Genetic vs. Reactive Male Hair Loss

About 85% of men face hair thinning by the time they turn 50. In fact, some guys start to encounter hair loss before they turn 21.

Male pattern hair loss is mostly caused by genetics or family history of balding. Research findings have found that male pattern baldness is linked with male sex hormones called androgens. They have many functions, including stimulating hair growth.

Each hair follicle on your head has a growth cycle. With male pattern baldness, this hair growth cycle begins with weakened and fragile hair follicle, producing lesser, shorter and finer strands of hair.

As a result, the growth cycle for each hair reduces significantly and no new hair grows in its place. That’s not to say that hair loss in men cannot be treated and a head full of luscious, healthy hair is not possible.

In this article, we’ll look at the common hair loss causes in men and some solutions, including male hair loss treatments in Singapore.

What Is Genetic Male Hair Loss?

Genetic male hair loss baldness is the most common cause of hair loss. Under the influence of a form of the male hormone testosterone passed down by genetics, the normal cycle of hair growth changes, resulting in shorter, thinner hair or hair loss.

Eventually, hair growth in certain sections of the scalp stops, which causes the typical male pattern hair loss. Usually, the hair loss condition seems to depend on genes contributed by both parents.

Hairs on the pillow, on the carpet or on the comb are probably symptoms of hair loss. In men, hair loss typically begins and proceeds in an M-shaped pattern on the scalp. In the most advanced stage, only a rim of hair on the scalp remains.

In these instances, certain hair follicles are sensitive to male hormones – and this sensitivity causes follicles to gradually shrink and produce slightly finer and shorter hair with each passing hair growth cycle. Hormones and genetic makeup play a role in the following:

Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Androgenetic alopecia involves the action of the hormones called androgens, which are important for regulation of male sexual process and even hair growth. The condition may be inherited and include several different genes.

In either sex, hair loss from androgenetic alopecia happens because of a genetically determined shortening of anagen during the hair growth phase.

Female Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Also called as androgenetic alopecia, it is referred to as hair loss that affects women. It’s similar to male pattern baldness, except that women can lose their hair in a different pattern compared to men. For instance, they can lose it with a small amount of thinning that starts around their head part. Or it will involve a widening see-through area at the top of the scalp.

What Is Reactive Male Hair Loss?

It is just like what it sounds like – reactive male hair loss happens due to some type of change. It is caused when something interrupts the ability to regrow hair, or causes hair loss. It can caused by factors such as:

1. Certain medications

Certain medications have side effects that can cause hair to fall out. Such medications include:

• Blood thinners, such as warfarin
• Accutane, to treat acne
• Antidepressants, including Prozac and Zoloft
• Beta-blockers
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as Lopid

2. Nutritional deficiency

Nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss. Certain diets that are too low in protein and certain vitamins, such as iron, can cause excessive hair loss.

3. Significant weight change

After significant weight loss, hair commonly will occur. It causes the body to be unable to adjust and transport its nutrients to less important parts such as the hair; a decline in original nutrients. This causes hair to become fragile and drop out.

4. Stress

Stress and hair loss can be related. Hair loss can be associated with high stress levels in stages such as Telogen effluvium. In stage Telogen effluvium, significant stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase. This causes hair to drop out significantly.

Solutions

Regardless of whether a man is suffering from genetic or reactive hair loss, there are solutions available out there.

Home Remedies

Consuming iron will help to boost hair growth as well as eggs and dairy products involving milk, yogurt, cheese and eggs which are loaded with nutrients such as proteins, Vitamin B12 and iron. Dairy products are also a great source that is known to fight hair loss. There are many home remedies to treat hair loss but these are some effective methods.

Clinical treatment

Professional hair clinics will offer medically proven treatments to reduce male hair loss and stimulate hair growth permanently. With advanced medical equipment and service, one can expect to see desirable results and continuous improvements throughout the period.

Papilla By Kim Lim offers specialized haircare services to deal with either reactive or genetic male hair loss treatments such as the signature S.E.P. Activator for Hair Loss.

Papilla’s hair loss treatments are effective for early to advanced stages of reactive and genetic hair loss without the risk of surgery, needles, or invasive methods.

Schedule a consultation with our hair loss specialists to experience a head full of hair once again.