Alopecia (baldness) In Men - How To Stop Baldness? Preparations, Shampoos

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49

Alopecia (baldness) in men

Many men around the world are faced with the problem of hair loss. Despite the fact that representatives of the strong half of humanity are most susceptible to alopecia, this pathology is not of an exclusive gender nature. Women are also prone to baldness, but due to the completely different hormonal regulation of the female body, hair loss does not become so common for them. In this case, we can rather speak of an exception to the rule. Alopecia is more a male disease: according to statistics, the ratio of women and men suffering from hair loss is approximately 1:25.

Hair thinns with age in both men and women. This can be considered a variant of the physiological norm (unless, of course, this or that pathological process becomes the cause of alopecia). If the hair is rapidly "leaving" the head of a young man, it is all the more worth paying close attention to.

Content:

• Causes of male pattern baldness
• Baldness stages
• Hair loss shampoos for men
• Hair Trainer
• Medications for the treatment of hair loss
• Hair loss prevention

Causes of male pattern baldness

Androgenic alopecia

Men, as a rule, pay no less attention to their appearance than women (although they do it in a slightly different way), therefore baldness, and even more so earlier, can be a real blow for them. Meanwhile, even early baldness does not always indicate the presence of pathological changes in the body. In the overwhelming majority of cases, there is the so-called androgenic alopecia (about 94-96% of all cases of alopecia). In such a case, we are talking about a completely normal, genetically determined phenomenon.

In a normal state, the hair follicle, which is responsible for the synthesis of fibers and hair structures, has sufficient activity. However, there is a hormone that can suppress the work of hair follicles, and, consequently, reduce their functionality. It is a typically male hormone called dihydrotestosterone. Each man has a significantly different level of this substance in the blood, as well as the activity of its secretion. Therefore, some have a chance to preserve thick hair without much effort until old age, while others are more likely to go bald in the early period (20-30 years). The status of the endocrine system directly depends on the hereditary factor. Therefore, in this case, we can talk about physiologically normal hereditary baldness.

This process is not one-time. First, there is a thinning of the hair (a "bald spot" is formed). The hair at the site of the lesion loses its color, becomes thinner and becomes short. Over time, the process affects other bulbs. The terms of complete baldness vary, on average, we are talking about 8-20 years. Action should be taken in the first few years after the problem is discovered. Otherwise, the hair follicles will “heal up” and the bulb will finally lose its functions.

In women, the hormone dihydrotestosterone is also present, but its concentration is so low that it cannot damage the bulbs.

Genetically determined baldness

If androgenic alopecia is only indirectly caused by a genetic factor (after all, only a predisposition to baldness is transmitted due to the peculiarities of the endocrine system), then in this case the hereditary factor rises to full growth. There is a specific gene that is responsible for hair loss. It is called SOX 21 and is found in both men and women. Its inheritance is sex-linked (just remember the basics of biology). However, a man does not have a second X chromosome, and the risk of gene expression is much higher.

This does not mean that in the presence of a gene (even an active one), a man will certainly go bald. We can only talk about probability, but the probability is high.

Symptomatic baldness

A more rare case when hair begins to fall out due to the development of a pathological process in the body or due to the influence of an unfavorable factor.

Most often, this group of reasons includes:

• Poisoning with poisons and other biologically active substances;
• Exposure to radiation (for example, during radiation therapy for cancer patients);
• Taking some drugs (For example, drugs used for chemotherapy selectively affect only active cells. But the cells that synthesize hair tissue are just such, and therefore receive damage on a par with cancerous ones);
• Deficiency of vitamins and microelements (often with this cause of baldness there are those who are on a diet, especially on a strict one);
• Stress;
• Diseases of a hereditary nature.

Symptomatic or pathologically caused baldness is characteristic of both men and women in equal measure.

Alopecia areata

It is relatively rare (no more than 3% of the total number of clinical cases). With alopecia areata, the hair does not completely fall out. The process affects small areas (usually round). The cause of focal baldness lies in the damage to the bulbs by the person's own immune system. A focal lesion of the hair follicles can occur due to severe prolonged stress, nervous exhaustion, an infectious disease, as a consequence of anesthesia, etc.

Cicatricial alopecia

It is even less common (about 1.5%). With cicatricial alopecia, the tissues of the bulbs are replaced by scar tissue, which does not have functional qualities. Its sole purpose is to "patch" the damage. Cicatricial changes occur as a result of fungal or infectious lesions. The source of the problem is usually scalp damage.

