More than half of men across the UK will experience hair loss to some degree in their lives, so it’s more common than you might have thought. Nonetheless, you still want your hair looking at its best, no matter your age, and there are ways you can identify the first signs of hair loss so you can take action.
You mustn’t assume everything you read online is correct and extract the truth from fiction. This guide will help you understand what balding looks like and what you can do about it.
The Early Signs of Hair Loss
Losing hair typically starts in one of two places if male pattern hair loss is the cause: at the hairline or crown. The first thing you are likely to notice is that the hair in those parts looks thinner than it once did; it can be challenging to know for sure if your hair is thinning because the process happens gradually over a long time, but the strands won’t look as full of life as they once did.
We advise you to check your shower or bathtub floor and the drain in case more strands appear there – this could be a sign that you’re losing more hair than before. The same goes for your pillow each morning and on your comb or brush; check these to see the number of strands present, and try to remember if this is consistent with how many were there before. Every man loses around 50-100 hairs a day, but hair loss can be determined when they don’t grow back with vitality.
Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss, can sometimes be confused with diffuse thinning, a temporary problem that can occur in men and women of any age. Diffuse thinning typically only lasts six months and can be treated with the appropriate products, such as DHT-blocking shampoo.
For hair loss that is more severe and noticeable, Minoxidil or Finasteride might be prescribed to you and with consistent use over a long time, you could see your hair look thicker.
Myths About Balding
Just because your father or grandfather is bald doesn’t mean you will go bald, either. People put too much emphasis on the heads of their parents or grandparents and assume the same will happen to them. The truth is that while male pattern hair loss is linked to your genetic makeup, it’s not possible to say with certainty that you will go bald just because your father did, for instance.
If your scalp is dry and itchy, this often isn’t a sign you’re going bald; it could be dandruff instead. Remember that the skin on your scalp needs care, too, and when it becomes irritated, it can be a nuisance, but that doesn’t mean you’re balding. Of course, taking care of your irritated scalp is better for your hair follicles and strands to help the healthy production of hair, but it isn’t a sign of male pattern hair loss.
You shouldn’t necessarily believe that thinning hair once you’ve showered is a telltale sign of hair loss; it often means your hair is gathered together and not completely dry yet. You should seek expert consultation if you see more of your scalp than usual, but let your hair dry completely to be sure.
As men age, they frequently notice more of a V-shape at their hairline; this is normal and happens to many people, but it doesn’t mean you’re balding. The V is sometimes known as a widow’s peak, and you might see your father or grandfather with the same shape, but it won’t lead to hair loss or baldness.