Men’s Hair Loss
Men’s hair loss, commonly called alopecia, is incredibly common, but can often be a difficult topic to discuss. According to the American Hair Loss Association, over 65% or men will experience hair loss at some point in their lives, with around 85% of men experiencing hair thinning by age 50. Even though hair loss is a nearly universal experience among men, male balding and hair loss can be a topic that many men don’t talk about. However, by discussing hair loss, we can work on solutions to prevent future hair loss and hair thinning and to develop a plan for intervention to help have healthy hair growth.
Men’s hair loss and balding is an extremely common medical condition which Dr. Michele Green has been treating in her private NYC office for over two decades. Dr. Green is an expert in hair loss and male pattern baldness and utilizes a variety of cutting-edge hair regrowth treatments that can help to improve healthy hair growth and prevent further hair loss. These treatments include oral medications, topical treatments, laser light treatments, Keravive, and non-invasive cosmetic approaches like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections into the scalp.
If you’re worried about male hair loss, hair thinning or balding, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green is here to help. With over two decades of experience in hair loss, for both men and women, Dr. Green is an expert in the field. Dr. Green is a leader in cosmetic dermatology, and one of the first dermatologists in New York to incorporate PRP into her Upper East side NY practice. She is consistently voted as one of the best dermatologists in New York, not only for cosmetic treatments, and hair loss, but for medical dermatologic treatments as well.
Types of male hair loss
There are a variety of different classifications of hair loss that can be used to determine effective treatments and hair care for patients dealing with male hair loss or balding. But first, it’s useful to understand the hair growth cycle in order to assess the context in which male hair loss occurs. Healthy hair growth is defined by a cycle of four phases: the anagen or new hair growth phase, the catagen or transition phase, the telegen or rest phase, and the exogen or shedding phase. In general, proper hair care and scalp care can help at each phase of the hair cycle, and some forms of hair loss are due to a disruption in one of these four phases. As the scalp is a part of a person’s skin, the world of dermatology has investigated a variety of different hair restoration treatment options.
6 Months after PRP hair treatment
Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is perhaps the most common form of men’s hair loss, and is typically brought on by genetics. It is characterized by hair thinning or hair loss along the hair line and temples, as well as balding at the crown of the head. This thinning then typically continues until the hair recession and bald spot meet, leaving a horseshoe-shaped hair growth pattern along the back and sides of the head.
What causes hair loss in patches?
The most common answer for what causes hair loss in patches is a hair loss medical condition known as alopecia areata. This is classified as an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system unnecessarily begins to attack healthy hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss in patches along the scalp. Additionally, if patients experience a period of intense or chronic stress levels, telogen effluvium can occur. Telogen effluvium is a hair loss condition which exaggerates the exogen phase of the hair cycle, which leads to hair falling out in larger quantities before the earlier periods of the hair growth cycle are able to properly replace the lost hair.
What causes hair loss on men’s legs?
Many patients tend to think of hair loss occurring on the top of the head, but in fact alopecia can lead to hair loss on other parts of the body as well. Alopecia universalis is an autoimmune condition in which the whole body experiences hair loss, and can lead to hair loss on the legs. Additionally, if you’ve experienced rapid hair loss on the legs, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or trusted dermatologist right away. Patches of hair loss on your legs can be a symptom of other medical conditions, including diabetes, thyroid conditions, fungal infections, peripheral artery disease, and skin irritation due to eczema, psoriasis, or various other skin conditions. Dr. Green is extremely knowledgeable in skin conditions that can lead to hair loss, particularly eczema and psoriasis, and can work with you to heal your skin and in turn improve your healthy hair growth.
What causes men’s hair loss?
Though the causes of hair loss can differ among individual patients, there are a few common causes that typically exacerbate or trigger hair loss. For patients with male pattern baldness, the cause is typically an increase in the amount of androgen hormones in the body. Particularly, the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is commonly linked to male pattern hair loss, as sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone in the body can lead to a miniaturization or shrinking of the hair follicle. If the hair follicle decreases in size, this can weaken the hair as it develops, which shortens the life span of the hair.
Male pattern hair loss can also be triggered by certain lifestyle habits, such as intense amounts of stress or poor emotional health. Telogen effluvium commonly occurs a few months after a traumatic incident, but can also be sparked by continual or chronic high stress levels. In order to improve healthy hair after an incidence of telogen effluvium, it’s best to pinpoint what stressors may have triggered the response, and to focus on healthy habits like proper hydration and adequate sleep.