Baldness stages

How baldness occurs depends directly on the cause of alopecia. As already mentioned, baldness most often occurs for genetic reasons (about 95-97%), so the picture is typical in most cases.

The classic is the scheme described by Norwood (the so-called Hamilton-Norwood scale), which allows you to determine the stage of alopecia:

1. First stage. Alopecia can go unnoticed for quite some time. At this stage, hair thinning occurs along the hairline. Hair falls out in the frontotemporal area. As a result, two small bald patches are formed.
2. Second stage. The process is further aggravated. The bald patches become larger, receding from the hairline by a centimeter and a half (but not more than 2). As a rule, bald areas are symmetrical with respect to each other (exceptions are possible). Alopecia also affects the parietal region. Hair is gradually thinning, however, at this stage, the baldness of the parietal region is not yet so noticeable.
3. Stage Three. Visible baldness zones are formed in the frontotemporal region. In some cases, they may be partially obscured by scanty hair residues. The bald patches protrude 3-4 cm beyond the hairline.
4. Stage four. The process of baldness in the frontotemporal region, as a rule, stops. Thinning of the hairline begins at the crown (usually hair falls out radially, forming "bald spots"). This stage is most typical for older men, but depending on individual characteristics and hereditary factors, it can be observed at any age. In some cases, crown baldness is combined with the progression of the process in the frontotemporal region.
5. Fifth stage. The border of hair separating the two areas of baldness is rapidly thinning. The absence of hair on the crown becomes distinct. Despite this, a dense strip of hair remains between the frontal bald patches and the crown of the head. Gradually, the area of hair thinning takes an arched shape (from the temple to the central part of the skull, almost reaching the crown and back to the temple). The original hairline is almost indistinguishable.
6. Sixth stage. The border that separated the baldness of the crown from the bald patches of the frontotemporal region is erased. A single bald spot is formed. The process enters a new phase, affecting the lateral regions and the back of the head.
7. Seventh stage. The final stage of male pattern baldness. Hair loss affects all areas of the head. The only thing that remains is a narrow, arched hairline from ear to ear, occupying a small area at the bottom of the back of the head.

It should be noted that this classification of stages of baldness is applicable only to men. Female alopecia develops in a completely different type, but in natural conditions this happens extremely rarely.

Pathologically caused baldness is characterized by separate foci and has no clear staging.

Hair loss shampoos for men

Regardless of the cause of baldness, you can find an effective remedy to preserve your hair. Today, there are a huge number of products and services on the cosmetic market. One of the most readily available remedies is a medicated shampoo. Reasonably, many express mistrust of this method of preserving hair and rightly ask the question: how can ordinary shampoo help with baldness, especially if it is a genetically determined process? As already noted, doubts are well founded. The number of baldness shampoos is so great that a layman is immediately confused. Meanwhile, a huge part of such products are outright dummies, and exist only as a tool of profit on desperate people.

But, fortunately, there are many decent drugs that really have beneficial properties.

Shampoos with the desired effect should contain an extract from the thymus gland (thymus). These products can stop hair loss.

Thymus extract allows you to effectively fight the hormone that reduces the activity of the bulbs - DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The effect of using such shampoos is achieved after a few weeks or months. The success of treatment largely depends on the characteristics of the organism of a particular person, therefore, the severity of the action varies from case to case.

When choosing a shampoo for hair loss, it is important to consider several factors:

• The presence in the composition of the extract of the thymus gland and a large amount of nutrients;
• Safety - the shampoo should be suitable for the patient, not cause allergies and side effects;
• Reliability - the manufacturer must be sufficiently well-known and the product information transparent.

It is not recommended to buy funds from unknown pharmaceutical companies, however, you should not chase the brand either, since the composition of such shampoos is almost identical, and the price can strongly depend on the promotion of the brand.

Not all of the ingredients in shampoos are beneficial. So, if the shampoo contains surfactants (surfactants), such as sodium salts, etc., you should not use them. Surfactants cause hair damage and reduce the rate of hair growth.

It is very good if the shampoo contains essential oils of plant origin (lavender, tea tree, etc.) and other useful herbal ingredients.

At the moment, the following shampoos for hair loss have proven themselves best:

• Progaine;
• Revivogen. Contains a large amount of natural extracts. Has the effect of neutralizing the hormone DHT;
• Provillas. It has a plant-synthetic formula and consists of two means: a solution for external use and a preparation for oral administration. Prevents hair loss, and also helps to restore previously lost hair;
• Nizoral. With continued use, it has some effect in the fight against androgenic alopecia. If the source of baldness is fungal infection, Nizoral is most preferable;
• Nioxin. This is a whole range of drugs to combat the problem of hair loss. Strengthens and nourishes the hair follicles, and also neutralizes the DHT hormone.

