Hairfall In Men - Causes & Treatment options

1. Age

This is one of the most common causes of hair loss in men. . As one gets older, their hair lifecycle grows shorter. The thicker strands of hair tend to fall more often and are typically replaced by shorter, finer strands. This is primarily due to the weakness of the follicles. The process can eventually cause the individuals hairline to recede and can even result in balding

2. Hereditary Hair Loss

Also known as androgenetic alopecia , hereditary hair loss is quite common amongst individuals all over the world. In this situation, the lifecycle of one strands shortens in response to the persons genes which are passed down from generation to generation. This results in the creation of thin, short hair and extreme hair fall. In most cases, people with male pattern baldness start experiencing hair loss during their teens . During this period, hair fall is typically accompanied by a receding hairline or a bald spot.

3. Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a condition that occurs when the body's immune system attacks its hair follicles. This causes the hair root to weaken and eventually results in hair loss. People who experience this issue often report losing the hair present on their face, body, and scalp. This also includes the nose and ear hair.

4. Cancer Treatment

Individuals undergoing chemotherapy often experience hair loss. The medication administered during cancer treatment works by destroying any quickly growing cells present in one's body. This includes the person's hair. Having said that, do note that this side effect isn't a permanent one, and the individual's hair will grow back once they successfully complete the treatment.

1. Minoxidil

A prescription topical treatment, Minoxidil is one of the most common hair fall treatments out there for androgenetic alopecia. Unlike other treatments, this product can be used to do both - enhance ones hair growth and reduce their rate of hair fall. Side effects of the same include scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth on the hands and face, and hence should be used only under the supervision of a dermatologist.

2. Finasteride

This is an oral prescription drug that can be ingested daily. It primarily works by slowing the rate of one's hair loss, and in some cases, this pill can also cause hair growth. Unlike other treatment forms, these pills do not show effect quickly and require at least 2-3 months to showcase any results.. This treatment option should be started after consulting with a dermatologist only and should not be self-prescribed because of reported side effects.

3. Hair Transplant Surgery

Also known as restoration surgery, this treatment is typically prescribed to those individuals with large bald spots at the top of their head and hair at the base of their skull. The process involves removing hair follicles from areas with strong growth and placing them in ones bald spot. In certain cases, if the individual has an extremely large bald spot, large strips of skin containing multiple follicles are removed from the back of the head and placed in the affected area. More often than not, one will require multiple sessions to garner the desired results.

While the surgery is quite intensive, it generally does not require hospitalization.

The risks that accompany this treatment are as follows:

The affected area may bleed and/ or bruise.

You may experience some swelling at the surgery site

The affected area may get infected

4. Laser Therapy

This is one of the least common treatment methods out there. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of low-level laser devices to treat male pattern baldness and improve the overall density of ones hair. That being said, more studies are required to understand the long-term effects of this treatment.