Exploring the Main Causes of Male Pattern Hair Loss

Male pattern hair loss is a common phenomenon that happens to a lot of men in the world and leaves them deeply concerned. They may feel ashamed or humiliated, but with proper care and effort, they can take care of this problem. Receding hair loss takes priority in personal grooming, affecting appearance, self-esteem, and confidence in men.

According to a recent 2022 beauty poll in Singapore, 44% of participants saw hair loss as a significant issue, surpassing concerns about frizziness and dry hair. A Cleveland Clinic study further confirms this concern. It shows that almost 70% of men believe hair loss to be concerning.

 It's only natural for men to be curious about the widespread phenomenon of hair health. And by understanding hair loss factors, they can pick the best hair loss treatments in Singapore.

This article will explore the different causes, symptoms, and treatments for male pattern baldness, as well as opinions from experts.

Whether you are noticing a receding hairline or suffering from severe hair loss already, this content will serve as your guide through your journey towards having thick, healthy hair.

Male Pattern Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

The most common type of baldness is called androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness. This is a genetically predetermined disorder in which the excessive response to androgens causes progressive loss of hair on the scalp. The progressive trajectory causes hair thinning and eventual loss, usually in the scalp's front temporal and vertex portions. 

The progressive onset of hair loss varies from person to person. Some experience early signs and fast deterioration, while others will lose hair slowly over time. Male pattern baldness affects up to 50% of males, and the likelihood increases with age. Some 25% of men show first signs of hair loss before age 21, half by age 50, and approximately 25% after 50.

Is Male Pattern Alopecia a Sign of Something Serious?

Can hair loss be a sign of something serious?

Male pattern alopecia points to underlying health conditions or imbalances, making it essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Also, it’s crucial for men navigating self-image concerns to understand the psychological effects of hair loss.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If constant hair loss causes distress, or if hair loss occurs suddenly or in patches, seek medical attention. You'll need immediate treatment in case of a receding hairline due to alopecia. Identifying health issues is critical to a viable remedial treatment.

The psychological impact of male pattern baldness

Hair loss comes with a significant impact on self-esteem and well-being, causing anxiety, embarrassment, and depression. 

Approximately 25% of men with androgenetic alopecia find hair loss to be very distressing, while 65% report mild to moderate emotional distress.

Society's pressure to retain hair worsens these issues, affecting relationships in everyday activities. Seeking help from family and friends or professional mental health caregivers is critical for coping. Knowing how gender, age, and cultural context influence these effects is essential to providing comprehensive care.

Notwithstanding the age or cultural factors, it's essential to recognise the emotional impact of male pattern hair loss and seek compassionate support.

Identifying Patterns and Stages of Baldness

The Norwood scale, a famous classification for male pattern baldness, identifies seven stages of male pattern alopecia progression: 

• No Hair Loss: Patients in stage one have no balding except for unnoticeable hair loss near the temples.
• An M-Shaped Hairline: Men in the next stage will start noticing a receding hairline.
• A U-shaped hairline: Patients show warning signs in stage 3. Hair health professionals clinically diagnose these as 'balding'. 
• Severe Frontal Hair Loss: In stage 4, the hair on the crown will turn very sparse, patchy, or completely bald.
• Near-Total Hair Loss atop the Scalp: In stage 5, the hairline will almost come to the bald spot on the crown.
• Total Hair Loss on the Top of the Scalp: Full baldness will mark the 6th stage of the Norwood scale on the top of the scalp.
• Thinning of the Remaining Hair: This stage is most severe for hair loss in men. It leads to a thinner and more brittle state for the remaining hair.
• Norwood class A: In the class A variation, the hairline recedes evenly without leaving a patch of hair in the middle area, and there isn't a bald spot at the vertex. Instead, the hairline moves straight from front to back.

Early detection and intervention are vital to successful male hair loss treatments in Singapore and elsewhere. Doing so helps to maximise the outcomes, especially preserving hair density.

"Once hair loss begins, it doesn't stop," says Ben Friedman, M.D., a dermatologist for Henry Ford Health. "But if maintaining a full head of hair is important to you, it's important to take action as soon as you notice your hair thinning."

Identifying common causes of male pattern hair loss, like genetic predispositions, lifestyle habits, and hormonal imbalances, is critical. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for developing specific approaches to manage and reverse hair loss.

