Men's Health Center

Is That Receding Hairline Bothering You?

One saying goes as "Grey hair is God's graffiti."
And the other contradicts it as "Grey hair is a blessing - ask any bald man."
To people who are blessed with hair, grey hair is bothersome. And to people who are worried with receding hairline, even grey hair are a welcome. In this article we will have a quick glance on the facts related to hair loss in men and ways to prevent them.

Factors That Can Cause Hair Loss
Heredity: It is said that the genes for baldness can be inherited equally from both the parents. Hereditary hair loss can be inherited from either the mother's or father's side of the family. This can affect all ethnicities.
Hormones: The presence of androgen, testosterone and its related hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) cause some follicles to regress and die. DHT is found to decrease the length of the growing cycle of hair and increase the resting phase. As a result, the person frequently sheds his hair and becomes the victim of hair loss. It is interesting to know that scalp hair growth does not depend on androgen level but the hair loss does.
Age: Aging also contributes to the hair loss in men. As the person grows old, his body comes across various changes that cause hair loss either directly or indirectly. Hair loss in men varies from person to person depending on their genetic composition and levels of testosterone in bloodstream. With the passing age, a person's total hair volume keeps on decreasing.
Medical Conditions: Hormonal conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid diseases can interfere with hair production resulting in hair loss. People with liver, kidney diseases and lupus are also at a risk of losing hair. After some major illness or major surgery, one may suddenly lose a large amount of hair. Certain infections of scalp like fungal infections can cause hair loss. Some cancers including leukaemia and lymphoma can cause hair loss even before the starting of the treatment.
Medications: Use of certain medications can also lead to hair loss. Some medications used to prevent and treat acne are associated with hair loss as their side effects. Some medications which are used to treat bipolar disorder in teens can also cause hair loss. Chemotherapy drugs used for treating cancer, some antibiotics used to treat infections and diet pills that contain amphetamines are also responsible for hair loss.
Diet: Eating unhealthy food is also responsible for hair loss. This is one of the prime reasons of hair loss in people with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Hair needs enough protein, vitamins and minerals to grow naturally. Vegetarian people are also at a risk of hair loss as they do not get enough protein from vegetables.
Lifestyle: Stress is another factor that can cause hair loss at an early age be it physical or emotional stress. Absence of exercise and a less active life also affects general health and also your hair. Regular use of styling products and methods (blow drying, ironing, etc.) can damage your scalp, and therefore, may cause hair loss.

Some General Tips For Maintaining Health Of Your Hair
Small things performed on regular basis can help the hairs to stay healthy for longer duration. Some of the easiest things to cultivate to keep hair healthy are:

• Brush your hair gently before washing as this will help in removing the dirt present on your hair
• Gentle scalp massage will help in better circulation
• Shampoo your hair whenever you feel they are dirty and moisturize your hair regularly. Avoid using shampoos containing complex chemicals as they may result in hair loss
• Apply vinegar to rinse your hair as rinsing helps your hair to shine
• Use mild cold water while shampooing your hair
• Allow your hair to dry naturally
• Use hairbrush only when your hair gets completely dried
• It is highly advised not to colour your hair more than once in 6 to 8 weeks
• Avoid using chemicals for hair treatment (like straightening, etc.)
• Cover your head while travelling to save your hair from the effects of pollution
• Hats or caps shall not be used for long duration and must be kept loose while wearing
• Other factors such as regular exercise, taking good amount of sleep (at least six hours daily) and staying away from stress are very much essential for better growth of your hair
• If you have dandruff then get it treated by your doctor
• Consult a doctor before taking any kind of medications as some medications are also found to cause hair loss

Some Diet Tips For Maintaining Health Of Your Hair

• Protein contains five amino acids that are found to be beneficial for preventing hair loss. Lack of protein results the hair to go into the resting phase and eventually to fall out within months
• Fish, eggs, meat, nuts, dairy products, grains and seeds are some of the best sources of protein. Add them in your diet and stay away from hair loss
• Vitamin A is a vital nutrient which helps in promoting the growth and health of cells and tissues. Even the cells and tissues of the hair and scalp require this nutrient for better growth. Some of the vitamin A sources are: red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, liver, fish oil, fortified milk and eggs
• Deficiency of vitamin B6, folic acid and vitamin B12 can reduce the blood and oxygen supply to hairs, and thereby, resulting in hair shedding, slow regrowth and damaged hair. Leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes, fortified cereals are some of the plant sources of these vitamins. Chicken, liver, kidney, pork and fish are some of the animal sources of these vitamins
• Always try to avoid processed foods and opt for natural foods
• Also avoid overcooking the food that you would be taking
• Aging can make it more difficult for the body to absorb all the nutrients. In such cases, supplements can be taken to meet the needs of the body

By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having a balanced diet, you can prevent hair loss to a great extent. It is essential to rule out any underlying disease causing hair loss. If there is one, then it should be treated at the earliest. Do not take any medicine without a doctor's prescription. If you feel you are having hair loss after taking some particular medication then report it to your doctor as a change in prescription may help. Hope these tips help in improving your hair health, and hence, your over all appearance.