Growing up, in the 1980s I use to see bald hair as a sign that a man is much older. Most of the bald men I saw at the time were those in their late 50s or even 60s.
Now, however, I see men in their late 30s already bald. In fact, I am beginning to realise that there is more to hair loss than being old.
Hair loss, particularly male pattern baldness, has been a common concern for centuries.
However, in recent years, it seems more men are experiencing hair loss at younger ages.
While this may be due to a combination of factors, the good news is that understanding these causes can help in managing and addressing the issue.
Here’s why more men are becoming bald:
1. Genetics Is The Primary Factor
Androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It’s a hereditary condition influenced by genetics from either parent.
Men with a family history of baldness are more likely to experience hair loss, especially if it started early in their relatives.
2. Hormonal Changes
Male pattern baldness is linked to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, leading to thinner hair and, eventually, hair loss.
Men with higher sensitivity to DHT are more prone to balding.
3. Stress And Lifestyle Factors
Chronic stress can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes their hair to prematurely enter the resting phase and fall out.
Modern lifestyles often involve high levels of stress, poor sleep, and unhealthy diets, all of which can contribute to hair thinning.
4. Poor Nutrition
This is a common factor. Some times what people thing is an amazing diet of taste is actually not rich in nutrition.
Hair health depends on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, and protein can weaken hair and lead to hair loss. Do you intentionally ensure that what you eat are rich in this vitamins and minerals?
Men who follow restrictive diets or consume a lot of processed foods may experience more hair loss due to poor nutrition.
5. Pollution And Environmental Factors
Sadly, many men do not know that increased exposure to pollution, UV rays, and harsh environmental conditions can damage hair follicles over time.
Airborne toxins and pollutants can clog hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and eventual loss.
6. Ageing Process
Hair loss is a natural part of ageing. As men grow older, hair growth slows, and hair follicles shrink, resulting in thinner, weaker hair.
By their 50s, around 50% of men experience some degree of baldness.
7. Increased Awareness And Reporting
While it might seem that much younger men are going bald today, it could be due to greater awareness and openness about the issue.
Men are more likely to notice hair loss early and seek solutions, which could make it appear as if the problem is more widespread.
8. Medical Conditions And Medications
Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases (e.g., alopecia areata), or scalp infections, can cause hair loss.
Medications for blood pressure, depression, or cancer treatments like chemotherapy can also lead to temporary or permanent hair loss.
9. Hair Styling Practices
Tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, or man buns can cause traction alopecia, which damages hair follicles.
Overuse of hair products, heat styling, and harsh chemical treatments can weaken hair and accelerate hair loss.
10. Digital Lifestyles And Sedentary Habits
Unfortunately, some jobs are making men more sedentary.
You see, excessive screen time and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to poor blood circulation and stress, both of which negatively affect hair growth.
Lack of physical activity and poor posture may indirectly contribute to scalp health issues.
Can Baldness Be Prevented Or Treated?
While some factors causing baldness, like genetics, cannot be changed, there are ways to slow or manage hair loss:
- DHT Blockers: Medications like finasteride reduce DHT levels and can slow hair loss.
- Topical Treatments: Minoxidil is a widely used treatment to stimulate hair growth.
- Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can improve hair health.
- Hair Transplants: For advanced hair loss, surgical options like hair transplantation are available.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): A non-invasive treatment that stimulates hair growth using laser light.
Conclusion
Much younger men becoming bald can be attributed to a mix of genetic, hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
While male pattern baldness remains the most common cause, modern lifestyles and stress may exacerbate the issue. The key to addressing hair loss lies in early prevention, proper care, and exploring treatment options that suit individual needs.