Androgenetic alopecia, also commonly known as male pattern baldness affects up to 50% of men, causing hair loss at any point after puberty. Hair loss in men can lead to stress, self-doubt, and lack of confidence adversely impacting their personal and professional life. If you are searching for effective solutions to prevent hair loss in men, you are at the right place.
Hair loss prevention strategies can include different treatments including medication, natural remedies, and herbal treatments. Sometimes simple lifestyle changes like a better sleeping schedule and mindfulness activities can also prevent hair loss in men. Natural supplements and essential oils can also address hair loss and strengthen hair follicles in the scalp.
In this article, we cover different innovative strategies and healthy treatments to answer the simple question ‘How to prevent hair loss for males?’
Understanding Hair Loss in Men
Hair loss is a common phenomenon that affects more than 80 million people in the United States alone. In men, hair loss can happen due to several reasons, including hormonal activity, nutritional deficiencies, or bad healthcare activities. Male pattern baldness is one common type of hair loss that leads to balding in men and age. One major cause of hair loss is the conversion of testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone DHT.
Understanding how to stop male hair loss is essential for beginning your journey to reclaim your hair. In most cases, you can prevent male hair loss by adopting a healthier lifestyle and consuming nutrients that improve scalp health and block DHT. If recommended by doctors, you can also take medication like Finasteride to help with hair growth.
Types of Hair Loss in Men
There are different types of male hair loss triggered by diverse reasons such as abnormal hormonal activity and extreme stress.
- Androgenetic alopecia: This is one of the most common types of hair loss and is most commonly known as male pattern baldness. In men, it is primarily caused by underlying health reasons such as prostate enlargement, hypertension, and heart diseases. Conversion of testosterone to DHT can shrink healthy hair follicles and contribute to male pattern baldness.
- Alopecia areata: Alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss in men and is marked by its sudden appearance on any part of the scalp. It is an autoimmune disorder which means that it is triggered when the immune system starts to attack healthy hair follicles. Alopecia areata can be caused due to several reasons, including excessive smoking, hereditary reasons, and other autoimmune diseases like Psoriasis.
- Telogen effluvium: This is a temporary (acute) hair loss associated with the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle. It can be caused by anxiety, stress, medicinal side effects, hypothyroidism, and hormonal changes. This type of hair loss can impact men of any race or gender and many adults can experience it at least once in their lifetime.
Common Causes of Hair Loss in Men
Various factors including hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, unhealthy lifestyles, and certain medical conditions can cause hair loss in men.
- Hormonal changes: Abnormal hormonal activity can cause hair loss in men leading to bald patches and receding hairlines. Excess DHT, which is a type of androgen that is known for developing sexual characteristics in men can trigger hair loss. Unusual levels of DHT can cause hair follicles to shrink through a process called miniaturization.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Not consuming enough vitamins and minerals can also cause hair loss in men. Many important nutrients such as iron, biotin, zinc, and vitamins improve scalp health and maintain a healthy growth cycle. Ensuring a healthy diet that includes diverse nutritional supplements can prevent hair loss in men by stimulating hair follicles and managing hormones.
- Stress and lifestyle factors: Stress can also lead to hair loss by interfering with the hair growth cycle. Common factors that contribute to stress include substance abuse, alcohol consumption, and emotional stress. Similarly, having an unhealthy lifestyle such as unusual sleeping patterns and lack of physical exercise can also lead to hair loss.
- Medical conditions: Various medical conditions can impact the hair growth cycle, leading to different types of hair loss. Thyroid issues (an overactive and underactive thyroid gland) can cause hair to skip phases in the hair growth cycle leading to hair shedding. Autoimmune diseases can also trigger hair loss where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles in the body.
Medical Treatments to Prevent Hair Loss in Males
Various medical treatments and natural supplements can be used to answer the simple question ‘How to avoid going bald?’. These include over-the-counter (OTC) medications, prescription drugs, and advanced treatments to stop male hair loss.
Over-the-Counter Solutions
Over-the-counter (OTC) solutions offer a convenient and effective way to prevent hair loss in men. OTC solutions can include medication like Minoxidil (prescription name: Rogaine) and natural supplements like Vitamin D and B7 (biotin).
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil is an OTC drug that can be used to prevent hair thinning in males. It is available in both oral (tablet) form and liquid (foam) form. Minoxidil is most commonly used in the liquid form and is applied on the scalp to address male pattern baldness. It improves the oxygen and blood supply to hair follicles on the scalp improving scalp health and treating hair loss.
Being a simple vasodilator (it expands the blood vessels to improve blood and nutrient flow), it must be applied consistently on the scalp. Results can take a longer time ranging from 6 to 12 months as hair grows slowly. Minoxidil is only effective as long as it’s applied making it ideal for curing temporary hair loss among young men.
