Types of Male Hair Loss / Thinning Hair

The following is a guide to some of the most common hair loss/thinning hair causes in men, complete with a recommended treatment approach. Please read through each of the following causes of hair loss to help you correctly identify the reason for your hair loss/thinning hair. The following is to be used as a guide and is not intended to diagnose a hair loss condition. If you feel the reason for you hair loss/thinning hair is not covered in this guide, or you wish for further clarification, please call 1800 966 904 to speak with a hair loss specialist or Contact Us to have a specialist contact you.

95% of all hair loss/thinning hair cases in men are due to a genetic condition called Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), commonly known as Male Pattern Hair Loss. Only 5% of hair loss cases present for other reasons, e.g. unhealthy scalp, poor nutrition, stress, age, traction alopecia, trichotillomania, traumas, medications, hypothyroidism, alopecia areata, scalp disease, surgery, autoimmune diseases, iron deficiency and hormone imbalance.

Male Pattern Hair Loss typically begins gradually in men in their 20’s and is seen as a loss of hair density over the top (vertex) and the anterior mid-scalp area (receding hairline). This type of hair loss doesn’t usually happen all at once – even though it may seem that way. There is a process in the body that occurs over time that leads to the hair follicles becoming irretrievable (dormancy).

Testosterone is hardened by an enzyme called ‘5 alpha reductase’ in the body, creating a build-up under the scalp called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As the DHT hardens over time it slowly restricts the food source supplied to the hair follicle causing the hair follicle to fall. Each time the new hair regrows, it does so thinner, shorter, and with less pigmentation (loss of colour). Over time these new hairs become so small that they are no longer visible. This process is referred to as ‘miniaturisation’ (as shown in the diagram below).

 


Miniaturisation only occurs because of DHT build up.

 

What can be done about miniaturisation/male pattern hair loss (AGA)?

Treatment to recover hair follicles is only possible for hair follicles in the miniaturisation stage. These treatable hair follicles are referred to as active follicles. Therefore it is important to commencement treatment as early as possible at the first signs of thinning.

Miniaturisation only occurs when there is a DHT build up, and this only ever presents its self in one male hair loss condition: Male pattern hair loss (AGA) 

Medications known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (DHT Blockers) are commonly used for male pattern hair loss.

Finasteride is an example of a 5-alpha reductase inhibiting drug that is no longer recommend by Hair Health Australia but is still prescribed by some doctors. This drug is approved for male pattern hair loss only. Researchers from George Washington University reported in the Journal of Sexual Medicine that Propecia (finasteride) may be linked to a side effect of sexual dysfunction, which may be permanent, i.e. the problem may persist even after the treatment is completed.

Medications like Finasteride and Dutasteride have side effects that persist even after the treatment is finished. Such side-effects may include erectile dysfunction, male breast cancer risk, and a diminished sex drive. Some studies suggest there may even be a higher risk of depression, memory loss and brain fog.

Hair Health Australia recommends an effective Natural 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (DHT Blockers) NHC Natural Hair Loss Capsules which are taken twice daily in a soft capsule form. Each capsule contain a cocktail of highly potent natural DHT inhibitors, which form a safe non drug formulation with no side effects.

Hair Health Australia recommend the use of the Ultimate Hair Growth Pack for Male Pattern Hair Loss (AGA) to naturally stop excessive hair loss and maximise hair regrowth.

Hair products containing toxic chemicals can cause hair loss/thinning hair

Hair products containing chemicals such as Sulphates, SLS, Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Grapefruit Seed Extract and added Fragrances can cause hair loss / thinning hair in men. Hair dyes, permanents, relaxers, shampoo and conditioners with these toxic chemicals do serious damage to the hair and scalp whether they contain dye or not. The toxic chemicals must be detoxified by the liver, and are identified by the immune system as foreign invaders. The health of the liver and the immune system are compromised by the use of these products. An immune system busy fighting off an invasion of foreign chemicals may not be able to prevent infection or identify and destroy aberrant cells. The majority of these products that are sold in supermarkets, chemists, pharmacy and discount stores have a toxic effects on a persons immune system and impede hair growth and cause hair loss / thinning hair.

Other possible causes of hair loss

Unhealthy Scalp 

An unhealthy scalp environment can play a significant role in hair thinning by contributing to miniaturisation or causing damage. Air and water pollutants, environmental toxins, conventional styling products and excessive amounts of sebum have the potential to build up on the scalp blocking hair follicles and consequently causing their deterioration. It can also physically restrict hair growth or damage the hair cuticle, leading to hair that is weakened and easily broken off before its natural lifecycle has ended.

Poor Nutrition 

Studies have shown that poor nutrition, limited food intake, and deficiencies in certain nutrients can cause thinning. These include deficiencies of biotin, protein, zinc and poor human iron metabolism, although complete baldness is not usually seen. A diet high in animal fats (often found in fast food) and vitamin A is also thought to have a negative effect on hair loss / thinning hair.

Stress

Stress has been shown to restrict the blood supply to capillaries, inhibiting oxygen and nutrient uptake of hair follicles and inhibiting hair growth, in an effect similar to that from having poor circulation.

Age

Gradual thinning of hair with age is a natural condition known as involutional alopecia. This is caused by an increasing number of hair follicles switching from the growth – or anagen – phase, into a resting – or telogen – phase. The end result is that the remaining hairs becoming fewer in number.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is most commonly found in people with ponytails or cornrows; who predominately pull on their hair with excessive force. In addition, rigorous brushing, heat styling, rough scalp massage can damage the cuticle; which is the hard outer casing of the hair. This causes individual strands to become weak and break off, reducing the overall hair volume.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is the loss of hair caused by compulsive pulling and bending of the hairs. Onset of this disorder tends to begin around the onset of puberty and usually continues through adulthood. Due to the constant extraction of the hair roots, permanent hair loss can occur.

Traumas

Traumas such as major surgery, poisoning, and severe stress may cause a hair loss condition known as telogen effluvium, in which a large number of hairs enter the resting phase at the same time, causing shedding and subsequent thinning.

Medications

Temporary or permanent hair loss can be caused by several medications, including those for blood pressure problems, diabetes, heart disease and cholesterol. Any that affect the body’s hormone balance can have a pronounced effect: these include the contraceptive pill, hormone replacement therapy, steroids and acne medications.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid) and the side effects of its related medications can cause hair loss, typically frontal, which is particularly associated with thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows (also seen with syphilis). Hyperthyroidism (an over-active thyroid) can also cause hair loss, which is parietal rather than frontal.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder also known as “spot baldness” that can result in hair loss ranging from just one location (Alopecia areata monolocularis) to every hair on the entire body (Alopecia areata universalis). Although thought to be caused by hair follicles becoming dormant, what triggers alopecia areata is not known. In most cases the condition corrects itself, but it can also spread to the entire scalp (alopecia totalis) or to the entire body (alopecia universalis).

Facts of Alopecia Areata

1. Alopecia Areata is a hair-loss condition which usually affects the scalp.

2. Alopecia Areata typically causes one or more circular patches of hair loss.

3. Alopecia Areata affects both genders.

4. Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system attacks hair follicles leading to dormancy.

5. For most patients, the condition resolves without treatment within a year, but can be helped along with NHC products to speed up recovery.

6. A number of treatments are known to aid hair regrowth and prevent further loss in Alopecia Areata patients by stimulating the dormant follicles. Multiple treatments may be necessary, and no one treatment consistently works for all patients.

Recommend: Speak to a Hair Loss Specialist on 1800 996 904 to discuss prior treatments if any so a customised structured treatment approach can be recommended to best suit you or click “CONTACT US” to have a specialist contact you.