Hair loss is one of the more common health conditions people may experience, especially among men. Caucasian men are most susceptible to hair loss but women may also suffer from hair loss as well. Hair loss may be caused by genetic disposition or hormone levels and as such treatment may be possible to slow hair loss or stimulate hair growth. Hair loss may start as early as the teenage years but proper diagnosis is recommended as minor hair loss may be mistaken for alopecia.

Sadly, many do not get treated or diagnosed for their hair loss due to societal pressures or doctors dismissing it as a minor problem. Hair loss itself may not be a serious health problem for many but the negative stigmatism toward hair loss is common, especially in men. Studies have shown that men who have hair loss tend to have lower self-esteem, lower confidence, are more likely to be introverted and view themselves as less attractive than those around them. Psychological distress is a serious problem and proper treatment for this is recommended besides treating the hair loss itself.

Hair loss may be caused by a number of factors such as genetic disposition, abnormal hormone levels, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and outside factors such as environmental toxicity or side effects of post treatments. Such causes are important to identify to help formulate and effectively treat hair loss. 

Treatments for hair loss vary in preventing or slowing hair loss and or stimulating follicles for hair growth. Each person’s treatment varies specifically to their source of hair loss so some treatments may work for others and not for some. Don’t be discouraged if the first treatment does not work as expected. Similar to other medications, some drugs may be more effective for certain people than others.

Treatments for hair loss can be as simple as a diet change or taking drugs that help stimulate hair growth. Other forms of treatment may be in the form of deposits of protein, electrical stimulation, and hair transplants. Wigs are also a common substitute to cover hair loss and current advancements in technology make wigs unrecognizable and fairly comfortable to wear. Sometimes hair loss may simply stop and grow back if due to stress or a side effect of post-treatment. Talk with your doctor or contact a physician to better address and understand your hair loss process.

Banka, N., Bunagan, M. J. K., & Shapiro, J. 2013. Pattern hair loss in men: Diagnosis and medical treatment. Dermatologic Clinics, 31(1) 129-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2012.08.003