Biotin
Biotin, a natural supplement, also known as Vitamin B7 can also prevent hair loss in males. Biotin contributes to the production of keratin, a protein that is found in the makeup of hair and nails. Apart from preventing hair loss, adequate levels of biotin can also ensure hair thickness, allowing for a stronger hair texture. It can be consumed either as a supplement or through biotin-rich foods that include eggs, fish, meat, and sweet potatoes.
Vitamin D
One study found a positive association between Vitamin D deficiency and male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). Vitamin D also contributes to hair follicle creation and growth, improving overall hair thickness.
If you reside in a sunny area, it is best to absorb vitamin D through natural sunlight exposure. However, if you live in a colder environment, you can use vitamin D supplements to fulfill your needs. Many food items also contain vitamin D including fish and cereal.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications are also used in treating hair loss and improving scalp strength. These medications are most effective against hormone-induced hair loss and include Finasteride and Dutasteride.
Finasteride
Finasteride, also known as Propecia is an FDA-approved, prescription-only drug that is used to stop male hair loss. It stops the conversion of testosterone to DHT, controlling the hair growth cycle.
It can also positively affect hair growth by increasing the number of healthy hair follicles on the scalp. Finasteride is available in oral form and is only recommended for males aged 18 or above. It is not prescribed to women as it can cause hormonal changes that can lead to health and related issues.
Dutasteride
Dutasteride is another alpha-5-reductase inhibitor that manages the production of DHT in the body. Studies have shown dutasteride is also effective in preventing hair loss in men. This medication is also taken orally (tablet) once a day to address hair loss.
According to one study, Dutasteride is more effective in reversing hair loss in men with DHT inhibition at 90%. Just like Finasteride, progress takes time with Dutasteride, taking anywhere between 3 to 6 months for initial results.
Advanced Medical Treatments
With the advances in medical science, advanced options for hair loss have increasingly become common. These can include low-level laser therapy and platelet-rich plasma therapy that can also provide an answer to ‘How to avoid balding?’.
Low-level laser therapy
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is also used in hair loss prevention for males with promising results. LLLT can stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss by increasing the absorption of blood and nutrients to the scalp. One benefit of LLLT over other medications or surgeries is its non-intrusive nature which many people prefer. It can be administered using specialized equipment like laser combs at clinics or even homes. Red-light therapy, a special type of LLLT can also be used to treat hair loss and prevent hair thinning.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is another emerging method to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth in men. In PRP, platelets are extracted from a healthy part of the body, enriched in a lab, and then injected into the affected area (scalp) to improve hair growth.
These enriched platelets release beneficial proteins that can improve hair follicle health and strengthen the scalp. PRP therapy includes several procedures that are administered one month apart with initial results becoming visible within 4 to 6 months of the treatment.
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Lifestyle Adjustments to Prevent Hair Loss in Men
Many people ignore the fact that lifestyle can have a considerable impact on the hair growth cycle when they ask the question ‘How to avoid balding?’ Having a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, adequate physical exercise, and stress management techniques can also prevent hair thinning in males.
Diet and Nutrition
Eating a balanced diet that contains healthy amounts of minerals and vitamins needed for hair growth is essential in maintaining hair health. These nutrients include iron, zinc, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Iron promotes healthy hair growth by ensuring an ample supply of oxygen reaches hair follicles on the scalp.
Zinc is important for protein production, especially keratin, and strengthens hair follicles in the body. Similarly, Omega-3 fatty acids maintain the oil levels on the scalp that protect its cellular membrane. These nutrients play a vital role in preventing hair loss in men and controlling the hair growth cycle.
Recommended foods and dietary tips:
To increase your protein intake, you can consume meat (fish, chicken) and vegetables (lentils, nuts, and tofu). Similarly, iron-rich food includes meat (beef, chicken, lamb, fish) and vegetables (spinach and lentils). To improve your zinc levels, you can eat oysters, beef, chicken, cheese, and yogurt. Lastly, for Omega-3 fatty acids, fish are the best options (mackerels, sardines) as well as chia seeds and walnuts for vegetarian options.
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Exercise and Stress Management
Having an active lifestyle can also help prevent male hair loss by managing and relieving stress. Stress can adversely impact the hair growth cycle and should be managed effectively to avoid hair loss.
Meditation
Meditation is common in many societies around the world as an effective method to manage stress. By meditating regularly, you can manage cortisol levels in your body which contribute to hair loss, especially telogen effluvium. If you are just starting you can use guided meditation and only practice 5 to 10 minutes until you get used to it. You could also explore some of the best books on mediation to get started.
Exercise
Exercise causes the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones) that can counter stress effectively and make you generally happier. By reducing stress, exercise can also prevent stress-induced hair loss like telogen effluvium and improve hair growth. You can start by choosing a sport you like such as cycling, running, or aerobic exercises, and practicing for 10 to 15 minutes.
