Hair loss can occur on any part of the body, and is simply the partial or complete absence of hair from areas on the body where it normally grows. Hair loss can affect men of all ages. Although hair loss has different causes and contributing factors, dihydrotestosterone - also known as DHT - is thought to be a leading cause in men.
What are the symptoms of hair loss?
The most common symptoms in male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) are characterised by a receding hairline accompanied by thinning of the hair on the temples and crown. This type of baldness is often hereditary and will affect around 50% of all men by the age of 50.
How can I prevent hair loss?
Preventing hair loss can sometimes be out of our control.
Genetic factors can mean that individuals are pre-disposed to losing their hair as they age, whilst others still may lose their hair slowly or not at all.
The best approaches to preventing hair loss early are:
Not subjecting your hair to constant or extreme heating or drying procedures.
Leading a healthier lifestyle, by getting plenty of sleep and exercise.
Managing stress better, where possible.
Being mindful about over-styling and the products you use. Some styles require the hair to be pulled or tied tightly. This can lead to hair loss if done on a daily basis.
Washing your hair regularly using a mild shampoo and avoid brushing when the hair is wet.
Avoiding drying your hair vigorously with a towel. Instead, try gently patting the hair dry.
Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet. A healthy body is more likely to have healthy, stronger hair.
Brush the hair using a soft bristled comb or brush.
Will I eventually lose my hair?
Two out of every three men in the UK will experience male pattern baldness to some extent.
Family history can be a strong indicator of your chances of losing your hair. Hair loss tends to be linked to the mother’s side of the family, so you are most likely to lose your hair at a similar age to your maternal grandfather.
How can I tell if I am losing my hair?
Hair loss can be a difficult subject.
Some individuals do not accept their own hair loss for many years, often because hair loss tends to occur slowly and the symptoms can go largely unnoticed.
In general, you or someone else will notice that your hairline has receded or that your hair has thinned. A strong indicator is if hair is coming out in the shower or on your pillow.
Finasteride 1mg tablets is a clinically approved medication that treats hair loss in men by blocking DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone responsible to cause male patterned baldness.
Finasteride will block DHT attacking the hair follicles.
Results are usually seen between 3-6 months of taking the tablet.
If you stop taking the Finasteride, your hair loss will return.
At what point should I seek treatment?
It is easier to reverse symptoms of hair loss when treatment is started earlier. It is advised to consult a specialist as soon as you notice significant hair loss.
Delaying treatment may result in an increased difficulty in minimising or hiding the symptoms.
Will I go completely bald without treatment?
It is difficult to determine the extent of hair loss on a case-by-case basis. In general, men who experience some form of hair loss early in life will most likely become bald.
Those who experience hair loss later in life will most likely still have some form of hair in old age.
At what ages does hair loss normally start?
For men, the first signs of hair loss tend to occur between the ages of 25-35. In rare cases, it can start in the teenage years.
Are stress and hair loss related?
Whilst there is a correlation between stress and hair loss, the effects of hair loss following a stressful event are normally reversible. Medication can work to slow down the volume of hair lost.
When is hair loss normal and no cause for concern?
Nearly everyone will experience hair loss at some point in their life, particularly as we age.
If you are concerned about the amount of hair you are losing, it’s important to raise these concerns with your GP.