Additionally, diet can have an effect on overall hair health. Patients who have diets lacking greens or folic acids often miss out on the nutrients that help to support healthy hair growth. Additionally, protein powders or excess testosterone sources found in bodybuilding supplements can make hair loss worse by stimulating further sensitivity to androgens. Current clinical research suggests that creatine supplements can increase dihydrotestosterone in the bloodstream, which can in turn lead to weakened hair follicles.
6 Months after PRP hair treatment
Why am I losing my hair at 18?
Though it is less common, male pattern hair loss occurs in around 25% of men before the age of 21. This can present as a receding hairline, or in hair thinning overall. A family history of hair loss is typically the most common reason for hair thinning at a young age. A strong genetic proclivity to hair loss is usually the main reason why you may be shedding or balding at such a young age. Additionally, poor hair care as well as certain hairstyles, can increase hair loss in young adults.
In order to protect the health of the scalp and preserve hair growth, it’s best to reduce the amount of shampooing you do to a couple of days a week, and to invest in a good conditioner that will help to nourish the scalp. Additionally, patients can use revitalizing oils and serums before and after hair washing in order to make sure that your hair follicles are supported. Keravive is a great scalp treatment, which nourishes the scalp and encourages hair regrowth. Lastly, if you are struggling with hair loss, you may consider avoiding drying hair styling products, as well as tightly bound hairstyles. Cornrows, and buns can all pull on the hairs at the root, which in turn can damage hair follicles, which in turn can lead to traction alopecia.
Why am I losing my hair at 40?
If you begin to see hair thinning or hair loss at around the age of 40, you are likely experiencing genetically triggered male pattern hair loss. However, other types of hair loss like alopecia areata or telogen effluvium can develop at any age. Furthermore, certain medications and medical treatments can also lead to unwanted hair loss. If you are currently being treated for medical conditions, which as cancer, arthritis, heart problems, high blood pressure, or depression, you may be experiencing the unwanted side effect of hair thinning or hair loss.
Is male hair loss genetic?
When it comes to male pattern balding or male pattern hair loss, the initial cause is likely genetic. This type of hair loss is defined by a person’s natural sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone and other androgens, and any sensitivity to these hormones is indeed hereditary. Nevertheless, there are a variety of different ways that men can help to reduce the effects of androgenetic alopecia through nutrition, medication, topical treatments, and in-office dermatology procedures.
How to prevent men’s hair loss
Though male pattern hair loss is genetic and therefore can develop even with preventative measures, there are some key shifts to diet and nutrition, well as wellness, that can help stave off rapid hair loss. Additionally, routine hair regrowth treatments such as Rogaine (minoxidil) or platelet-rich plasma injections can help to slow the process of male pattern hair loss.
Which vitamins for hair loss can be used?
When it comes to hair loss and hair thinning, certain vitamins and minerals have been shown to help with healthy hair. Iron-rich foods like leafy greens, beans, eggs, and lean beef, as well as omega-3 filled foods like fish, flax seeds, and walnuts can help to improve new hair growth and preserve a healthy scalp. Vitamins and minerals are incorporated into hair loss vitamins such as Viviscal and Nutrafol, which Dr. Green recommends as well to maintain healthy hair growth.
Does biotin help men’s hair loss?
Biotin is one of the most popular vitamins recommended for hair health. It is naturally occurring in a variety of foods including eggs, oats, onions, nuts, and sweet potatoes. Additionally, research in female patients with hair loss suggests that biotin supplements can slow hair loss, but further study is ongoing for male patients.
3 Months after cortisone injections in chin area
Can baldness be reversed?
The best way to treat baldness is to engage with preventative treatment at the first onset of observable hair loss. However, provided that the hair follicle is not yet dormant, hair regrowth is possible in patients dealing with balding. In cases of alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, and telogen effluvium, patients can help to restore healthy hair growth through the use of oral medications, topical treatments, nutritional shifts, and in-office treatments in order to stimulate new hair.
Now, with recent advances in treatments, such as finasteride, minoxidil, and PRP treatments, male pattern baldness can be successfully treated and androgenic alopecia improved or halted from processing. The key is early diagnosis and intervention to prevent further hair loss and the unwanted shrinking of hair follicles.