Why Do Men Lose Their Hair?

Male pattern hair loss can be associated with several factors, which are further discussed below:

Hormones and Male Pattern Baldness

Predominantly, hormonal imbalances can be blamed for male pattern baldness. The main hormone causing hair loss in men is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. DHT links to the receptors on hair scalp follicles, miniaturising them and causing them to shrink. This results in the growth of small, thinner hair, slowly progressing to hair shedding and subsequent hair loss. Male individuals usually produce larger quantities of testosterone, and about 10% of it gets converted to DHT, igniting the process of hair loss. 

Genetic factors, ageing, and health issues like thyroid disorders, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), medications, and eating habits may impact hormone levels and contribute to hair loss. Understanding the role of hormonal imbalances and DHT in hair loss proves essential for developing targeted treatments that can slow or reverse the process, boosting men's confidence.

Vitamins and Mineral Deficiency

A lack of vitamins and minerals is also largely responsible for hair loss.

So, which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?

Vitamin D, biotin (Vitamin B7), iron, and zinc are all essential for healthy hair.

Deficiencies in vitamin D, for example, can lead to problems with maintaining and controlling the health of most hair follicles, hence resulting in their loss. Similarly, vitamin B which includes biotin, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6, also help maintain healthy growth and good condition of hair. Furthermore, Vitamin E, with its antioxidant properties, helps in promoting the growth of new hair and safeguards the follicles from environmental damage.

Addressing these critical mineral and vitamin deficiencies via changes in diet or supplementation can assist men in maintaining healthy hair.

Stress and Hair Health

Stress is closely linked to hair health since excess stress affects the normal cycle of hair growth. We get stressed when our bodies respond through a fight or flight response, making cortisol levels increase. There may be a disruption of hair growth caused by the increased levels of cortisol, which signals the hair follicles to go into the resting phase and results in excessive shedding. Actually, when cortisol is involved, it causes the follicles to become dormant, hence slowing down the growth. It should also be noted that stress can cause changes in texture, resulting in dryness, brittleness and breakage.

Telogen Effluvium (TE) is a condition where an individual experiences rapid hair loss as a result of stress and hormonal imbalances. Telogen Effluvium primarily occurs due to an increase in cortisol levels, prematurely driving hair follicles to the relaxing phase, leading to increased shedding and overall scalp thinning. Effective stress management techniques like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthy scalp environment can all help reverse male pattern alopecia.

Recognising the link between male pattern hair loss and stress is significant in effectively managing stress for individuals’ overall well-being. It's even more critical now as hair loss has increased with higher stress levels, causing hair to shed faster in the post-COVID-19 environment.

Medical Conditions that Can Cause Hair Loss

Some diseases that lead to baldness include;

• Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism causes hormonal imbalances that result in alopecia.
• Lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and alopecia areata are examples of autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks its own cells, including those on the scalp.
• Inflammation and scarring caused by some skin diseases, such as eczema or psoriasis, can facilitate the loss of hair.
• Hair loss can also be a result of infections like fungal or bacterial scalp infections.
• Certain medications can cause side effects like baldness. Treatment of cancer, for example, through chemotherapy or radiation, may lead to hair loss.
• Lack of some nutrients in the body, such as iron and zinc, can also result in hair loss.
• Fluctuations in hormones, especially testosterone, can cause hair loss.
• Androgenetic alopecia, a genetic pattern of hair loss, is a prevalent hair loss condition among men. It frequently follows a male pattern due to genetic predispositions, male hormones, and ageing.
• Autoimmune diseases and tinea capitis, including alopecia areata, which causes patchy hair loss.

One must note that hair loss could be an indication of an underlying health problem; thus if you have this condition, a consultation with a medical doctor should not be delayed.

How Lifestyle Changes Impact Male Pattern Hair Loss?

After understanding the common causes of alopecia, we need to address another critical question.

How to prevent hair loss?

Answer: lifestyle factors!

So, let’s explore men's hair health in terms of key lifestyle factors. 

Read more: Food prevents hair loss

Diet and Hair Growth 

A well-balanced diet is necessary for proper hair growth since it provides the nutrients required to support hair follicles and generate keratin. Protein-rich foods will benefit your hair structure. These foods consist of lean meats, eggs, fish, and legumes. Additionally, minerals such as zinc, iron, and selenium and vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex vitamins promote scalp circulation and collagen creation. Proper hydration is also essential for avoiding scalp dryness and encouraging hair growth.

