How To Prevent Hair Loss in Men

• 26 July 2024
• Dr. Ossman Ashraf

Last updated on July 12, 2024

Hair loss is a prevalent concern for men, affecting millions worldwide. While genetics play a significant role, there are proactive steps you can take to slow down the process and promote healthy hair growth. This article explores various methods to combat hair loss, including natural practices, growth factor treatments, and DHT hormone blockers.

Why is My Hair Thinning?

The best place to start when it comes to preventing hair loss is to understand what causes baldness in men, as this will determine the best treatment moving forward. The most common type of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. It’s hereditary hair loss caused by a combination of genetics and the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT shrinks hair follicles, leading to thinner and eventually, shorter hair growth cycles. This results in a receding hairline, bald patches on the crown, or a horseshoe-shaped pattern of hair loss.

Other reasons why hair loss occurs include:

• Medical Conditions

  Certain medical conditions can contribute to hair loss, including thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata, and scalp infections like ringworm. Hair loss can also be a side effect of medications or medical treatments like chemotherapy.

• Nutritional Deficiencies

  Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, B vitamins, and protein can sometimes contribute to hair loss. These nutrients play a role in hair growth and overall scalp health.

• Stress

  Chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to temporary or permanent hair loss. This is because stress hormones can affect the blood supply to the scalp and disrupt hair follicle function.

Knowing why your hair loss is occuring is key to developing an effective treatment plan to prevent further thinning and promote hair growth.

Natural Methods for Hair Loss Prevention

Before diving into medical treatments, here are some ways to help prevent hair loss for men naturally. These methods generally help prevent excessive hair fall and promote a healthy scalp and hair follicles, and are essential for general good health – but they usually can’t help if hair loss is caused by male pattern baldness (genetics) or illness:

• Diet and Nutrition

  Ensure a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins, especially vitamins A, D, E, and B vitamins. These nutrients nourish hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. If your hair loss is caused by a nutrient or vitamin deficiency, a healthy and balanced diet can prevent further hair loss.

• Stress Management

  Chronic stress can contribute to hair loss. Techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress and potentially improve hair health.

• Scalp Massage

  Regular scalp massages can increase blood circulation to the scalp, delivering essential nutrients to hair follicles to help stimulate hair growth. Massage gently for a few minutes daily using your fingertips.

• Scalp Cleanliness

  Maintain a clean scalp by washing your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo that suits your hair type. Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive washing, which can strip away natural oils.

• Gentle Hair Care

  Be gentle with your hair. Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the roots, use a wide-toothed comb to prevent breakage, and limit the use of heat styling tools.

• Adequate Sleep

  Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help promote hair growth. Sleep deprivation can disrupt hormone levels and potentially contribute to hair loss.

Growth Factor Treatments

Growth factor treatments are a relatively new approach to hair loss, including male pattern baldness. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy involve injecting a concentration of platelets from your own blood into the scalp. Platelets contain growth factors that may stimulate hair follicle growth and improve hair density. While research is ongoing, studies show that growth factor treatment can be effective for hair loss, significantly increasing the number of hairs produced by follicles.

Growth factor treatments have shown significant results for many men with alopecia areata, male pattern baldness, and other hair loss conditions.

DHT Hormone Blockers

DHT, as mentioned earlier, plays a key role in male pattern baldness and DHT blocker mesotherapy is often recommended in cases of male pattern baldness and thinning hair. Two main medications target DHT, one of which is clinically proven to slow down hair loss and promote some hair regrowth. This hair loss medication works by stimulating blood flow to the scalp and prolonging the hair growth cycle.

Another option is a prescription medication that works by blocking the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT. Studies show its effectiveness in slowing down hair loss and may even promote some regrowth.
This therapy won’t always bring back hair that you’ve lost, although DHT blocker therapy does have significant benefits and will stimulate hair growth. As a result, it is usually recommended in mild to moderate cases of male pattern baldness as well as after a hair transplant to prevent further hair loss.

Important Considerations Before You Start a Hair Loss Treatment

• Consulting a Dermatologist or Hair Loss Doctor

  Because hair loss can be caused by genetics, underlying nutrient deficiencies, illness and other conditions, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist or medical professional to diagnose the cause of your hair loss. This will help determine the most suitable treatment options.

• Treatment Consistency

  Most hair loss treatments require consistent use for several months before noticeable results appear. This is due to the time it takes for hair follicles to enter the growth stage of the hair growth cycle. Be patient and stick to the recommended regimen for optimal effectiveness.

• Realistic Expectations

  Hair loss treatments can slow down hair loss and potentially promote some regrowth, but they may not completely reverse baldness. The only permanent solution to hair loss is a hair transplant. Be sure to discuss this with your hair loss doctor to ensure you have realistic expectations for your treatment.

• Combination Therapy

  In some cases, a combination of therapies, such as DHT blockers, growth factor treatment, and natural treatments, may be recommended for better results.

Our hair loss clinics in Sydney and Melbourne offer a wide range of treatments for hair thinning and balding, including growth factor treatment, DHT hormone blockers, and the only permanent hair loss solution – a hair transplant.

Want to Treat Your Type of Hair Loss Safely and Effectively?

If you are concerned about your hair loss, speak to the qualified medical professionals at Hair Doctors at our Sydney or Melbourne clinic for a personalised and FDA-approved approach to hair growth products. Our procedures include growth factor therapy, medications, and hair transplantation, and we will help guide you towards the best treatment for your case.

FAQs

Can I reverse male hair loss completely?

Unfortunately, complete reversal of hair loss may not be possible without hair transplantation. However, various treatments like DHT hormone blockers and growth factor treatment can slow down the process and promote some regrowth.

How quickly will I see results with hair loss treatments?

Most treatments for hair loss and male pattern baldness require consistent use for several months before noticeable results appear. This is because the hair follicles need time to move through the resting phase of the natural hair growth cycle and into the active growth phase. Be patient and stick to the recommended regimen.

Are there any side effects to hair loss treatments?

Some medications and treatments may have side effects, including scalp irritation. It’s crucial to discuss potential side effects with your doctor before starting any treatment.

Are there any alternative hair loss solutions?

There are several alternative solutions, depending on the severity of hair loss and your preferences. These include:

• Hairpieces

  These are non-surgical solutions that come in various styles and can provide temporary coverage for bald areas.

• Scalp micropigmentation

  This cosmetic procedure creates the appearance of a shaved head with tiny tattooed dots that mimic hair follicles.

Where can I find a qualified hair loss specialist?

Book a consultation at Hair Doctors and speak to a doctor in Melbourne or Sydney with expertise in hair loss. They can diagnose the cause of your hair loss, recommend the most suitable treatment options, and have the clinic manage all aspects of your hair loss treatment, whether it is DHT blocker mesotherapy, growth factor treatment, or a hair transplant.