How to stop men’s hair loss
Though there are a variety of treatment options for how to treat hair loss for male, there is no one answer for how to stop male hair loss. Hair loss is a natural part of the aging process for many male adults, and unfortunately there is no formal cure for men’s hair loss. However, there are a variety of treatments available to men that can help curb the effects of male hair loss, and many treatments that can help to restore healthy hair growth.
How to treat men’s hair loss
Men’s hair loss can be treated by a variety of different hair loss treatment options, with both non-invasive and surgical treatments available. When you work with Dr. Green, she’ll be able to assess your current hair health, medical history, and individual needs and goals to determine a treatment plan that will best meet your needs.
Non-invasive hair loss treatment
Non-invasive hair loss treatments are popular amongst patients dealing with men’s hair loss, as these treatments are both simple and effective. Though there is no cure for hair loss, non-invasive treatment options can provide impressive hair regrowth and hair loss prevention that can disrupt the cycle of balding.
Oral Finasteride for hair growth
Oral finasteride, known commonly as Propecia, is an FDA-approved daily medication for hair loss treatment. It has been shown to improve hair regrowth in adult males. Propecia blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. Propecia has the benefit of both preventing new hair loss and re-growing hair, leading to thicker, healthier looking hair. However, finasteride does have some potential negative side effects, including erectile dysfunction and reports of depression.
Topical treatments for hair growth
Topical minoxidil, popularly known as Rogaine, is an FDA-approved, over-the-counter treatment for hair loss and hair thinning. Rogaine is considered to be highly effective for hair regrowth and new hair growth if applied to the scalp daily. For some patients, daily use of minoxidil can lead to unwanted side effects, such as unwanted hair growth in other areas and weight gain. There are other natural hair growth serums available through Amazon and other internet sites which have been showed to have positive effects on hair growth without any unwanted side effects.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections for hair growth
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment for hair loss is a popular non-invasive therapy for restoring healthy hair follicles. Platelet-rich plasma uses a patient’s own blood to nourish the skin with nourishing growth factors and proteins. Platelet-rich plasma uses a highly concentrated volume of platelets that are packed with growth factors to help revitalize hair follicles, improve small blood vessel count near the injection site, and boost new hair growth.
PRP includes growth factors like Epidermal Growth Factor to improve cell, collagen, and blood vessel formation, Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 to aid in the development of specialized cells, and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 which acts as a protein regulator for the cells, among others. These growth factors, when injected into the scalp, are able to rapidly revitalize hair follicles, leading to exciting new healthy hair growth.
For patients with male pattern hair loss, PRP therapy is an excellent treatment option. According to studies published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, patients treated with PRP injections for hair loss experienced vast improvement in hair regrowth. According to a study in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, PRP therapy has boosted hair growth, hair count, and hair thickness. Dr. Green’s own review of PRP therapy for hair restoration has also indicated incredible success in hair regrowth, and she offers unique expertise and knowledge on hair loss treatment to her patients.
Surgical options for hair loss treatment
When it comes to hair loss treatments, some patients may opt for surgical treatment options in order to fully restore a healthy hear of hair. Hair restoration treatment like hair transplant surgery is typically suggested for patients who have not had success with any more conservative treatment options. Hair transplants use a “donor site” of hair follicles from the back of the scalp that are surgically moved to the balding area or “recipient site” of the scalp. The most modern method of hair transplant surgery relies on follicular extraction, during which individual hair follicles are transplanted into the donor area one by one, which typically takes 4-8 hours depending on the size of the treatment area and the number of surgical assistants available for the procedure. After the procedure, new growth typically takes 6-9 months, and PRP injections are often paired with this procedure in order to maximize the effectiveness of the surgery.
How do I get started today with treating my hair loss?
If you’re concerned with men’s hair loss, there are many treatments which Dr. Michele Green can help you with. Whether you are in your 20’s or 60’s, there are different treatment options available to treat hair loss and restore and grow new hair. Whether you are experiencing new hair shedding from male pattern hair loss or a receding hairline, Dr. Green is an expert in all aspects of male and female hair loss. Dr. Michele Green is consistently voted one of the best dermatologists in NYC for treating hair loss, as a cosmetic dermatologist and for medical conditions.
If you are experiencing unwanted hair loss and looking for the best hair loss treatment in New York, please call our office at 212-535-3088 or contact us online to develop your customized hair loss treatment plan with Dr. Green today.