How Can You Tell The Difference Between Thinning Hair And Male Pattern Baldness
The best way to tell the difference between naturally thinning hair and going bald is the hair loss’s location and progression.
When going bald, the hair loss begins at the temple, hairline, or crown and gradually enlarges over time. If your hair is regularly coming out when washing or clumping, it is more likely to be a different form of hair loss.
Hair thinning will be a more general loss of hair predominately from the top of the head rather than the front or crown.
Suppose you suffer dramatic hair loss, with entire clumps of hair from random locations on your head. It could be a sign of a more serious medical condition, and you should consult with a medical professional.
Is Hair Loss Normal
Yes, around 6.5 million men in the UK live with male pattern baldness. The typical male pattern of hair loss is where your hairline starts receding before getting thinner at the crown and the temples. When these two areas meet, it leaves hair at the sides and the back in a horseshoe pattern. Eventually some men may go completely bald, while others might keep their hair around the back and sides.
For some men the process can start as early as their 20s and by the age of 60 most men have some degree of hair loss. As it is a testosterone-based condition, male pattern baldness can occur in men any time after puberty. Male pattern baldness is not a disease or illness and it doesn’t affect your health. However, if you have hair loss that doesn’t follow this pattern, for example your hair is falling out in clumps and leaving patches, then you should talk to your GP.
What Does Thinning Hair Look Like
Hair loss can affect men of all ages. As such, its important to know the signs of thinning hair so that you can tackle the problem as it develops. Hair loss in men typically begins around the forehead and on top of the head. Therefore, many men experience a receding hairline as part of the early stages of their hair loss. To determine whether your hairline is receding, try comparing your current hair to a photo from two years ago. Thinning hair on top of the head, on the other hand, can be identified by regularly parting your hair down the middle and seeing how much scalp is revealed.
Don’t Miss: What Can I Take For Hair Loss While Breastfeeding
Is There Anything I Can Do To Stop My Hair From Falling Out Naturally
Everyone loses hair naturally and it is normal for hair to thin somewhat when you get older. But the truth is that male pattern hair loss is a genetic condition that cannot be stopped entirely.
There is a condition called Traction Alopecia, which is caused by constant pulling or tension of your hairs over a long period. You dont have to be dragged around the floor by your head to suffer from this either if you often wear tight braids, particularly cornrows, or tight ponytails, you are more likely to get Traction Alopecia. So try not to pull your hair tight excessively. Some experts also recommend exercise as a good way to maintain a healthy head of hair.
When Do Guys Usually Start Losing Their Hair
Male pattern baldness usually begins when a guy is in his 30s or 40s, but it can also happen during the teen years after puberty, although it is much less common. Guys often say that they notice that their hair loss comes and goes meaning that at certain times they realize their hair is becoming thin and other times they may not notice anymore hair loss for a while.
Recommended Reading: What Causes Itching Scalp And Thinning Hair
What Causes Male Pattern Baldness
Science has learned the root causes of hair loss. Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is hereditary. It’s the most common reason men lose their hair. In the initial stages, men often notice a receding hairline beginning at the temples or thinning at the crown. As the condition progresses, the hairline recedes to the point where it meets the bald spot at the crown. Eventually, all that remains is a horseshoe-shaped pattern of hair around the sides and back of the head.
Men experiencing this condition have inherited hair follicles that are sensitive to a hormone, which causes the follicles to miniaturize over time, producing thinner and less dense hair. Ultimately, the follicles will stop producing healthy hairs and grow only miniaturized hairs that are nearly invisible to the human eye . This type of hair loss is progressive, and it can begin at puberty, so early intervention is essential. Fortunately, HairClub has made great strides on its journey to helping men regain the hair they love. The sooner you act, the more options you may have.
How Can We Help Men With Thinning Hair
- Tags:
Hair loss in men is so common that as many as 85% of all men will experience considerable thinning or balding before the age of 50. While anyone can experience hair loss, its more typical in men than women. Unfortunately, many men will keep their hair loss hidden under hats or let it go untreated. It is important to remember that there are solutions that really work. Get the facts so you can make the right decision when it comes to restoring your hair.
Also Check: Can Humira Cause Hair Loss
When To See A Doctor
See your doctor if you dont see any progress with the use of home or over-the-counter treatments for thinning hair, especially if your hair loss is causing you stress or disrupting your daily life.
Seek medical help as soon as possible if you notice any of the following along with thinning hair:
- losing large amounts of hair elsewhere on your body
- losing hair in large patches or chunks
- losing or gaining an abnormal amount of weight without any major diet or lifestyle changes
- unusual symptoms like fever, chills, or fatigue
Male Pattern Baldness And Disease
Baldness affecting the crown of the head is associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease, so talk to your doctor about the link between the two.
There have also been many studies that question if baldness is also associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer. However, recent studies suggest that baldness is not a consistent biomarker for prostate cancer risk or progression.
You May Like: Does Propecia Stop Hair Loss
Androgenic Or Androgenetic Alopecia
Alopecia means “hair loss.” Androgenic alopecia, also called androgenetic alopecia, refers to genetic or androgen-based hair loss in men and women. More commonly referred to as female pattern baldness or male pattern baldness, this type of alopecia increases in prevalence with age, causing thinner hair, receding hairlines or baldness. Specifically, male pattern baldness can begin as young as the teens or early 20s.
Losing Hair In Your 20s And 30s
Thinning hair, hair loss, and other hair-related issues can affect people as young as in their teens and early twenties. Some cannot begin to imagine what this must be like, as it is discouraging enough to think about hair loss as we get older, but hair falling out and hair loss at a young age is more common than you might think.
