Answers To Common Questions About Hair Loss In Men

When it comes to looking good, one of the most important aspects is the hair. You not only have to have the right haircut that suits your face shape, but you also have to invest a lot of time and effort in hair maintenance. Every morning, with the help of different kinds of hair care products, you need to spend longer than usual in front of the mirror to make sure every strand is in place before you head out, and to keep your mane shiny and healthy for a long time.

However, for men who get hit by baldness before they even reach retirement age, there is no need for them to deal with such a meticulous hair care routine. According to studies, one in every four men starts losing hair by the time he turns 30 years old. This is primarily due to the baldness gene that gets passed down from one generation to another. If you are unfortunate to have inherited it, there is really nothing much you can do. You just have to learn to embrace it and live with it.

To help you better understand hair loss in men, some commonly asked questions regarding this condition are answered below:

What causes male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition that is characterized by hair loss. If you have first or second degree relatives who suffer from it, it is very likely that you will also find yourself in the same situation in the near future. It occurs due to the changes of hormone levels over the years, and is most common among white men.

When will my hair start thinning out?

Typically, men who have male pattern baldness start losing their hair in their twenties. Then, it takes another 10 to 20 years for their hair to thin out even more. By the time they reach their 50^th birthday, around half of them lose all of their hair. However, there have been several cases in which the men went completely bald in a span of only five years. It is different for every person, so it is quite impossible to give exact numbers on when the process starts, how long it will take, and so on.

Will my eyelashes, eyebrows, and other body hair fall out too if I have male pattern baldness?

One good news for men who have male pattern baldness — only the hair on your head is affected. Your eyelashes, eyebrows, pubic hair, and other body hair are safe. This means you do not have to worry about hiding bald spots on other parts of your face and body.

Can stress cause hair loss?

Yes, stress can lead to hair loss. If you work overtime a lot, stay up late many nights to finish school projects, or often deal with family or relationship problems, you might eventually notice clumps of your hair falling to the floor. To address this, you should engage in activities that relaxes your body and mind, such as working out and meditation. If it persists, you are encouraged to go see a doctor. Sometimes, hair loss can be a symptom of a much serious illness that requires immediate medical attention.

What can I do to stop losing my hair?

In the case of male pattern baldness, there is nothing you can do to stop it. It is a genetic condition that no hair care product or natural and organic foods can remedy. But, in the case of hair loss due to stress or illnesses, the best way to fight it is by seeing a doctor. Only your doctor can determine what the cause of your hair loss problem is, so do not delay your trip to the clinic if you want a solution as soon as possible.

Will changing my diet save my hair?

The types of food that you eat cannot really bring back the hair that you have lost. There is not one fruit or vegetable that you can binge on to trigger hair growth, unfortunately. However, if you eat a healthy and balanced diet, with plenty of foods high in protein and healthy fats, you can help make your hair get that full volume and body. You also help keep your heart, brain, lungs, kidney, liver, and other important bodily organs healthy, as you are feeding them the necessary nutrients that they need to function properly.

Is it normal to feel depressed because of going bald?

It is normal and perfectly understandable to feel depressed if you are going bald. If you have male pattern baldness, you cannot help but wonder what you are doing wrong. Everyday, you go out and see men your age who are sporting great hair, and there you are, losing one strand after another at a very quick pace. Even if everyone is telling you to just accept it as it is a natural and genetic occurrence that cannot really be fixed, you may still be unable to get those feelings of frustration and embarrassment out of the way.

Is there a way to hide my bald spots?

The most effective way to cover up your bald spots is by hair replacement surgery. These days, if you go through it, your doctor will use a strip of body hair, usually taken from the back of your head, and plant every hair graft from that bunch onto the problem areas. Once these grafts grow, your hair will look like what it used to or even better than before your hair loss problem started.

Can I still go through one of these hair restoration surgeries even if I have gone completely bald?

If baldness has hit you real hard, and you have lost most of your hair, you can still undergo hair restoration surgery. If your doctor cannot find a good donor hair on your head to be used for the procedure, they will look for usable body hair on your back, stomach, and chest. Sometimes, they will also consider your pubic area.