Male pattern baldness (MPB), also known as androgenic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss in men. It is a progressive condition and has been known to start as early as puberty. Approximately 4 out of 5 men will experience hair loss by age 35, and at least 50% of all men will have significant hair loss by the time they reach 60 years old.
MPB can be delayed and treatable to an extent. It and has been associated with several indicators, most notably: male sex, aging, and genetics. The following are several tips to delay male pattern baldness:
Eat A Balanced Diet
Studies have shown that a deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals can cause male pattern baldness. Biotin, vitamin A, zinc, and selenium are all essential in promoting healthy hair growth.
These nutrients can be found most abundantly in legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, dairy products, poultry, and vegetables. Protein and iron are also vital for hair health, so including lean meats in your diet is also essential.
Keep Your Head And Scalp Clean
It is important to wash your hair with a gentle shampoo, as harsh chemicals can damage the hair and inhibit growth as discussed on a Felix blog. After shampooing, condition your hair and leave it on for at least 2 minutes before rinsing it out.
During this time, you should massage your scalp to promote circulation. The scalp is the part of the body that produces much of your hair’s nourishment, so it is vital to keep it healthy and stimulate blood flow regularly.
Maintain Healthy Levels Of Hormones
Hair growth is governed by many different hormones, which can fluctuate significantly due to stress or illness. If you have noticed a sudden onset of hair loss, it is always best to see a doctor as your hormones may be imbalanced.
You can maintain hormonal balance by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. Frequent exercise improves circulation, which can get nutrients to the hair follicles more quickly. Exercise also reduces stress and high cortisol levels, which can negatively affect testosterone levels in men.
Don’t Stress Your Hair Follicles
Tight hats and ponytails can cause stress on the hair follicles, which can lead to male pattern baldness, an essential piece of information for those who partake in activities such as biking or skateboarding that require one to wear a hat at all times.
Do not stretch your headbands too tightly around your head and limit how often you tie up your long hair to avoid stress on the hairline.
Quit Smoking
Smoking has been shown to cause a decrease in testosterone levels that can lead to male pattern baldness. It also limits the amount of blood that reaches the scalp, which can lead to thinning hair. Additionally, smoking contains chemicals that are toxic to the body. By quitting, you could be improving your health overall.
Use Natural Remedies For Hair Loss Prevention
There are plenty of home remedies that you can use for male pattern baldness prevention. To stimulate blood flow to the scalp, you can use a hot towel or washcloth for 5 minutes, twice a week.
Massaging the scalp with oils such as olive oil and coconut oil may also stimulate blood flow and lead to healthier hair. Natural remedies for hair loss include apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, and castor oil.
Having male pattern baldness doesn’t have to be a life sentence of having a shiny but increasingly smooth head. Rather than being resigned to your fate, try taking some preventative measures, and if you are already noticing thinning hair, see your doctor. Otherwise, use the tips above to prevent male pattern baldness and keep your hair for as long as possible.
