Hair loss in men is a sensitive subject, especially for men. This condition can cause worry, stress, mental anguish, and a variety of other emotions. Although it is relatively common, affecting 40 percent of men by the time they reach their 30s, many myths surround this topic that causes unnecessary panic.
What Causes Hair Loss in Men?
Hair loss in men has many names, such as androgenic alopecia and male pattern baldness. Genetics and hormones cause this condition. Also, with this condition, hair that was once thick becomes dormant or dies, resulting in male pattern baldness.
Myths Regarding Hair Loss in Men
Different myths revolve around it. Many of these myths have been told for many years.
- Male Baldness Comes from the Mother’s Side. The texture, color, and other hair characteristics in men derive from the genetics of both sides of the family, not only the mother’s side. Looking at the family tree will not give a man all the answers they seek. However, if there is a history of male pattern baldness in the family, there’s a good chance they too will experience it.
- Stress is the Culprit. While hair loss causes stress, stress does not cause hair to fall out. Stress can be the culprit for various adverse health conditions, such as different types of baldness, including alopecia areata and Telogen effluvium. Still, male pattern baldness is not the result of stress. Stress-induced baldness often affects people who are in highly stressful situations, such as major accidents.
- Wearing a Hat Makes You Bald. The good news is wearing a hat doesn’t make men bald. The only way men can experience baldness by wearing a hat is if they wear it tightly to the point their hair is being pulled out, known as traction alopecia. The same goes for beanies and other types of headwear.
- It Only Occurs as Men Age. Although it is associated with men who are 30 years old and older, men can start losing their hair at any age. Some men experience hair loss during their teens. Men who have a history of hair loss in their family may experience early signs of balding.
- Bald Men Have More Testosterone. While there is a relationship between male sex hormones, androgens, and hair loss, the theory that bald men have more testosterone than other men is false. The most common type of hair loss in men is male pattern baldness. This type of baldness is caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is an essential hormone during childhood, puberty, and adulthood, but men who are susceptible to male pattern baldness will experience damage to their hair follicles.
- Excessively Washing the Hair Makes it Fall Out. Many men looking for natural ways to prevent hair loss naturally stop washing their hair because of this myth. Frequently washing the hair removes the hair’s natural oils, sebum and causes the hair to become dry. Washing the hair with a hair loss shampoo can help protect the hair from DHT-related damage. Men should wash their hair according to the amount of oil their scalp produces.
- Using a Lot of Hair Products Causes Baldness. The use of everyday hair styling products, such as gel, mousse, and wax, does not cause male pattern baldness. However, when these hair products are applied too aggressively, it can cause hair to shed. Most hair styling products can be applied to the hair without damaging the hair follicles. Many men associate pulling their hair too tightly with going bald, but it is traction alopecia, pulling excessively on the hair’s roots. Continuously pulling the hair and wearing the same hairstyle for months at a time can cause permanent damage to the hair’s root.
- Hair Loss is Permanent. Good news! All hair loss is not permanent. Whether men have male pattern baldness or another type of baldness, the hair is not gone forever. However, there are circumstances when the long-term effects of male pattern baldness become permanent. When this type of baldness becomes permanent, the hair around the hairline or crown is lost. If left untreated, the hair will not grow back.
Related: Evaluating the Current State of Men’s Hair Replacement Systems
What are the Signs of Male Pattern Baldness?
Different signs accompany male pattern baldness.
- Hair Loss. The most common indication of male pattern baldness is hair loss. This type of hair loss can occur in different patterns, from a receding hairline to diffuse thinning. Male pattern baldness may occur gradually, and men may not notice they are losing hair until years after this process starts.
- Receding Hairline. Once the hairline starts to recede, most men start noticing the changes occurring with their hair. Hairlines can recede in different patterns. Male pattern baldness is associated with an m-shaped hairline with receding corners. Men who are susceptible to male pattern b