Balding is a widespread concern that many people experience as they age. And while it’s perfectly common, it can still be complex to talk about. It has affected billions of people around the globe, with approximately 85% of men experiencing some balding by the time they reach 60 years old. Many believe this issue affects only men; unfortunately, women are affected too.
Remember that your crowning glory indicates your health, but it can also be genetics, hair care routine, and other things that might be out of your control.
Here are some facts about balding that can help you understand your condition better and find ways to address it.
1) Androgenetic Alopecia Is The Most Common Type Of Hair Loss
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss. The condition, also known as pattern baldness, is an inherited condition present at birth and can continue to progress throughout a person’s lifetime. Noticeable hair thinning can occur by age 30 for men and age 40 for women.
It is caused by sensitivity to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the scalp. DHT binds to hair follicles in the scalp and causes them to shrink until they eventually disappear, resulting in bald patches on the head. There are many ways to slow down and reverse this hair loss, such as FDA-approved medication and natural treatments.
2) Men Have Signs Of Male-Pattern Hair Loss When They Turn 50
Male pattern balding usually starts between the ages of 25 and 30 and affects about 30 to 50% of men by age 50. It is most common on the crown or top of the head, but it can also occur on the temples and over the top of the scalp, creating a horseshoe or U-shaped pattern.
Male pattern balding is determined by genetics and the number of male sex hormones in one’s body. Each strand of hair has its own little home called a follicle. Baldness usually occurs when the follicle gets smaller due to shorter hairs that are fine and thinning out.
Read the Ultimate Guide to Male Pattern Hair Loss.
3) Certain Medical Conditions Can Cause Hair Loss
Medical conditions like pregnancy, thyroid disorders, and anaemia can cause hair loss. It’s also more common in those who are genetically predisposed.
Hair loss related to thyroid problems occurs when the body produces too much or too little thyroxine hormones that regulate how quickly our cells function. With anaemia, on the other hand, there may not be enough iron in the blood. Also, women with PCOS often have a higher risk for female pattern baldness because this condition has been linked to insulin resistance and increased levels of male hormones called androgens.
4) There’s A Specific Type Of Alopecia Affecting A Lot Of Women
Frontal fibrosing alopecia is caused by an inflammatory process and is more common in women. It can be itchy and painful and lead to hair loss. In some cases, scarring may occur, which could permanently alter the scalp. This type of alopecia has become quite common, affecting almost 50% of women by the time they turn 50 years old.
5) Stress Triggers Hair Loss
Stress is one of the many causes of hair loss. In a study, 70% of people who experienced hair loss said it was triggered by stress.
The root cause of stress-related hair loss is the hormone cortisol, which has been shown to reduce blood flow and nutrients to your scalp, resulting in thinning hair.
Stress can also affect other aspects of your health, including sleep quality and heart health. It’s important to remember there are plenty of ways to manage stress and anxiety, such as exercise, meditation, talking with friends, and the like.
6) Female-Pattern Baldness Happens During Post-Menopausal Years
Female-pattern baldness is a prevalent form of hair loss during post-menopausal years. It’s the most common cause of hair thinning in women and accounts for 95% of all hair loss in females. Most women lose their hair because they are either not making enough estrogen or because they have too many male hormones called androgens, which includes testosterone.
During menopause, when your ovaries stop producing estrogen, you gradually lose hair as your body adjusts to lower hormone levels. As a result, your scalp makes less oil than before and becomes drier. And your scalp also becomes thinner and more sensitive, so you may be more likely to experience itching, burning or tingling sensations on your scalp if you’re going through female-pattern baldness.
10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Female Pattern Hair Loss.
7) Be Careful With Certain Hairstyles And Extreme Hair Care
Extreme hairstyles and hair care can also cause a specific hair loss called traction alopecia. For instance, if you’re growing your hair, it would be better not to use ponytails or tight braids daily.
To give your follicles time to rest, try using loose braids or letting your hair flow freely down your back. It may seem like an extra step in the morning, but it’ll be worth it in the long run. Avoid brushing your hair too harshly or washing it too frequently. The former will aggravate your scalp and make bald patches more visible, while the latter will strip away vital oils that protect against dryness and breakage. Instead, massage your scalp regularly with a natural oil such as olive or coconut oil.
And when choosing a shampoo, avoid brands containing harsh chemicals that can further irritate sensitive scalps, including sulphates and parabens.
8) Only Some Types Of Hair Loss Are Treatable
There are many other reasons your hair might be thinning; unfortunately, not all are preventable and treatable. Some types of hair loss, like the traction alopecia mentioned above, can easily be prevented through injectables and behavioural modifications. However, some types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia, cannot be cured since it is a genetically-based condition, though surgical interventions might help. Different types of hair loss require treatments on a case-to-case basis, though be aware that some methods can only hinder the progression.
So knowing what type of balding you have is essential in ensuring you receive the proper treatment. It’s also necessary to maintain healthy habits throughout your treatment so that you’re able to slow down or reverse any changes. If you see any early signs of hair loss, you may speak with a dermatologist about possible treatments.
9.) Hair Loss Can Affect Any Part Of The Body
Hair loss can affect any body part when you have Alopecia Universalis, a condition where people experience complete baldness over their entire scalp and body. It occurs when people have advanced cases of Alopecia Areata, which usually only causes circular patches of baldness around the head.
10.) There Are Effective Solutions For Hair Loss
There’s no magic solution to hair loss, but certain interventions can help. Research has shown that medications like Rogaine and Propecia effectively treat male pattern baldness. Neither drug reverses baldness, but they can stop it from progressing or getting worse.
Another option is to get laser hair therapy treatments, which use intense light to stimulate hair follicles. While it doesn’t grow new hair cells, these treatments have been known to prevent new hairs from falling out. You can also try surgery, a costly procedure that transplants healthy hair follicles onto areas where you lose your locks.
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5 Good Reasons Why A Hair Replacement System Is A Smart Choice.
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