Hair loss: A common problem

Male-pattern baldness affects some 6.5 million men in the UK, according to the NHS. Some men may begin to lose their hair as early as their late teens. By their late 60’s, most men have some degree of hair loss.

Uncovering hair loss myths

Does wearing a cap or hat cause baldness? No! Someone running their fingers through your hair won’t cause it either. Neither will combing, brushing, twisting or styling. However, avoid being too rough to prevent hair breakage.

Quit smoking and save your hair?

Several studies show a significant relationship between smoking and how fast male-pattern baldness gets worse. So, if you need one more reason to quit smoking, add early hair loss to your list.

What hair loss says about your health

Fortunately, in most cases, hair loss -- known as alopecia -- doesn’t indicate a medical problem - and it poses no health risk. But the NHS says, for some men, hair loss can cause great emotional distress associated with lack of self esteem and in some cases, depression.

What causes hair loss?

More than 95% of male hair loss is due to male-pattern baldness, a genetic trait. It affects half of all men by the age of 50. The gene can come from either parent. In other cases, certain medicines, too much vitamin A, or not getting enough protein can cause hair to fall out. Dramatic shedding of hair known as telogen effluvium can be caused by illness or stress. In men, hair loss that is not due to male-pattern baldness often reverses itself.

Work to keep the hair you have

Preventing hair loss is easier than replacing it once it's gone. If you want to find something that will work for you, do your homework. But be careful. Most miracle products and treatments are probably too good to be true. When in doubt, your GP or a dermatologist may be able to help.

Hair loss medication: Minoxidil

Although there's no way to cure male-pattern baldness, some people choose to try to slow it down using medication. Minoxidil is not available on the NHS but can be bought over the counter without a prescription. It is rubbed into the scalp. It’s not clear how it works but there’s some evidence it can cause hair regrowth in some men. However, it may cause side effects and is not effective for everyone. It also only works for as long as it continues to be used.  

Male-pattern baldness: What to expect

A tell-tale sign of male-pattern baldness is a receding, M-shaped hairline. Next, the hair on top of your head also starts to thin, leaving a bald spot. Eventually, the two meet, leaving a horseshoe pattern of hair around the sides. The Norwood Scale, seen here, is used to rate male-pattern baldness.

Male-pattern baldness: Blame hormones

With male-pattern baldness, a hormone called DHT causes hair follicles to shrink. Eventually, the follicles shrink so much that no hair can grow in them.

Hair loss medication: Finasteride

Finasteride is a tablet that you take daily. It is not available on the NHS, but can be obtained on a private prescription from your GP.  Finasteride can slow hair loss by slowing down the body's production of DHT. Studies show some men have been able to grow new hair while using it. In general, side effects are uncommon. Pregnant women should not handle the medication as it can cause birth defects in male foetuses. It works only as long as it's used.

Should you wear a wig?

If you have significant hair loss you may decide to wear a wig or hairpiece. These have come a long way in how they look. Finding the right one, though, takes time. There’s a wide range in cost and quality, from cheap acrylic wigs to more expensive, real-hair wigs. Wigs are available on the NHS, but you may have to pay for one, unless you qualify for help with charges. When shopping, look to match your own hair colour, thickness and curl.

What happens with a hair transplant

Under a local anaesthetic, a doctor will remove healthy hair from areas where hair is plentiful and graft it onto areas where there is no hair. You may have to have several procedures. After two months, most of the transplanted hair is shed, but new hair grows back. Within six months the hair starts to look normal. Hair transplants are not available on the NHS and can be costly.

Make the most of the hair you have

There are some styling tricks you can use to make your hair loss less noticeable. Cutting thinning hair short allows you to avoid obvious comb-overs. Hair care and styling products may add volume to your hair. Eating a balanced diet and handling your hair gently may also help.

Accentuate the positive

Hair does not make the man. Remind yourself of all you have to offer others. Focus on taking care of things you can control, such as staying in shape. It’s also fine to look to others for support. If you need a boost, think of bald men (or those who shaved their heads) like Ben Kingsley, Bruce Willis, Andre Agassi and Michael Jordan, who ooze confidence. Then consider yourself in good company.

Related reading

• Going bald
• Five tips for thinning hair
• All about hair transplants
• Top 10 foods for healthy hair
• Understanding hair loss
• What’s new: Advances in hair care