Is Your Hair Thinning? Early Signs Of Hair Loss That Every Man Should Know

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Your Health Magazine Contributor

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Is Your Hair Thinning? Early Signs Of Hair Loss That Every Man Should Know

Men lose hair at a slow yet steady rate, and most lose about 5 percent of their hair volume every year. The slow change makes it difficult to notice, but a new photo, a different mirror angle, or an offhand comment from a friend can reveal the extent of the thinning. According to research, most men will experience moderate to extensive hair loss, ranging from 16 percent of men 18-29 years of age to 53 percent of men 40-49. 

Having to deal with a newly discovered bald spot or receding hairline can cause stress and anxiety in men as hair loss can disrupt their thoughts on how they view themselves and how the world perceives them. Early detection matters when it comes to hair loss since catching it early can help you feel in control of your appearance. Treatments also yield better results when you start them as early as possible, so here are the early signs of hair loss that every man should know.

Are You at Risk?

Men with a family history of male pattern baldness are the most at risk of hair loss since genetics is the leading cause of androgenetic alopecia. This means that if your father or grandfather lost their hair, your risk of hair loss or baldness is much higher. In fact, a study has found that 80 percent of people experiencing noticeable balding had a father who also lost their hair. Hereditary thinning starts in men in their early 20s to 30s, so be on the lookout for signs of subtle hair thinning before obvious bald patches appear. 

Apart from genetics, your overall health and lifestyle can also contribute to early hair loss. Severe emotional or physical stress caused by a major illness or a serious life event can cause your hair follicles to shift to a resting phase, resulting in shedding months later. Having overactive or underactive thyroid levels may also cause hair thinning, while low levels of iron, biotin, protein, or zinc in your diet may trigger shedding. 

If you’re unsure about what’s causing your thinning hair, consider speaking with a specialist about male hair loss treatment options. A specialist can evaluate possible causes and discuss treatment approaches based on your individual situation. Otherwise, observe your hair and scalp for these early signs of hair loss. 

Thinning Temples

One of the most common early signs of male pattern baldness is thinning hair around the temples, and you may notice that your hair starts to thin or pull back around the sides of your forehead. This is commonly caused by the Dihydrotestosterone hormone (DHT), and in families with a history of male hair loss, the DHT clings to the scalp receptors and shrinks the hair follicles over time. This results in hair growing thinner and shorter until the follicles stop working altogether. Thinning around the hairline can also be caused by traction alopecia, or tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails that pull at the delicate hair near the temples. 

Increased Shedding

It’s normal to shed a few hair strands while you’re showering or brushing your hair. But if you notice that you’re losing more than the normal 50 to 100 strands per day, this may be a sign of early hair loss in men. Increased shedding is often caused by DHT, but other factors may contribute to your hair fall too. A fever, major surgery, high stress, or sudden weight loss can trigger temporary shedding, and scalp conditions like dandruff or infections may cause inflammation and weaken the roots. Eating a low nutrient diet can also cause hair fall, so consider all these factors first before consulting a specialist. 

When to Seek Help

Some instances of hair thinning and shedding may be temporary as they’re caused by certain habits or lifestyle choices. Take the necessary steps, such as using medicated shampoo to address dandruff or scalp problems, or switching to gentler, looser hair styles to see if that reduces hair thinning. You may also want to incorporate more nutrients into your diet, engage in calming activities to de-stress, and check current medications to see if any of them could be causing your hair to fall out.

If hair shedding continues for more than several weeks, or if handfuls of hair come out during gentle brushing, consider seeing a specialist to prevent further hair loss. You should also seek medical help if you see distinct bald spots or a receding hairline, or if hair loss comes with pain, itching, redness, or scaling. 

Preserve your hair and scalp health by being on the lookout for the early signs of male pattern baldness. By taking proactive steps, you can address hair loss problems and prevent them from getting worse over time.