In fact, an estimated 40% of men will have noticeable hair loss by age 35, and an estimated 40% of women will have visible hair loss by the time they are 40.
While hair loss at a young age can be alarming, its important to remember that the earlier thinning hair is noticed and any potential issue is diagnosed, the easier it may be to treat.
The solution may be as simple as a minor adjustment in diet or it may be part of a bigger health problem. Regardless, identifying the issue early is crucial when battling hair loss.
Whether or not there is a hair loss cure for your particular situation, you can discover how to take better care of yourself and your hair by knowing what to look for early on, gathering the facts, and taking any preventative measures to help minimize future damage.
Read on to learn about how you can help overcome hair loss, and the emotional toll that comes with it at a young age
Also Check: What Would Cause Hair Loss In A Woman
Hair Loss & Thickening Shampoo
You should be using shampoo regardless of whether youre losing your hair. However, there are certain types out there specially designed to make thinning locks appear fuller and thicker traditionally these will be labelled as volumising or thickening. Bear in mind that these products are only designed to give the illusion of thicker hair, usually by coating the existing strands in a temporary polymer to increase density, and arent a permanent fix.
In recent years there has also been a number of hair loss shampoos released on the market. These shouldnt be considered a magic pill by any stretch of the imagination, but they are usually formulated to block DHT , gently cleanse the scalp to give your hair the best chance to grow, and provide some of the aforementioned thickening effect. You would be wise to consider integrating one into your daily routine.
Hormonal Changes: The Most Common Reason For Thinning Hair In Older Women
As women age, the levels of estrogen they produce begin to decline. Estrogen does several things that promote thick hair. Therefore, the loss contributes to thinner hair in several ways as well. First, estrogen lengthens the growth stage of hair. This means more follicles of hair are growing at a given time when estrogen production is at an ideal level. It also stimulates the growth of new hair, after the old hair has shed.
Estrogen plays an important role in the overall appearance of hair. It is easy to see why an imbalance could cause hair to begin to look thinner over time. There is very little that can be done to increase the natural production of estrogen once menopause has started. However, phytoestrogens, bioidentical, or synthetic estrogens can be utilized to support estrogenic activity in the body.
Don’t Miss: How Do I Stop Hair Thinning
Your Hair Doesnt Hold Its Style
Lets face it, there are only two reasons why your hair isnt styling the same way it used to: youre putting relaxers or different hair care products in it, or youve lost so much hair that it sits differently on your head.
If youre having problems getting that hairstyle that youve always had, you may be losing more hair than you think.
Learn about hair-loss friendly hairstyles.
Prescription Medications And Treatments
Here are some medications for hair thinning and loss that your doctor may be able to prescribe:
- Finasteride : This is an oral medication that helps reduce levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone that can cause hair loss.
- Corticosteroids: These are oral or injected medications that can reduce inflammation that may lead to hair loss.
- Laser therapy: Your doctor or a dermatologist may be able to treat hair follicles with laser technology that sends light particles called photons into your follicles to help them grow. Talk to your doctor first to see if this will help you.
Also Check: Can Obesity Cause Hair Loss
Underlying Causes For Hair Loss
Numerous problems can trigger female hair loss. Some are external, such as taking certain medications, frequently wearing hairstyles that pull the hair too tight, or even a stressful event such as surgery. In other cases, thinning hair is triggered by something going on inside the body for instance, a thyroid problem, a shift in hormones, a recent pregnancy, or an inflammatory condition.
Hair loss may also be genetic. The most common genetic condition is known as female-pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia. Women with this condition might notice a widening of the part at the top of the head, often beginning when a woman is in her 40s or 50s. You might experience this if you inherit certain genes from one or both parents. Hormonal shifts that occur during menopause may also spur it.
Another trigger for hair loss in women is an inflammatory condition affecting the scalp. That might be eczema, psoriasis, or a condition called frontal fibrosing alopecia, which typically causes scarring and hair loss sometimes permanent at the front of the scalp above the forehead.
Other common causes of hair loss include overuse of damaging hair products, or tools such as dryers and other devices that heat the hair. Underlying illness, autoimmune conditions such as lupus, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances may also cause hair to shed.
Haircut For Men With Thin Hair : Textured Caesar Cut
Inspired by George Clooney, this hairstyle for men with thin hair is cut clipper-short on the sides and back and left finger length on top.
The hair is then styled forward.
The disheveled nature of the Caesar Cut makes it look like you have more hair on top.
Style this hair cut with a light pomade or gel and brush it forward with your fingers this will help conceal a receding hairline and thinning top.
The Caesar Cut is named after Romes emperor Julius Caesar. Roman men were believers in short hair. It indicated a cultured and sophisticated civilization, unlike the barbarians that would let their hair grow long.
This article is sponsored by VITAMAN. If you’re suffering from thinning hair check out VITAMAN’s Thinning Hair Treatment Kit.
You get the three products you need to naturally infuse and strengthen your hair from the route up.
Each kit uses powerful natural ingredients like Peppermint Oil, Quandong Seed Extract and Palmetto Fruit Extract to promote hair growth by stimulating circulation and nourishing your hair follicles.
With your kit, you’ll receive detailed instructions so you know how and when to use your products for optimum results and you’ll see real results in as little as 4 weeks!
plus get free US Shipping and a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not delighted with the results.
Also Check: How To Fight Hair Loss
Less Hair On Your Crown
A few years back, your hair was so thick that we could barely see your scalp. But these days, parting your hair leaves a noticeable bald spot on the top of your head that everyone can see.
This is because youve lost some of the hair in your crown area, effectively losing some of your hairs volume.
The problem is that you never really know how much thinning is going to happen. For some men, it could just be a little bit of shedding. For others, their hair could continue thinning until there are large bald patches.