Proper sleep
Having a proper sleeping schedule can also improve hair growth and reduce hair loss. Many tissues including hair follicles regrow when the body rests, which improves overall hair health. Having an improper sleep cycle can disturb the regrowing process, damaging hair follicles and leading to hair thinning.
Similarly, adequate sleep also manages the stress levels in the body by releasing different chemicals. Sleeping improperly can increase stress levels and lead to stress-induced hair loss.
Hair Loss Remedies for Men: Natural Treatments & Alternative Therapies
One potential answer to the increasingly common question ‘How to prevent hair loss in men?’, is to use natural remedies and alternative treatments. The best thing about these hair loss remedies for men is that they don’t come with nasty side effects. Natural remedies for men hair loss can include different types of herbal items (Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin seed oil) and essential oils (Rosemary, Lavender).
Herbal Remedies
Many herbal items have been used to treat hair loss. Among other benefits, these herbal remedies are also effective in addressing hair loss and improving scalp health.
- Saw palmetto: Saw palmetto is extracted from the fruit of Seronoa tree found in the southeastern United States. It is a natural DHT blocker, reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT and preventing hair loss in men. However, it doesn’t cause side effects like Finasteride (another DHT inhibitor) that can reduce your sex drive for several days.
- Pumpkin seed oil: Pumpkin seed oil is derived from pumpkin and is consumed as a cooking oil and supplement around the globe. It is also beneficial for hair loss as its antioxidant properties can improve scalp health and make hair follicles stronger. Studies have also shown pumpkin seed oil to positively influence hair growth in men.
- Green Tea: Green tea and its extract are commonly used to address hair loss problems and improve hair growth. Green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit the scalp. It is also rich in antioxidants that can protect the hair follicles from damage, improving hair health.
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Essential Oils
Essential oils are also cited as a potential answer to the question how to prevent going bald. These oils are known for their validating and antioxidant properties that can improve scalp health and prevent hair loss in males.
- Rosemary oil: Rosemary oil can enhance hair growth and stop hair loss in men by improving the flow of nutrients to the scalp. The hair follicles in the scalp can then easily absorb more of these nutrients strengthening themselves and reducing potential hair loss. One study found that rosemary oil is as effective as minoxidil in treating hair loss without any of the side effects associated with minoxidil (itching, chest discomfort, etc.)
- Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil also improves scalp strength by stimulating hair growth using its vasodilatory properties. This means it helps expand blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp, improving overall scalp health.
- Coconut oil: Being a carrier oil, coconut oil is also commonly used to strengthen hair and improve hair health in many cultures. Coconut oil contains lauric acid that can protect hair shafts from damage. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties that keep the scalp healthy and safe.
Scalp Massages
Scalp massages are also beneficial in preventing hair loss for men and can stimulate hair follicles. You can either use your hand or a massager to gently massage your scalp using an essential or carrier oil like Lavender or Coconut. Scalp massages can enhance nutrient absorption by hair follicles by expanding the blood vessels beneath the scalp. By regularly massaging your scalp with different oils, you can address hair loss and improve hair growth.
The most effective therapy for hair loss is the use of natural remedies. For herbal and all-natural ways to stop balding, check out our clinically-backed e-book ‘How Not To Go Bald’.
Key Takeaways
- Hair loss prevention in men is a common issue with up to 50% of males experiencing male pattern baldness after puberty.
- There are several types of hair loss including male pattern baldness, stress-induced hair loss, and autoimmune hair loss. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of reasons including hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiency, and unhealthy lifestyles.
- Medication can be used to effectively prevent hair loss in males including Finasteride, Minoxidil, and Dutasteride. Natural supplements can also be used to counter hair loss including Vitamin D and Biotin.
- Unhealthy lifestyle changes can also cause hair loss. Adopt a healthier lifestyle by balancing your diet through essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Also include mindfulness exercises and physical activities to address hair loss.
- Essential oils such as Peppermint and Rosemary, and natural supplements like Saw palmetto and green tea can also address hair loss by inhibiting DHT and improving scalp health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to prevent baldness?
Baldness can be prevented by using medication such as Finasteride. However, there are side effects associated with it, such as reduced sex drive. Other methods to prevent baldness include adopting a healthier lifestyle, using natural supplements, and ensuring a balanced diet.
How to stop male hair loss?
Male hair loss can be stopped through various means depending on the reason for the hair loss. If it’s due to hormonal imbalance, medicine like Finasteride and natural DHT inhibitors like Saw Palmetto can stop male hair loss. If it’s due to unhealthy habits, you can improve your lifestyle by using mindfulness activities, eating healthy, and exercising regularly.
How to stop a bald spot?
The bald spot is mostly indicative of alopecia areata which is caused by an autoimmune condition where the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues including hair tissues. While there are no definitive for this temporary baldness, you can improve your eating habits and lifestyle to counter it.
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