How do you live with
your hair loss?

Studies have shown that hair loss can be particularly troubling for many men: some will not feel at ease in their relationships or may think that they look older and less attractive, others will feel depressed.

However, thanks to the progress of science, there are many options available for men that wish to keep their hair or replace it.

Causes of hair loss in men

Androgenetic alopecia — A genetic and increased receptivity of the scalp to androgens, which explains 95% of masculine hair loss cases.

Androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of male baldness, is often genetic — a family history can be traced from the parents, grand- parents, uncles or aunts. This form of baldness is attributed to an increased receptivity of the scalp to androgens (testosterone), the male sex hormones.

Testosterone combines with the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, located in the scalp, to create DHT. When the concentration of DHT is very high, the capillary cycle is altered. In more susceptible areas, such as the temples and the top of the head (vertex), DHT acts on the hair follicles by shortening the growth phase of the hair and by progressively shrinking the follicles, which will result in the growth of very fine hair. In the end, hair growth will completely stop in these areas, and the inactive hair follicles will sink in the dermis, leaving the skin completely smooth.

Androgenetic alopecia usually starts after puberty, most often in the mid-twenties, and progresses until 55-60 years old, with more active phases and dormant phases. These days, it is not rare to see this progression sped up by aggravating factors such as stress, dietary additives and polymers found in hairstyling products.

In men, androgenetic hair loss is progressive and it follows a predictable pattern. Hair loss begins on the temporal lobes (the hair line) and then the top of the head is affected. Both regions will eventually reach one another to create a complete baldness of the crown.

Seborrheic hypersecretion — an imbalance of the sebaceous glands that causes progressive thinning of the hair.

Seborrheic hypersecretion will provoke a progressive thinning of the hair — 40% to 50% of the hair count will be lost — but it will not cause baldness like androgenetic alopecia would. It is due to an imbalance of the sebaceous glands of the scalp. They become hyperactive and start secreting an oily coating that suffocates the hair follicles, which will atrophy over time.

Seborrheic hypersecretion will often aggravate androgenetic alopecia.

Other causes — stress, trauma, disease, surgical intervention, infection, some medications, alopecia, etc.