100 hairs a day, but during the autumn period the amount can reach up to 150. Seasonal hair loss is always a temporary process and does not last more than a few weeks. In addition, in the place of the hair that falls out, the so-called “hair loss” grows. baby hair, or short hairs that replace those lost. If symptoms persist, medical consultation is necessary. Usually, when dealing with seasonal hair loss we notice increased loss from our surroundings (brushes, shower drain, bed), but not from the thinning hair on our head.

At what age do men go bald?

The problem of excessive hair loss affects up to 1/3 of men between the 25th and 40th. year of age. Mostly, however, the first symptoms or the tendency to develop them in the future can be observed around the age of 20. It is easy to conclude that baldness may also affect us in a few years from now by the state of other men’s hair in the family. Indeed, some forms of baldness are hereditary. The bends or so-called. A high forehead can be one such signal. The type of baldness that can be considered relatively natural is that which occurs after the age of 50. It is related to the natural activity of hormones and occurs in a large number of men.

Read more: The effect of hormones on hair loss. What hormones to test?

What vitamins for hair loss in men?

Since lifestyle, perceived stress levels or nutrition often play a role in hair loss, it is definitely worthwhile to ensure an adequate supply of vitamins in the diet. Among those that have a direct impact on the condition of our hairstyle is mentioned:

• Vitamin A and E – both are responsible for the health and elasticity of hair. They are also called the vitamins of youth for a reason. In vitamin A deficiencies, one encounters hair abrasion, brittleness and hair loss.
• Biotin (B7) – is available in both supplement and drug form. It is known for stimulating hair growth and making it grow stronger. In addition, it can reduce the occurrence of seborrhea.
• niacin – has a positive effect on the condition of hair follicles, nourishes them and stimulates them to start working. It stimulates circulation in the scalp and oxygenates it. It has a soothing and seborrhea-regulating effect.
• riboflavin (B2) – hair loss is common in its deficiency. It participates in metabolizing other vitamins that are important for their health.

In addition to this, cobalamin (B12) or pyridoxine (B6) also has an impact on the condition of hair. It is also very important to take care of adequate levels of minerals, especially zinc, copper, iron and silicon.

Read more: Hair vitamins – discover the power of vitamins to strengthen and prevent hair loss

Diagnosis with a trichologist

Whenever excessive hair loss is observed, it is advisable to go for a trichology consultation. During its course, the specialist will assess whether we should be worried and take steps to prevent prolapse, or whether the situation is within normal limits. Each visit begins with an interview with the patient and a visual inspection of the scalp and hair. The doctor may also recommend specialized tests.

Among the basic diagnostic methods are gently pulling a few dozen hairs and counting how many were pulled out during the procedure. Trichoscopy is also often used, which involves viewing the scalp under tremendous magnification – from 20 to as much as 200 times. It allows assessment of the hair, the condition of the scalp and its problems and hair follicles. The test is completely painless and non-invasive, and provides a lot of information about the causes of hair loss problems.

Trichoscopy in Warsaw

As part of an in-depth diagnosis, the doctor may order a trichogram. For this diagnostic procedure, it is necessary to take about 50 hairs, and then analyze the number of follicles in different stages of growth. The trichogram also provides information on whether the follicles are deformed, the hair is thinning or the hair structure is disturbed. In a situation where more than 15% of the harvested hair will be in the telogen phase, telogen alopecia is diagnosed.

Trichological treatment

In androgenetic alopecia, popular treatments include systemic as well as topical preparations. These include, for example, finasteride, dutasteride or minoxidil. They can be used selectively or in combination, and can be administered topically or orally depending on the agent chosen. These substances stimulate hair follicles and increase the amount of hair, which is in the anagen phase. Minoxidil is also sometimes used after hair restoration procedures to accelerate hair growth.

Hair loss treatment in Warsaw

For plaque treatment, cyclosporine and topically applied steroids are quite common. UVA, UVB or PUVA light therapy has had satisfactory results. Sometimes cryotherapy or trichological treatments such as mesotherapy are also used. In the course of seborrheic alopecia, a dithranol treatment may be used to induce local inflammation. Antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic preparations and phototherapy are also prescribed.

Trichology treatments

Among the primary trichological treatments used to treat alopecia are:

• Needle mesotherapy of the scalp – involving subcutaneous delivery of nutrients by injection. This can improve the condition of the hair, prevent excessive hair loss and strengthen the hair follicles.
• Platelet-rich plasma for hair – the treatment nourishes the scalp, improves microcirculation and promotes hair growth. Since the applied product is made from the patient’s blood, the risk of allergic reactions is reduced to practically zero.
• Oxygen therapies – helpful in particular for seborrhea of the scalp, as well as baldness and excessive hair loss. They involve injecting concentrated oxygen under the skin at high pressure. They clean out blocked pores, nourish hair follicles and oxygenate the scalp.

As a last resort, a hair transplant can also be performed. It is the most invasive method of treating baldness while achieving the most stunning results. It involves taking hair follicles from the donor site (usually the occipital) and transferring them to the recipient site. It’s a method that allows you to have thick hair in areas that have been resistant to all other types of treatment.

Hair transplant in Warsaw

Currently, FUE is considered the most modern and safest technique for performing transplantation. It does not use a scalpel or sutures, and what’s more, it leaves no scars. Its performance is comfortable for the patient and is associated with a short recovery time – almost immediately after the procedure you can return to normal duties, while following the doctor’s instructions.