Hair fall is a common problem in both men and women. However, in men, the change in hair density is easily visible. The natural aging process in men makes their hair thin out, eventually leading to hair loss and balding.
In today’s world, there are many techniques and treatments available to reverse male pattern baldness and thinning hair. So, in this article, we got you a detailed guide on all the tried and tested methods to improve hair growth. We will also share with you all the necessary information on thinning hair including the causes and natural remedies. Take a look!
What Does Hair Thinning Look Like?
So, how do you even know that you are suffering from hair thinning? There are some important signals that this problem will give you. Notice them, so you can start the treatment early.
To start with, observe your hairline. Many men can see a receding hairline during the early stages of hair loss. This can be a warning sign. Then, hair fall starts from the top of the head and also near the forehead. You may notice that your forehead is more visible.
The next major cue you can get is through combing. Take a comb and make a partition in between your head. If you can see more of your scalp through the hair, then the hair thinning has started.
What Causes Hair Loss in Men?
To help regulate the hair thinning or hair loss, you must first definitely know the possible reasons behind your hair fall. Though hair thinning can be related to genetics and is a natural phenomenon, there can be certain factors that can aggravate the situation. Here are some of them:
1. Smoking
Smoking is not only bad for your lungs but also for your hair. According to studies, if you smoke more than 20 fags in one day, you are more prone to baldness than non-smokers. Cigarettes release some of the harmful toxins that stop the blood flow to your hair follicles. As a result, you will see more hairfall and hair thinning.
Watch this video if you don’t believe us!
2. Protein Deficiency
According to various scientists and health experts, protein is directly linked to hair growth. In fact, the hair follicles themselves are made of a protein called keratin. So, when you decrease the intake of protein-rich food in your diet, you will see more hair problems like hair loss, greying and baldness. So, make sure you don’t have any protein deficiency.
3. Pattern Baldness in Men
One of the most common types of hair loss that usually takes between 15-25 years for a man to completely go bald. Initially, the hair starts to thin at the sides and the top of the head slowly begins to spread.
Unfortunately, there is no way to pattern baldness has no cure, but plenty of male pattern baldness hairstyles are available to choose from and this process can also be slowed with a variety of medications.
4. Medications
The medication you use can also be a reason for hair loss. Some of the medicines can be so powerful that they provide adverse effects on your health. If you think medication is the reason for your hair loss, then consult a doctor immediately.
5. Stress
One of the leading factors causing hair loss could be Stress. Hence indulge in activities like meditation , listening to music or other activities that aid in alleviating stress.
6. Alcohol
Unrestrained alcohol consumption may contribute to thinning of the hair because alcohol raises estrogen levels and alleviates zinc levels. But zinc is the essential mineral required for growing hair.
7. Medical Conditions
Underlying medical conditions can also cause hair fall problems in men. Some medical conditions that can lead to hair thinning are anemia, thyroid, diabetes and lupus.
Also, some disorders such as psoriasis and fungal infections also cause hair loss issues resulting in either complete hair fall or balding.
How Do you Fix Thinning Hair Naturally?
Not all hair thickening products are available in the market to suit every man, so one needs to experiment with the products to settle on the right one. Furthermore, an endless amount of natural hair remedies for thinning hair is also an option to choose. This article will mainly focus on the tested remedies and some pointers on how to make one’s hair look thicker.
The following pointers need to be focused:
1. Keep a Track of the Diet
If hair thinning is bothering a person and he wants to know how to make hair grow faster and thicker, then all he needs to focus on is to eat the right foods to obtain visible results.
Increasing the intake of protein, Omega 3, iron and vitamin C, can make a big difference within a few months. One can also choose the right vitamins for a thicker hair, as these can really help to improve the hair thickness.
2. Hair Regrowth Treatment
The predominant component that is required for a thicker hair is “keratin.” Hence to inject the stuff into the body to volumize the hair and wait for the magical regrowth to take place.
3. Hydration
Three-fourths of your hair molecule is made of water. So, it is very important to keep yourself hydrated for your hair to properly grow. Ideally, you must consume at least 8 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated. This also ensures the right moisture and improves your skin health.
4. Say No to Heating Tools
A fact that every individual needs to know is that hair dryers, straighteners, and other heat products have an adverse effect on the hair. Hence it is better to avoid these products completely and allow the hair to dry naturally after a shower, using only the low-heat setting if one really needs to use these.
A whole range of hair products for thinning hair products to protect from intense heat is available in the market, experiment and choose one that works best one.
5. Cut Down on Alcohol
To increase the hair volume one needs to cut down on the alcohol intake. They need not be neglected completely but the frequency of the intake needs to be checked for.
