Hair loss - What men can do

Whether you see more hair in the sink or less hair on your head, hair loss is a worrying thing for most men.

A full head of hair is something that many of us took for granted in our youth, only to realize how it (quite literally) goes down the drain as we get older.

But if your hair is thinning, all is not lost, as there are several products on the market today that, with regular use, can help maintain and even thicken your mane. To understand how they work (and which ones might be right for you), let's first look at why you're losing hair in the first place.

Hair loss and hair thinning

Hair loss in itself is not a problem, because every man loses a certain amount of hair every day. A little in bed, a few on the table, a handful down the drain: none of this is necessarily a cause for concern.

This is because hair follicles normally fall out at the end of a three-phase cycle consisting of the anagen phase, the catagen phase and the telogen phase.

Hair cycle, phase 1: The growth phase

In the growth phase (anagen phase), the hair root actively forms new hair substance: new cells are constantly being formed, harden and push themselves up the hair canal: the hair grows.

A human head of hair gains around 0.35 mm in length per day, which corresponds to one centimetre per month. If the growth phase lasts between two and six years, the hair can reach a total length of 25 to 70 cm.

In a healthy hair cycle, around 85 to 90 percent of scalp hair is in the growth phase.

Hair cycle, phase 2: The transition phase

The transition phase (catagen phase) marks the end of hair growth: the matrix cells in the hair follicle cease their otherwise extremely active cell division and no more new hair substance is produced.

The last hair cells keratinize, the hair separates from the hair papilla and thus from the nutrient supply. The lower end is pushed upwards in the hair canal to just below the sebaceous glands.

As a rule, 1 to 3 percent of the hair is in this transitional phase.

Hair cycle phase 3: The resting phase

Now the hair is no longer firmly anchored in the scalp. Nevertheless, it does not fall out immediately: This is because in the resting phase (telogen phase), it is held in the uppermost layers of the skin for another one to three months until it finally falls out - for example when washing or combing or because the regrowing hair pushes it out of the hair canal.

In a normal hair cycle, 7 to 14 percent of hair is in the resting phase.

Excessive hair loss is therefore either the result of an imbalance between these phases or a system-wide failure of the dormant follicles, which are no longer able to return to the growth phase.

Depending on why, how and where it occurs, pathological hair loss can go by many names, but most men and women suffer from genetic hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, which typically manifests as receding hairlines, thinning of the crown or an ever-widening parting.

Let the hair grow back

If you suffer from androgenetic alopecia, there is good news and bad news: The good news is that androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common forms of hair loss and is both treatable and reversible to a certain extent.

The bad news is that dead hair follicles cannot be reproduced after a certain point. It is therefore crucial that you have the hair loss treated as quickly and as effectively as possible.

One of the best ways to thicken thinning hair is to use topical scalp serums.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are several serums that can help you thicken your hair. By far the most effective of these is minoxidil:

Minoxidil stimulates the regrowth of dormant hair follicles. Studies show that the use of minoxidil over a period of 48 weeks increases hair thickness and can increase the total number of hairs by up to 18 percent.

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is also a modern treatment method for hair loss and hair thinning. It is a method with a very promising effect, especially in combination with topical serums and nutritional supplements. LLLT is intended to increase blood circulation in the hairy area of the head without causing any undesirable side effects. It is absolutely painless, harmless and free of any side effects.

What you should do next...

So the next step to getting thicker (and more) hair is to buy one of these products, but before you click order now in an online store or run to your local pharmacy, it might be best to consult a trichologist (expert in scalp and hair) first. Because your hair loss could also require other treatments. It could also be a side effect or symptom of another problem.

The clock is ticking and the best time to ask questions and get answers is now. If you wait, the extent of hair loss will only increase. So you can preserve much better than you can restore.  

If you also suffer from hair loss or hair thinning, we would be happy to welcome you to the HAARKLINIK for a free video consultation on your hair and scalp situation.

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