In simple terms, male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia is the loss of hair resulting in decreasing coverage of the scalp. The main symptoms of male pattern baldness are a receding of the hairline at the temples to the left and right of the forehead and later, a bald spot at the crown which expands with time.
Who is at risk of suffering from male pattern baldness?
This problem can strike any man at any time, although many men first become aware of it as they approach their thirties. Even if a man reaches his fortieth birthday with a full head of hair, he can still fall victim to male pattern baldness. In fact as many as two-thirds of all men will eventually be affected by male pattern baldness so you can see, it is a very common issue.
There are racial differences however, the highest instances of males pattern baldness are found among Caucasians, this is followed by the Afro-Caribbeans, Chinese and Japanese men have the lowest rates of male pattern baldness and for some reason, as yet unknown, this form of hair loss does not occur among Native Americans.
Male pattern baldness is inherited. It is passed down through the family and it does not matter who's side of the family it is on. If your grandfather, father or brothers went bald early, the chances are, you will too but by far the strongest influence is on your mother's side: if your maternal grandfather went bald, you will almost definitely follow in his footsteps.
What is the cause of male pattern baldness
Testosterone or more specifically, the converted sex hormone DHT or dihydrotestosterone is the main cause of balding in men. Male pattern baldness is caused by a reaction between DHT and the sensitive hair follicles on the head.
DHT has many important functions in the body. It is responsible for the sexual development of the fetus in the womb. It is instrumental in deciding whether a fetus becomes male or female. It is responsible for such male characteristics as the deepening of the vocal chords, the development of male hair patterns on the body and face and the male sex drive.
How can I prevent male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness can be treated by a trichologist. There are a number of different natural treatments that can be applied to the scalp to reduce further hair loss and encourage regrowth. The key factor is treating the problem at the earliest point possible.
What treatments are available?
Natural hair loss treatment - When you first see the signs of hair loss, usually a receding hairline, start a course of treatment straight away. This will enable you to achieve the best results and retain as much of your natural hair as possible.
Surgical hair loss treatment - In the UK most hair surgeons use grafts, which involve transferring skin from the hair-bearing area at the back of the head to the bald parts at the front. Hair grafts work because the section of skin transferred retains its own characteristics rather than acquiring those of the area to which it is transferred.
When considering surgery, you must remember that your hair loss could well continue around the reconstructed areas. This may look unsightly unless you're prepared to invest in further surgery in a few years time.
Hair surgery is a medical procedure so choose your surgeon carefully, preferably via personal recommendation or through the Institute of Trichologists. They should carry one or more of the following qualifications:
- FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons)
- BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons)
- BACS (British Association of Cosmetic Surgeons
How can I help myself?
Making changes in your hair care routine, lifestyle and diet may help minimise the appearance of hair loss. Treat your remaining hair with care. Most people are too rough with it, brushing it in a hurry or heating it to very high temperatures in order to achieve a certain look. Use a comb, not a brush and avoid tightly fitting caps or hats.
Some shampoos and other hair cosmetics can make your hair look thicker and fuller and some hairstyles can minimise the contrast between balding and non-balding areas. Long hair has the opposite effect and can be quite aging too.
Include lots of protein in your diet, especially if you are vegan or vegetarian as giving up meat can promote hair loss in some individuals. Ensure that you eat a good diet, rich in nutrients including iron, which can be found in foods such as liver, eggs and green vegetables.
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