First off, I want to say I’m thrilled you’re here. Most guys will experience hair loss at a certain point in their life, and if only more of them talked about it, maybe so many men wouldn’t feel alone and would know how to better deal with their hair loss.
Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re already balding. But don’t worry—in most cases, balding can be stopped and even reversed with the proper treatment. There are so many things that may cause balding, so it’s important to understand what exactly affects this process. Let’s take a look at the most common hair loss myths and facts.
1. Young People Don’t Suffer from Hair Loss
FALSE. Data from the American Hair Loss Association shows that two-thirds of American men will experience a certain level of hair loss, and 85% of men will show significant hair thinning by the time they turn 50. Research shows that around 25% of men who experience some form of hair loss start the process before they turn 21.
2. Smoking Causes Hair Loss
TRUE. Our daily habits have a more considerable influence on our hair than we might think. Every strand of hair has its life cycle. Smoking can also make your hair lose its vitality, and it might contribute to hair loss by accelerating the hair’s natural aging process. Numerous studies have debunked the smoking hair loss myth – smoking tobacco drastically deteriorates microcirculation, contributing to poor skin health. And whenever circulation and skin health are poor, hair volume will also be poor.
3. Cutting Your Hair Often Promotes Hair Growth
FALSE. Trimming the ends of your hair does not impact the follicles in your scalp. Whether you frequently cut it or not, on average, hair grows a quarter-inch every month. Regularly trimming your hair might make it look better and free of split ends, reducing hair breakage, but does not prevent hair loss.
4. Stress Causes Hair Loss
PARTLY TRUE. The hair loss stress myth is not to be entirely disregarded. Stress on its own does not contribute to pattern baldness. Nevertheless, high levels of stress could be the cause of telogen effluvium (temporary hair shedding). The good news is, this condition is reversible and will usually go away by treating the condition that caused the hair loss.
5. Too Much Testosterone Causes Hair Loss
PARTLY TRUE. High levels of androgens, including DHT, can shorten the hair growth cycle and shrink your follicles. This may result in your hair looking brittle, thinner and ultimately, it could result in hair loss. DHT can be the reason for your follicles taking longer to develop new hairs after the old hairs fall out.
6. Your Diet Affects Your Hair Health
TRUE. The foods you consume daily affect the health of your entire body – including your hair. Deficiencies in vitamin D, iron, vitamin B12, and thyroid abnormalities are connected to telogen effluvium (excessive hair shedding). Consult with your dermatologist to learn what’s the best way to correct your vitamin deficiency.
7. Hair Loss Is Permanent
PARTLY TRUE. In some cases, hair loss is self-inflicted. But although it can be devastating to look at your scalp slowly balding, don’t be alarmed—once you know the cause for your hair loss and have the right products to treat it, it can be reversed. The important thing is to act soon after you notice your hair is thinning.
Other times, there’s not much you can do about your hair loss. It’s important to differentiate between the different types of hair loss to learn how to deal with your situation correctly.
8. Treatments Are a Hassle
FALSE. Hair loss treatments are rather simple. You can either take a tiny pill each day or use a prescription-strength topical compounded formulation. You can also use both for maximum effect.
9. Hair Loss Products Do Not Work
FALSE. Deciding to start using a particular hair loss product can take quite some time and research. Luckily, today, hair loss products are more affordable than ever and are easier to buy thanks to telemedicine and the internet. Many companies connect patients directly with doctors, enabling them to get the needed help without the hassle of making office appointments and finding a pharmacy.
10. I Have to Visit a Doctor to Get Treatment
FALSE. With telemedicine, you can now make a virtual appointment with a clinician. Answer a few questions, and they will help you find the proper treatment. You can also have your prescriptions and medicine sent to your door, saving you from having to drive to the pharmacy and waiting in line.