Blood Circulation and Hair Growth

Regular exercise enhances overall health and stimulates healthy hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the scalp. Cardiovascular activities like cycling, jogging, and swimming improve oxygenation and hair follicle circulation. Exercise additionally mitigates stress, which can cause hair loss, and promotes scalp health by flushing follicles through sweating.

Environmental Factors and Hair Damage

Environmental pollutants, like particulate matter or chemicals, can damage hair follicles, disrupt the growth cycle, and cause oxidative stress, leading to dryness and breakage. Daily clarifying shampoo and hats can safeguard your hair from pollutants while preventing pattern alopecia.

Habits and Hair Loss

Healthy habits are instrumental in reducing male pattern hair loss risks. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are detrimental to hair health because they:

• Reduce blood flow to the scalp,
• Introduce toxins,
• Disrupt hormonal balance,
• and impair liver function.

So, try your best to quit alcohol and smoking. These measures will fix hair loss causes like hormonal imbalances and improve quality hair health. A healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and stress-management processes.

Implementing these habits into your routine will help you maintain healthy hair. Remember that you can treat hair loss with surgical procedures and topical medications. However, beware, as these solutions come with limitations.  

Debunking 5 Hair Loss Myths 

Alopecia is a prevalent issue, but misinformation regarding the causes of hair loss persists.

Let’s debunk some common myths.

Wearing hats causes male pattern baldness

Contrary to popular belief, wearing a hat does not cause male pattern alopecia. One study saw minimal hair loss among men who wear hats regularly. However, filthy hats can cause infections, so frequent washing is necessary. 

Women Have More Hair Than Men

Men grow more hair on average than women. While women tend to style their hair a bit longer, men's hair can grow just as long.

Does creatine cause hair loss?

Despite speculation, scientific evidence does not support the claim that creatine causes hair loss. While early studies suggested a link between hair loss and creatine, later studies failed to replicate those findings.

Haircuts

Haircuts do not affect your hair's growth rate and thickness. Whether you like long or short hair, the frequency of haircuts does not affect the development cycle in any shape or form.

Shampoo

While scalp hygiene is essential, shampoo type is unlikely to influence hair loss. Nearly all sulfate shampoos are harmless when you use them properly. Decide based on your hair type and scalp situation rather than just focusing on shampoo for hair loss.

By dispelling these myths, people can make more informed decisions on appropriate hair loss treatment in Singapore regarding their hair care and look. 

A Natural Two Herbs Solution for Male Hair Loss Treatment

Two Herbs offers 100% natural, safe, and affordable solutions. These solutions are gentle yet successful approaches to treating male pattern hair loss for fuller, thicker hair. 

Riff Lim Kian Hong, a trichologist, founded Two Herbs in 2004. Combining Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs from the Himalayas, Two Herbs promises the best hair loss treatment in Singapore. Ingredients such as Korean Red Ginseng and Amla work in unison to nourish the scalp and stimulate hair growth. 

Testimonials from happy customers and clinical studies vouch for their expertise in hair loss treatment in Singapore. Our finest product, the home herbal hair growth paste, stops hair fall and promotes hair growth. The application of the product is straightforward: massage the treatment into the scalp as directed for best results. Although generally safe, minor side effects, such as scalp irritation, may occur at times.

We have also created a hair loss shampoo that has been clinically proven to reduce hair fall for a healthier scalp.

Our Hair Loss Control Shampoo

Furthermore, our hair loss tonic works wonders in controlling hair loss and promote healthier hair growth.

Our Two Herbs Hair Tonic

Bid farewell to male pattern baldness and welcome confidence with the Two Herbs male hair loss treatment. Take the first step to maintaining healthier, fuller hair by accepting the potency of herbal care.

Conclusion

In order to deal with male pattern hair loss and promote healthy hair growth, individuals can make informed decisions by understanding the facts about hair loss. Taking proactive measures to maintain healthy hair is the best way to handle male pattern hair loss in men.

Tackling hair loss requires a customized solution. Whether you’re dealing with male hair loss, our hair loss treatment for men offers effective solutions. Women, too, have personalized options with our female hair loss treatment in Singapore. For a more natural approach, consider our hair treatment in Singapore for healthier hair with plant-based ingredients.

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