Usually, at Popstar, we give you tips and tricks about a different head. One that is connected to a shaft rather than a neck. Of course, there was also our article on giving head, but we are staying above the belt this time. North of the border, and we don’t mean Canada. That’s right; we are talking about your actual head—more specifically, hair loss. Hair loss can be a delicate topic for most, as losing hair can significantly affect confidence. But hair loss is widespread. In fact, around 70% of men deal with hair loss as they get older, and about 25% of those men deal with hair loss before the age of 21. There are many misconceptions regarding hair loss, the most common being that nothing can be done to combat it, but that isn’t true. There are numerous ways to stop or slow your hair loss and even regrow what you’ve already lost! Today we discuss hair loss causes and treatments!

The most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. This means your hair progressively thins, and a bald spot appears on the crown. Male pattern baldness is influenced by hormonal and genetic factors, meaning it may be hereditary. This condition occurs due to the sensitivity of hair follicles to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. DHT miniaturizes the hair follicles, leading to shorter, finer hair growth until the follicles can no longer produce visible hair.

Hair thinning and balding can also be caused by hormonal imbalances. A fluctuation in testosterone can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle. Conditions that affect the adrenal or pituitary glands, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can lead to hair loss. As we age, we are more prone to hormonal imbalances, especially in testosterone. As testosterone levels decline, hair thinning and loss can occur.

Monitoring hormone levels with blood testing at your routine check-ups is essential. We want a full head of hair for as long as possible to look and feel our best. Monitoring hormone levels can be a great way to have bouffants over imbalances!

Much like everything we discuss in our blogs, a healthy lifestyle can improve almost anything. Hair thinning and loss are no exception. Many men deal with stress-related hair loss. Excessive physical and emotional stress can disrupt average hair growth. Stress can cause telogen effluvium, which causes hair follicles to enter a resting phase prematurely, increasing shedding and thinning.

Poor nutrition is also a contributing factor in hair loss. It is essential to ensure we are eating a well-balanced diet and supplementing with vitamins. Iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D can affect the hair growth cycle. A deficiency in these nutrients can weaken the hair strands and lead to increased hair shedding or slow hair regrowth. We also want to ensure we get plenty of sleep and reduce excessive alcohol intake.

Aside from diet and exercise, we can combat hair thinning and loss in many ways. There are dozens of remedies, both topical and oral, that can help stop shedding as well as regrow hair you may have already lost. There are both natural approaches and chemical treatments. The use of finasteride and minoxidil can stimulate local blood flow to the scalp and combat the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone primarily responsible for hair thinning and loss. There are many all-natural supplements that also tackle the production of DHT. It is best to consult your doctor or dermatologist to see which approach is best for you.

The most cost-effective and straightforward solution is a scalp massager. Many people simply aren’t getting enough blood flow to their scalps. That is where a scalp massager comes in handy. Massagers encourage blood flow to your scalp and hair follicles. The boost in blood flow will increase each follicle’s nutrient intake, leading to healthier and stronger hair growth. Pairing this with an oral or topical treatment can yield great results.

There are also surgical options for people who may be dealing with a receding hairline and would like quicker results. Hairline surgery restores thinning hair by moving healthy hair follicles taken from donor areas and surgically implanting them into areas experiencing hair loss, resulting in natural hair growth.

Consulting a healthcare professional, like a dermatologist specializing in hair, can help individuals with personalized guidance and treatments that best meet their specific needs! It is important to remember that while losing your hair can be disheartening, you are not alone, and there are plenty of options to remedy the situation!