The choice of a specific remedy depends on the cause of baldness and the individual characteristics of the patient.

The best shampoo for hair loss

Despite the variety of truly effective remedies for combating hair loss, one can be especially highlighted. No matter how comical it may sound, the best shampoo for healthy hair is not produced for people. This is Zoo Vip shampoo-balm. The product is intended for horses, but you shouldn't be embarrassed at all.

Experienced cosmetologists and hairdressers have long been using this particular remedy to combat hair loss. The high degree of activity of Zoo Vip is explained by the unique composition of the product. The shampoo is based on propolis and birch tar. Together, these active substances contribute to the healing of scalp wounds, stimulate the work of hair follicles, which means they contribute to the growth of new hair and the strengthening of existing ones.

The only drawback is that Zoo Vip has a specific pungent odor (similar to the smell of Vishnevsky's ointment), but it quickly disappears.

One of the main conditions for achieving a therapeutic effect when using this shampoo is correct application. The product is diluted with water or other shampoo in a ratio of 1:10. Then apply and leave for a few minutes (5 to 7). The next step is to rinse off the shampoo and use any rinse aid.

The frequency and duration of using this remedy depends on the degree of baldness. If hair continues to fall out after 1-2 procedures, you should use shampoo regularly until the problem is completely eliminated. If you believe the reviews of those who used this tool, for relatively little money, you can quickly and effectively restore hair density.

Hair Trainer

The skin, which is under the influence of the weight of the head during sleep, retains hair even in people genetically predisposed to baldness. Analysis of scientific data on the effect of oxygen starvation (which occurs in compressed skin) on the metabolism of androgens (sex hormones that disrupt hair growth in men and women) showed that this coincidence is not accidental. The simulator places the top of the head in the same conditions with a non-balding area, training the mechanisms that provide hair nutrition and increasing the resistance of the hair follicles to damaging factors. In particular, in response to hypoxia (oxygen starvation) in the follicles, the level of the aromatase enzyme, which neutralizes androgens (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone), increases several times. Where there is a lot of this enzyme, baldness does not develop, since the very cause of baldness is eliminated in the corresponding areas.

The stated effects of the simulator are in good agreement with scientific data on the role of hypoxia in the development of the network of blood vessels and the regulation of local hormonal status. The fact that hypoxia stimulates hair growth was also noticed by the L'OREAL company, which created hair cosmetics that imitate certain elements of hypoxia (Vichy Neogenic). Unlike cosmetics, the effect of which is legally limited to the surface layer of skin as thick as a sheet of papyrus paper, the hair simulator creates deep hypoxia, simultaneously activating all the mechanisms associated with the adaptive response to oxygen starvation.

The simulator is designed for men and women of any age and is designed for long-term service in a supportive or occasional mode. The duration of the session is 15-45 minutes (you can reduce it to 10 minutes if at the beginning of the session you press the simulator to your head with your hands so that the embossed elements "sit" in the skin faster). Flexibility in training frequency and duration is allowed. Hypoxic training can be combined with cosmetics and medications.

Medications for the treatment of male pattern baldness

In addition to purely cosmetics based on herbal ingredients, there are also many preparations specifically designed to combat hair loss.

It is rather difficult to accurately predict the effectiveness of using a particular product: much depends on the characteristics of the patient's body, the type and composition of the drug, and a number of other factors. Therefore, no one will give a 100% guarantee of the result. However, one or another success, subject to the recommendations of a specialist, will definitely be achieved.

Finasteride

Release form - tablets. Allows you to effectively fight androgenic alopecia. The action of the drug is based on blocking the excessive synthesis of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is responsible for damage to the hair follicles. It is important to note that its use is permissible only by men. In women, Finasteride causes severe hormonal dysfunction and may cause abnormal development of the fetus (if used by pregnant women). Also, do not be overly "carried away" by the drug and men. Violation of the dosage will lead to a deficiency of sex hormones (hypogonadism) and disorders of the reproductive system (testicular atrophy, erectile dysfunction, etc.). (more in the article: Finasteride for alopecia).

In general, the drug has a pronounced effect. According to statistics, up to 90% of men who used Finasteride stopped the balding process, about 60-65% began to restore hair. Regardless of the dosage, the drug causes a side effect - a decrease in libido (related article: 5 best products for potency).

