With Men’s Health Awareness Month this month it’s time to look at one of the top-most, everyday concerns that worry men.
Hair loss — a struggle millions of men and women around the world grapple with — often shatters people’s confidence and results in bad mental health including stress, anxiety, and depression.
Despite being a prevalent health concern for men, hair loss still catches many off guard. Research indicates that approximately 25% of all men notice the first signs of hair loss before they turn 21, around half will experience some form of hair loss by the age of 50, and by 70, that figure escalates to roughly 70%.
While it’s tempting to point fingers at stress, shampoo, or even your barber, the primary culprit behind hair loss is something beyond your control — genetics. If your father, grandfather, or even your mother’s side of the family had thinning hair, there’s a high probability you will too.
This is because your hair follicles inherit their sensitivity to a hormone known as Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and it’s this sensitivity that determines how early — and how rapidly — hair loss occurs.
DHT is a by-product of testosterone, which attaches to particular follicles on the scalp. In men who are genetically susceptible, those follicles progressively diminish, creating thinner hairs over time until they ultimately cease growing entirely.
It’s a gradual, continuous process, and it’s vital to recognise that it’s completely natural, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it.
Dr Dave Weinstein, an NHS GP with 18 years of experience and Clinical Lead for Men’s Health at Numan, explores the widespread issue affecting a majority of men worldwide.
Dr Weinstein provides some essential guidance on how to combat hair loss in men, explaining: “There are simple lifestyle habits that can help support overall hair health, even if they can’t change your genes. A nutrient-rich diet, gentle scalp care, and avoiding harsh chemical treatments all help create the best conditions for your hair to thrive. But when it comes to tackling genetic hair loss itself, science offers proven solutions.”
The doctor adds: “One of the most popular and well-established treatments for hair loss is Minoxidil. Applied as a lotion or foam, it works by improving blood flow to the scalp, which helps to nourish and reactivate hair follicles. Interestingly, Minoxidil was first developed to treat high blood pressure, and its ability to promote hair growth was discovered purely by chance. Consistency is crucial, however, and regular use over time is what delivers visible results.”
Another widely used treatment is Finasteride, according to the men’s health specialist. An oral tablet that addresses hair loss at its hormonal source, Finasteride blocks the transformation of testosterone into DHT — the hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink and weaken.
The doctor explains: “It doesn’t lower testosterone levels; rather, it shields the follicles from DHT’s damaging effects. In doing so, it helps men maintain the hair they have, and in many cases, regrow what’s been lost.”
Some men also consider hair transplant surgery, the doctor notes, stating: “While transplants can deliver impressive results, they are often expensive and don’t necessarily provide a permanent fix. Hair follicles can still thin or recede over time, meaning additional procedures may be needed down the line.”
Dr Weinstein concludes: “Hair loss is incredibly common and nothing to be embarrassed about. The key is to seek expert advice early, choose evidence-based treatments, and be patient. Regrowth takes time, but it’s absolutely possible.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
