Analysis of the causes of male pattern baldness and key points of hair care

Reasons why men are prone to hair loss

Male pattern baldness is more common than female pattern baldness, and it is more prevalent among those engaged in mental labor than physical labor. There is a familial tendency for hair loss. Scientific research has found that men with hair loss have high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in their scalps, which disrupts the normal hair growth cycle, causing hair follicles to gradually shrink and resulting in a significantly higher daily hair loss rate than normal. Hair loss is related to the body's endocrine function (primarily androgens), neuropsychiatric state, genetics, and certain medications. Clinically, male pattern baldness is mainly classified into two types: alopecia areata and premature baldness.

Alopecia areata generally has the following characteristics:

Sudden, temporary hair loss, sometimes appearing as patches of hair loss of varying sizes on the head upon waking in the morning, is colloquially known as "alopecia areata".

High levels of stress can impair the regulatory function of the nervous system, directly or indirectly damaging hair follicles and causing hair loss.

Premature baldness generally has the following characteristics:

It is a type of permanent hair loss.

It often occurs after sexual development, initially appearing as hair loss at the hairline, followed by oily and shiny hair, increased dandruff, and sometimes dry, dull hair. It is frequently accompanied by intense itching, and scratching causes hair to fall out. Over time, the hair becomes increasingly thinner, and if left untreated, it can gradually lead to baldness on the top of the head, commonly known as "baldness," medically termed male pattern baldness, also known as seborrheic alopecia. Seborrheic alopecia is related to the following factors:

① Androgens: Modern medicine has confirmed that patients with seborrheic alopecia have high levels of androgens. This is mainly because androgens secreted by the testes enter the bloodstream and reach the scalp to stimulate hair follicles. If the energy metabolism and protein metabolism of hair follicles are impaired, hair loss can occur.

② Genetic factors: The gene for seborrheic alopecia is dominant in men, and the disease-causing gene can be directly inherited from the previous generation to the next.

③ Age factor: As age increases, the incidence of male seborrheic alopecia also gradually increases, usually occurring between 17 and 20 years old, with the peak incidence around 30 years old. Although the incidence decreases after that, the symptoms will worsen, eventually leading to baldness.

Hair loss is a major source of distress for men, especially young men. It makes men appear older than their actual age, affecting their appearance and leading to feelings of inferiority and a loss of self-confidence. The resulting mental anguish can further exacerbate the condition.

Treatment for hair loss should target the underlying cause. If it's caused by a medical condition, the primary disease should be treated. If it's caused by medication, new hair will grow after discontinuing the medication. Generally, the most fundamental approach lies in proper daily hair care and maintenance.

The key points for hair care are as follows:

Comb your hair frequently. Comb your hair 10 times each morning, noon, and evening. You can massage your scalp while combing to enhance blood supply to the hair roots and nourish the hair. It is best to use a wooden comb or a horn comb, and you should frequently change the position of your parting. Do not comb your hair when it is wet to avoid damaging the hair.

Wash your hair frequently. Shampooing removes dirt, relieves scalp itching, and promotes scalp respiration. It's advisable to wash your hair 4-7 times a week. Avoid using water that is too hot or too cold. Choose a high-quality shampoo and avoid those with strong degreasing properties. If you must use soap, don't rub it directly on your hair. Instead, dissolve the soap in water to form lather and massage it into your scalp. Massage your hair while shampooing. After washing, gently pat your hair with a thick towel to absorb any remaining water, and ideally, let it air dry.

If your hair is dry or you have a lot of dandruff, you can apply mango oil (a type of hair wax) or a homemade mixture (made by mixing one tablespoon of mayonnaise, one teaspoon of castor oil, and one teaspoon of honey) to your hair before taking a shower. Wrap your hair with a towel so that the mixture can be well absorbed by your hair in the steam. Rinse your hair clean after half an hour.

A balanced diet is important. Hair loss and graying are often caused by insufficient blood and essence, and nutritional deficiencies. You can eat more foods rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin A, as well as foods that nourish the hair, such as milk, fruits, vegetables, and fish, lean meat, and poultry, which are high in protein.

Maintain a positive mental state. Those experiencing hair loss should keep a cheerful and relaxed attitude; the deeper the mental depression, the more hair loss and graying will occur. A regular daily routine, sufficient rest and sleep, and a happy mood can eliminate mental tension and prevent premature graying and hair loss.

Use hats and headscarves correctly. The correct use of hats and headscarves also has a significant impact on hair. Wearing hats that are too thick or too tight can cause excessive sweating and dandruff on the scalp. In dry, windless weather, even when the temperature is below 0°C, you may not need to wear a hat. However, in extremely cold, rainy, or sun-exposed conditions, you must wear a hat to protect your hair from the effects of the temperature.