Minoxidil

Quite a controversial drug from a pharmacological point of view. It is used by both men and women. It is a solution for external use. The therapeutic effect is to stimulate the hair follicles (hair begins to grow again, and the weak and thinned ones that already exist are healed).

Men are advised to use a concentration of 5%. Women - 2%, as the drug can cause excessive facial hair growth. Minoxidil is applied twice a day.

The exact mechanism of action of this drug has not yet been studied. Initially, the remedy was developed as a hypotonic, and stimulation of hair growth turned out to be a side effect (for more details, see the article: Minoxidil for alopecia).

Anthralin Drithocreme

Release form - cream. Unlike the aforementioned remedies, intended primarily for combating androgenic alopecia, this drug is used to eliminate focal alopecia. Method of application: apply to the affected area, rinse with water after a few minutes. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of alopecia areata. The drug is used daily. According to medical statistics, up to 25% of all patients who used this remedy completely got rid of baldness foci.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are serious hormonal agents and should be prescribed and used exclusively by a specialist. Available in the form of creams and solutions for subcutaneous injection. Stimulates hair growth in case of focal alopecia. The effect of treatment is achieved within about 1 month.

Here is a list of other, most popular treatments:

• Hair loss (alopecia) treatment at home - 5 most effective methods;
• The best shampoo for hair restoration and growth;
• Medication for alopecia (complete list of medications);
• Hair transplant: answers to basic questions.

Hair loss prevention

Preventive measures play a huge, if not the main role in preventing the onset of the balding process. Contrary to popular belief, even genetically determined alopecia can be prevented if a man follows a series of simple rules. As has been repeatedly noted by experts, only a predisposition to baldness, a potential possibility, is genetically determined. And whether an abstract possibility will turn into reality depends on a large number of factors, most of which a man can well control.

There are several aspects that affect the development of the balding process:

• Man's lifestyle;
• The degree of hair care and methods of hair care;
• The frequency and intensity of interactions with adverse environmental conditions.

Lifestyle directly affects not only hair, but also other structures of the human body: nails, teeth, skin, etc.

Lifestyle in the context of the problem under consideration boils down to three factors:

• Supply system;
• The predominant emotional and psychological background;
• Physical activity regimen.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that vitamin deficiency and a lack of trace elements are often the trigger for baldness. You need to eat right, eat as much fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes as possible.

The most important vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin A - strengthens the hair, makes it elastic;
• Vitamin E - contributes to normal blood circulation and nutrition of the hair follicles;
• Vitamin C - promotes hair renewal and growth;
• B vitamins - have a general strengthening effect;
• Calcium - acts as one of the "building materials" of the hair structure;
• Zinc - has the same function as calcium. Without these two elements, the growth of hair and horny structures is impossible;
• Iron - provides oxygen transport to the hair follicles.

The emotional and mental background is of no less importance. Prolonged or frequent stress negatively affects hair health. The activity of the hair follicles is significantly reduced. Therefore, the main recommendation is to avoid unnecessary stress, despite all the trite advice.

It has been proven that men suffering from physical inactivity are more likely to suffer from baldness. Moderate physical activity allows you to ensure normal blood supply, and hence nutrition of the hair.

The degree of hair care is the second factor. Many men relate to hair care, and to their appearance in general, superficially. This can cause permanently dirty hair. The scalp and hair require particularly careful care. Dirty skin is a real paradise for pathogenic microflora and fungal agents. At the first opportunity (weakening of immunity, an infectious disease), they will declare themselves, and the first signal will be hair loss.

Consequently, men need to take care of their hair no less carefully than women. Of course, no one demands to use masks, rinses and other sophisticated modern cosmetics. But washing your hair with shampoo 2 times a week (too often it is also not worth it, since the natural protective layer is washed off from the head and hair, and this is fraught with irritation, dryness and the opposite effect) is necessary. This is a guarantee of preserving lush hair until old age.

The last two factors can be combined into one. To avoid unpleasant consequences for the hair, you cannot use shampoos containing aggressive chemical components (surfactants, etc.). You should give preference to the most natural products with a minimum of synthetic compounds in the composition.

It is important to limit the use of a hair dryer as it dries out the scalp and hair, depriving the hair follicles of their natural defenses and making the hair brittle.

You should also protect yourself from unfavorable environmental factors: do not "put your head" in the rain, snow and bright sun. Sooner or later, this exposure will negatively affect hair health.

Observing these simple recommendations, you can never meet with baldness, and if you already have a problem, you can quickly deal with it and minimize the consequences.

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The author of the article: German Olga Leonidovna, trichologist, specially for the website ayzdorov.ru