What are the Medical Treatments to Reverse Hair Loss or Thinning in Men?
Apart from all the natural ways to prevent hair loss, there are some medical treatments that do wonders in case the natural ones do not work. Here are some of them:
1. Rogaine/Minoxidil
In 1950’s, a drug called Minoxidil was developed to help treat high blood pressure. But, as a side effect, it also improved hair growth. Since then, it has been in use to treat hair fall and other hair related problems.
Also known as Rogaine, this medicine actually widens the blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow and in turn the blood circulation. So, the blood rush easily reaches your hair follicles in turn improving the hair growth.
Usage: Doctors usually recommend patients to use this grug 2 times a day with a gap of 8 hours between the doses.
When you use this medicine regularly, you can see a visible difference in your hair growth within 6 months.
This drug comes in the form of a foam, which is not only easy to use but can also be mixed with your hair products.
2. Finasteride/Dutasteride
Finasteride, also known as dutasteride or propecia is an oral medicine that directly impacts your hormones. This drug converts testosterone into DHT. Lack of DHT is seen to shrink hair follicles until they become smaller and smaller or just fall out.
According to reports, this drug can suppress up to 70 percent of DHT so that it can reverse the hair thinning. You can see the visible results after 1 year of using it.
However, make sure that you get this drug from a reputed doctor over a well-known pharmacist.
3. Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole shampoo is available in a variety of names but the most popular one is the Nizoral. It acts as an antifungal medication available in the form of a shampoo that is not only seen to aid in reducing inflammation that contributes to hair loss but also cleanses the scalp. This medication is hassle-free to use as it is available in the form of a shampoo.
Ketoconazole comes in 1- and 2% varieties, with 2-percent being the stronger of the two. One can buy 1% over the counter, while 2% requires a prescription, but are seen to produce better overall results. Nonetheless, reports have shown that many men have experienced positive results using the 1 %version.
For effective outcomes, one needs to massage the shampoo into the hair and scalp and leave it on for 1-5 minutes before rinsing.
A potential side effect of Ketoconazole is an itching and stinging sensation on its first use. Consult the physician if this side effect persists.
Every individual is different when it comes to tolerance to side effects and their desire to slow down hair loss with respect to different medications.
One can purchase minoxidil and ketoconazole over the counter but will require a prescription for finasteride or dutasteride. It is a better option to start hair loss treatment at an early stage to combat slowing down or stopping the hair loss.
But before trying on any of these products one needs to not only know the prescribed dosage and use but all should be well versed with the possible side effects that it can cause to be well prepared in advance.
What are the Cosmetic and Surgery Alternatives for Hair Thinning?
Along with medical treatment and natural remedies, there are also cosmetic surgeries for reversing hair thinning and hair loss.
These cosmetic products come in the form of concealers and powders that are usually spread into the hair to make it look thick and healthy.
Yet another cosmetic method is a wig or hair piece. This is a hair replacement method that can be used to cover baldness. These wigs are also called toupees.
Alternatively, you can even go for scalp micropigmentation where needles are used to create dots on the scalp thereby creating a tattoo like structure where your hairline is receding.
While this process may sound dreadful, you will only experience a mild discomfort during this method. However, there can be some minimum side effects including redness on the skin for a few days.
The last method is a permanent process that can cover up hair thinning. However, this treatment is somewhat costly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can hair grow back after thinning?
Though your hair will appear thin and your scalp might be visible, hair thinning is reversible. If you are witnessing hair thinning after an illness, your hair will start to regrow after 6 months. If hair thinning is natural, then it may last for a long time.
2. How do I stimulate hair growth?
You can naturally stimulate hair growth by making sure of your protein intake, regularly massage your scalp, ensure you eat all nutrients, using essential oils and so on.
3. What stimulates hair follicles?
There are certain proven methods that enhance your hair growth. These include oils and hair masks. Try and include coconut oil, rosemary oil, lemon and onion juice and massage on your scalp frequently. Make sure you regularly massage your scalp using a double-boiling heating method to improve blood circulation in your scalp. You can also include aloe vera gel in your hair oil for promoting hair growth.
4. Can thinning hair be regrown?
As long as your hair follicles are intact, there are many chances that your hair can be regrown. However, if your follicles are completely damaged, there will be no chances of regrowth there. Meanwhile, the diet and lifestyle changes play a key role in your hair growth.
Final Thoughts
While there is no magic hair thickener out there, one can use any one of the many measures listed above to attempt to disguise thinning hair or perhaps get a nifty new haircut and embrace one’s imperfections – the decision depends on personal tastes.