Hair might not be a vital organ that serves a critical purpose in the human body. In fact, hair is not even an organ in the first place. Still, hair loss tends to demotivate people and leads to self-image and self-confidence issues. The aesthetic contribution of hair to one’s personality is what makes people value its lushness and rue its lack.
There are three main causes of hair loss in men: genes/hormones, ageing and stress.
Understanding the different causes of hair loss helps in identifying and adopting the appropriate remedial treatment.
There are three main causes of hair loss in men: genes/hormones, ageing and stress.
Genetic/Hormonal Hair Loss: Genetic/hormonal disposition is the most common cause of hair loss around the world. This form of hair loss, called androgenetic alopecia, occurs due to the presence of male hormones called androgens. However, it doesn’t mean that everyone with this hormone is bound to lose hair at some point. Only people with androgens AND a specific gene code are at the risk of losing hair. Passing of this gene and hormones from either parent is what makes the condition hereditary.
Androgenetic alopecia manifests itself in the form of male pattern baldness, and is mostly irreversible if left untreated.
Stress-related Hair Loss: Technically known as telogen effluvium, this form of hair loss is the next common one. This condition is caused due to excessive stress. Fortunately, this condition is not permanent, and lost hair generally grows back within a span of 6 or 9 months. In this condition, the hair just stops growing instead of completely falling out.
Another form of hair loss that’s induced by stress is alopecia areata, wherein patches of hair are lost here and there. Like in the case of telogen effluvium, hair falls out from the patches and regrows after a certain period. Treatment is recommended if the hair doesn’t grown back after a period.
Usually, the hair doesn’t fall out, but decreases in both length and diameter – a process called miniaturization.
Hair Loss Due to Ageing: Sometimes, androgenetic hair loss takes time to manifest itself. Some people might start losing hair in their early 20s, whereas some might start losing hair much later. In some cases, even people who have neither androgens nor the specific gene code can start losing hair as they grow older. Usually, the hair doesn’t fall out, but decreases in both length and diameter – a process called miniaturization.
The treatment for hair loss varies according to the root cause. There’s no one-solution-suits-all. Therefore, when you visit a trichologist, make sure to ask them to identify the cause of your hair loss and then prescribe the appropriate remedy.
