Hair loss can be embarrassing. Unfortunately, it’s a reality many men know far too well. It’s especially a concern for men who have balding family members.
However, not all men lose their own hair—even when hair loss runs in their family. So why do some men experience hair loss when their brothers and cousins don’t?
In this article, we’ll explore the reason why some men lose their hair as they get older and others don’t, even if they’re more genetically inclined to.
What Is Male Pattern Baldness?
Baldness is the reduced amount of healthy hair on a person’s head. It’s a condition that affects both sexes but is more predominant in men.
There are different types of baldness, but the most common is androgenetic alopecia, commonly called male pattern baldness (MPB). This type of hair loss occurs when a man’s hairline recedes, and his scalp becomes visible.
Male pattern baldness typically occurs on the top, front, and sides of a man’s head. It affects men of all races but occurs most often in Caucasians. According to some estimates, 50% of males will experience male pattern baldness at some point in their lives—usually starting around age 30-35.
There are different degrees of male pattern baldness:
- Mild hair loss: You may start to see a general thinning throughout your scalp.
- Moderate hair loss: More extensive thinning with noticeable bald patches.
- Severe hair loss: Almost complete baldness, with only a tiny fringe of remaining hair.
However, MPB is a gradual type of hair loss. If you experience sudden hair loss, tell your doctor right away. This can be a sign of alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder.
When Does Male Pattern Baldness First Appear?
Male pattern baldness usually begins in early adulthood—even as early as teens or 20s for some men.
During adolescence, it usually appears for boys with a family history of premature hair loss. For some, it may start as early as their teenage years, while for others, it doesn’t show up until they’re in their early to mid-30s.
The typical male hair loss progression is:
- Hairline starts to recede at the temples, usually by the late teens or early 20s. However, it can also begin as early as 12 years old for some males with a family history of premature baldness—especially if they have the baldness pattern that runs in their family.
- Hairline recedes more and widens, exposing a forehead (temporal recession) as early as age 30 or 35—usually affecting men who are Caucasian and with hereditary hair loss. For African American males, it may happen later than this but can start at any time during midlife.
- Crown (top of the head) begins to thin, often at an earlier age than a hairline recession or temporal recession.
- Hair on the back and sides of the head may remain until late in life, resulting in a horseshoe pattern baldness.
What Are The Causes Of Male Pattern Baldness?
Male pattern baldness is usually caused by Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which affects healthy hair follicles. DHT is produced when testosterone interacts with an enzyme called alpha-reductase. The hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) shrinks the hair follicle until it eventually stops producing hairs altogether.
When a man inherits this disorder, it will cause their body to overproduce this hormone which in turn causes shrinkage of the scalp’s hair follicles. It can affect different races and cultures but progress more rapidly in Caucasians.
Not all men have the same level of these enzymes, so some men experience more severe hair loss than others.
Other causes of baldness can include:
- Poor diet and nutrition
- Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs or antidepressants
- Hormonal changes or imbalances, such as those that occur after a person has had surgery to remove the testicles (orchiectomy)
- Infections, such as scalp ringworm
- Stress and emotional factors
Why Do Some Men Go Bald While Others Don’t?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some experts say that a combination of hereditary and environmental factors, such as the level of DHT present in the scalp, determines whether or not a man will go bald.
Others suggest certain hairstyles (i.e., tight braids or ponytails) or grooming products (like gels and sprays) that can put added stress on the hair follicles and make them more susceptible to DHT-related damage.
Still, others believe that lifestyle choices, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, can also contribute to hair loss.
In the end, male pattern baldness is a complex disorder with many contributing factors. The ultimate answer may come down to luck. Some men luck out and enjoy thick hair throughout their lives, while others may get the short straw and lose hair sooner than expected.
How To Treat Hair Loss
While there is no one cure-all for this condition, treatments available can help slow down its progression and stimulate hair growth. Some of these treatments include:
1. Minoxidil
Minoxidil is the most commonly prescribed solution for hair loss, especially male pattern baldness. It’s a topical treatment that comes in either liquid or foam form and can be used on both the scalp (for thinning hair) and existing facial hairs to promote growth.
The drug works by reversing the miniaturization of follicles at areas where you applied it. However, it usually takes three months to six months before one notices any visible difference after using this medication.
One should consult their doctor before buying minoxidil online because there are some side effects associated with its use, such as:
- Itching/dry skin
- Redness/tingling sensation around the area where application occurred
- Unwanted body hair
- Fast heartbeat
- Or blurred vision
As a note, in some cases, your hair follicles will become dependent on minoxidil to continue growing. This means you’ll have to continue to use these hair growth products to keep your hair looking thick.
2. Castor Oil Therapy
This form of therapy is derived from the Mediterranean plant Ricinus communis. Many who practice this method claim that it relieves pain and increases circulation to the scalp, which can help stimulate new hair growth. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid and omega-rich vitamin E/fatty acids—both are known for their hair-nourishing properties.
You can either apply castor oil to their scalp by rubbing it directly into the skin or mix it with another carrier oil, like jojoba. Leave the mixture on for a few hours (or overnight), and then shampoo and condition as usual.
Some may experience an increase in hair growth after using this therapy for some time, while others may not see any difference. Castor oil is also available in capsule form if one doesn’t want to apply it directly to their scalp, though this may not be as effective of a treatment option.
3. Natural Remedies
Some other natural remedies have proven effective as well: pine tar shampoos (which contain antioxidant-rich vitamin E) can increase blood flow to existing follicles. Vitamins B complex and C promote healthy skin cells, which stimulates new hairs from growing in.
Minerals such as zinc and copper help with cell regeneration while leaving one’s hair shiny and soft after application; and tea tree oil helps fight off microbes, bacteria, fungi, etc.
4. Hair Transplants
The hair transplant surgery may be an option for those who feel that these treatments are not for them. This procedure involves removing healthy hair strands from the back and sides of a person’s scalp and then implanting them into bald spots to encourage new growth in these areas.
This is an excellent long-term solution for those with bald patches that are not responding to other treatments. It does not require you to continue to spend money on supplements and hair growth syrums, and the results will be immediate.
5. Hair Protection & Loss Treatment
80 million Americans suffer from hair loss, but just because it’s a common problem doesn’t mean you’re stuck with losing your hair. There are several steps you can take to minimize hair loss. These are a few tips:
- Use a gentle, high-quality shampoo and conditioner
- Wash your hair less frequently, like every other day or every two days, to reduce shedding
- Avoid tight hairstyles, bands, or hats that put stress on the scalp
- Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and omega 3 fatty acids
- Drink plenty of water
If you have already experienced symptoms of male pattern baldness, laser technology could help you regain your hair and your confidence. This non-invasive, non-surgical approach to hair loss stimulates hair follicles to grow—even in areas where hair hasn’t grown in years.
With an over 90% success rate and no side effects, low-level laser treatments have helped thousands of men and women improve hair thickness in as little as 8 months. It’s also been shown to slow further hair loss, helping you keep your existing hair longer.
Are you struggling with loss of hair? Schedule a consultation with The Resurge Clinic today, and let our proven laser hair-growth treatments give you your hair back, once and for all.
