One of the great mysteries of the ages is understanding why almost all men go bald at some point in their lives. Some men suffer from noticeable balding in their late teens or early 20s while other men manage to hang onto some hair through to their golden years, but nearly all men suffer from some form of hair loss in their life. Whether it’s a gradual process due to ageing or something that strikes a man suddenly, losing your hair can be stressful. Although many men choose to accept the loss of their hair, there are a number of scientific breakthroughs that may offer men new solutions.

Genetics

Research published by scientists who study balding in men shown that most men lose their hair due to a blueprint embedded in their DNA. “Almost all men have a genetic predisposition to go bald,” say specialists. “The hair follicles on a man’s head have DNA inherited from their mother and father which starts to bind with a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) that causes the hair follicle to start shrinking, causing baldness.”

Experts in hair loss have explained that testosterone is the hormone primarily responsible for managing and promoting hair growth. “When testosterone gets converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hair follicles begin to shrink. This process causes men to grow shorter and finer hair, eventually stopping hair production altogether. The medical term for this is androgenetic alopecia.”

External Causes

In addition to genetic and environmental factors, lifestyle plays an important role in hair loss. “We have documented that poor nutrition, stress and illness can also cause hair loss,” says researchers. “But most of the time this hair loss is temporary and the hair will grow back again once health is restored.” Unfortunately, men who have already begun to go bald due to genetic reasons may not be able to grow hair loss due to stress, illness or nutritional deficiencies. Regrettably, this means that some men may start going balder even earlier than normal.

Another lifestyle choice that affects hair loss is cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol. “Our research has shown a clear correlation between smoking and balding,” say scientists. “Furthermore, consuming alcohol can lead to hair becoming dehydrated and damaged.” In addition, some prescription medications such as blood pressure medication can also contribute to speeding up the balding process.

Solutions for Balding

While science has not yet developed the perfect cure for balding, a number of technological breakthroughs can help slow down or even reverse balding.

These include:

  • Propecia – This prescription medication can block up to 70% of the DHT in a man’s body to stop hair loss caused by genetic reasons.
  • Rogaine – This medication can help slow down hair loss and prevent hair follicles from getting smaller.
    Laser Therapy – This technique works by sending a pulsed beam of light into the hair follicles to help stimulate them into growing newer, thicker hair.
  • Transplantation – This works by taking hair from other parts of your body, especially the bald-resistant follicles at the back of the head, and transplanting them into areas where hair has been lost.

Although the above solutions can certainly offer men a chance to slow down and reduce the effects of balding, many men choose to accept their loss of hair gracefully. Instead of waiting for the balding process to slowly reduce the amount of hair on their head, many men today are opting to shave their head, a quick and elegant solution to hair loss.

The Traditional Head Shave is delivered at Guys Grooming daily. Book your appointment today and experienced the close, uncompromising sheerness of the shaving blade combined with a head massage and the invigorating feel of the hot towels.