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There are few signs of aging as frustrating as thinning hair. While it’s a normal experience that happens to almost everyone, it’s upsetting to witness a once proud mane wither and shrink to a thinning wisp. The question of how to treat thinning hair for males and females has occurred to virtually everyone.
What Causes Hair Loss
Hair loss, or alopecia, takes many forms according to the Mayo Clinic. Bald spots, often circular and itchy, are common in beards. There’s full body hair loss. There’s physical loss from loosening. But the most common is indeed hair loss from aging. It’s common and easily treatable.
When hair loss is genetic, it can take 15-25 years and it can start at any time. One study shows that three in 10 men have significant hair loss at 30 and half of all men at 50. Trying to find an exact timeline for when to start trying to treat hair loss is tricky because of just how variable every factor is.
Age is a common cause of hair loss, with hair simply going into a resting phase and follicles becoming less common and thinner. While the age this process starts varies from person to person, many individuals start seeing their hair thinning due to age in their 30’s or 40’s. For some, this thinning doesn’t go any further – the hair simply feels and looks less full than it used to, because of fewer follicles. For others, this can lead to additional problems, such as breakage, bald patches, and more.
There are also genetic components to hair thinning, such as male or female pattern baldness. These are common genetic concerns that can be frustrating to deal with. In many genetic causes of baldness and thinning, you can see certain patterns and signs early. For example, with male pattern baldness, you’ll generally start seeing hair thin and fall out at the hairline. From there, the hairline gradually recedes. Many times with this type of hair loss you’ll also see a circular area at the back of the head start to lose hair or thin out, as well.
For some, hair thinning and loss come in the form of an obsessive disorder called trichotillomania, where they pull their own hair out. This can lead to patches of hair that struggle to grow back in properly.
Other types of conditions, such as lupus, inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis, and vitamin deficiency can also either lead to or worsen thinning hair. Lupus, a disorder where a person’s body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs, often leads to thinning hair though some will lose hair in clumps. Inflammatory skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema cause hair loss. Deficiency in iron, selenium, vitamin D, and zinc will also cause hair loss.
Hair loss carries a strong stigma in many cultures. It’s most notable as a sign of aging and a loss of strength. For men, thick hair has traditionally been a very masculine image. Thinning hair is also seen as a sign of sickness as hair loss frequently accompanies severe illness. Severe illness is also a frequent source of stigmatization. Hair loss carries a stigma of poverty as reduced follicle growth frequently accompanies a poor diet and stress.
But the emotions associated with hair loss are common. Nobody wants to feel weak. Thinning hair creates deep grief in people struggling with it. There’s a need to try to cover it up. Hairpieces, hair transplants, and simply covering the head are common. All of these methods are an attempt to mask the problem and deal with the grief.
Treatments
This also creates a need to seek out any kind of thin hair for men treatment that might work. Some of the common drugs used in hair treatment products include dutasteride, finasteride, and minoxidil – which is the most common and is sold under the brand name Rogaine. These medicines help slow hair loss and in the case of finasteride even regrow hair. However, they do carry the complication that hair loss resumes when the medicine ends.
The ultimate challenge is finding an effective, lasting thin hair treatment. There’s a wide variety of products and treatments on the market to the point it can be almost impossible to figure out what the best thinning hair treatment is. With so many wildly varying options, it can be hard for any hair loss sufferer to know what the best one is. Here are three answers as to how to treat thinning hair for males.
Avoid Stress
One of the most important steps in figuring out how to treat thinning hair for males is to avoid stressing your hair. It’s important to try not to physically damage your hair. Chemical relaxers and hair ties put undue stress on the hair. It’s important to avoid stressing your body too much. Habits such as smoking and drinking will also put stress on your hair. Try to practice healthy behaviors. But most importantly, be aware that mental stress and trauma affect hair for anyone. It’s tricky to do in this society. Still, do your best to eliminate it, and you’ll see an improvement in your hair.
Get the Proper Nutrients
A diet heavy in biotin, folic acid, iron, and zinc will help your hair stay healthy. Foods such as egg yolks, liver, and nuts are strong sources of biotin, according to Heathline. Folic acid can be found in leafy green vegetables, oranges, and strawberries. Iron appears in foods such as red meat, shellfish, and tofu. Finally eat dairy, dark chocolate, and legumes for zinc. Blend these, and you’ll have a fantastic diet to treat thin hair for men.
Use Awaken
Awaken Therapeutic Hair Care & Styling from Surface is one of the best thinning hair treatments. The line of products, which includes shampoo/conditioner, mousse, and an advanced treatment system is made from a mix of modern technology and various natural ingredients. This line enhances the body’s natural ability to produce thicker follicles. This line is available for purchase at various Jude’s Barbershop locations.
Thinning hair may be a problem, but it doesn’t need to be. With healthy habits, a good diet, and a strong treatment program, you can find the ideal thin hair treatment for you.
