Hair
Dealing with Hair Loss
Noticing more hair on your pillow? Worried about thinning hair? If the answers yes, then you’re not alone. About 70% of men will experience some degree of hair loss at some stage in their lifetime.
An average person has thousands of hairs and it is normal to shed between 150-200 strands of hair each day. However excessive hair loss is a different story. The most common form of hair loss seen in men is referred to as “male pattern baldness”. It often begins with a receding of the hairline and a thinning of the hair on the crown. Over time the hair across the top of the scalp is gradually lost.
The effects of male pattern baldness typically start to appear after puberty or in a man’s early 20’s and become more common with age.
What Causes Hair Loss?
The reason for hair loss is a subject of much debate amongst the professionals. Stress, smoking, poor health and diet are factors that can contribute to hair loss. However it is the combination of family genetics and a male hormone called DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) that is considered to be the major cause of hair loss in men.
Too much of this male hormone can cause the hair follicles (roots) to become progressively smaller over time. The growth cycle of the follicle is shortened, hair becomes thinner and weaker until it eventually falls off.
But note that DHT alone is not solely to blame. Hair loss only occurs when DHT comes into contact with hairs that are genetically predisposed to the male hormone.
Inherited genes determine the hair follicles that are sensitive to DHT, causing them to shrink. In most cases, this genetic disposition to hair loss affects only certain parts of the scalp, typically the top of the head and crown.
The process of ageing is another cause of hair loss. Hair growth is slowed down and the follicles weakened leading to thinning and baldness.
"DHT is the leading cause of hair loss in men"
What hair loss treatments are available?
Just as there are varying views on the causes behind hair loss, there are many different treatments for combating hair loss. Here are the more common treatments that you might like to explore:
Scalp cleansers / DHT blockersThese products work to reduce the level of DHT and block the formation of the hormone in the scalp. Easy to apply, they can also double up as a daily shampoo or conditioner. Put a stop to hair loss and thinning hair with MiN DHT Cleansing System- a three step process to inhibit DHT and block future production on the scalp by flushing it away. Its formulations have no side effects and are colour safe. MiN New York can even be used in addition to other prescription hair treatments, including Rogaine and Propecia.
Hair loss medicationsMedications like Propecia and Minoxidil have enabled approximately 65-80% of men to reduce hair loss. The degree of improvement varies and is generally seen after 3 months. A doctors prescription is required and may involve some side effects.
Hair transplantsHair transplantation typically involves the transfer of hair that is not genetically sensitive to DHT to the balding or thinning areas. Usually it is the hair on the back of the head that is transplanted.
On a final note, it is also important to review and consider your diet, health and stress level. Improving your overall well-being can promote hair vitality and allow you and your body to perform at its best.
