Hair loss is a common concern for many men, and it can be caused by a variety of factors.
While some causes of hair loss, such as genetics, may be out of our control, there are several lifestyle factors that can also play a role.
In this article, we’ll explore nine things that can affect hair loss in men. By understanding these factors, you can make informed choices to help keep your hair healthy and strong.
1. Genetics
When it comes to hair loss, genetics play a big role. In fact, if your father or granddad experienced hair loss, there’s a pretty good chance that you might too.
It usually starts as an m-shaped recession at the front of your scalp and often in your 20s or 30s.
If you’re genetically predisposed to hair loss, there’s not a whole lot you can do to stop it, but there are some things you can do to slow it down and keep your remaining hair healthy.
2. Old Age
Another pretty obvious one, everyone knows that hair loss happens as you get older.
This is due to the natural hair growth slowing down and the probability of male pattern baldness becoming more likely.
As you get older nearly everyone has at least some some hair loss. In addition, as you age, hair strands become thinner and have less pigment adding to the appearance of hair loss.
3. Diet
One nutrient that is particularly important for hair health is protein. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, so consuming enough protein in your diet is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.
Diets that are low in protein as well as iron, omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to hair loss.
4. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration, which can make hair brittle and more prone to breakage. Alcohol can also decrease the levels of zinc and other important minerals in the body, which can contribute to hair loss. In addition, alcohol consumption can increase levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a known contributor to male pattern baldness. To promote healthy hair growth, it is important to limit alcohol consumption and maintain a healthy, balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.
5. Smoking
Nicotine and other chemicals found in cigarette smoke can constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the hair follicles. This can result in hair follicles becoming starved of vital nutrients and oxygen, leading to weakened hair growth and eventual hair loss.
Smoking can also increase oxidative stress in the body, leading to damage to hair follicles and premature aging of the scalp. In addition, smoking is known to disrupt hormone levels in the body, which can contribute to hair loss.
6. Stress
Stress is another factor that can contribute to male hair loss. When the body experiences stress, it releases a hormone called cortisol. Elevated levels of cortisol in the body can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle and lead to hair loss. Stress can also cause the body to produce more androgens, which are hormones that contribute to hair loss in men. Additionally, stress can cause inflammation in the body, which can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
7. Hormones
Hormonal changes associated with aging can also contribute to hair loss in men. It has been shown that men with male pattern baldness have low testosterone levels with average DHT levels in their body.
Other hormones can also contribute to male hair loss. For example, thyroid hormone imbalances can lead to thinning hair or hair loss, while high levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, can also contribute to hair loss.
8. Hair Style
As we go down the list, the
The effects of hair styles on hair loss is more associated with women who have spent there life pulling their hair back tightly and putting it in a ponytail however if you are sporting a male ponytail or top-knot a la Gareth Bale then this can add to balding issues if you are not careful.
9. Hats
Scraping the bottom of the barrel now! Wearing a hat is highly unlikely to cause hair loss in itself however in the same way that tightly pulled ponytails puts hair follicles under stress, wearing tightly fitting caps and other header can have the same affect.
If your hat is tight enough, it can cut off air and blood flow to your hair follicles, so next time you are pulling the hat out of the wardrobe it may be worth loosening it an extra stop.
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