From the skinheads of sports stars like Michael Jordan and Kelly Slater, to the thick braids of movie stars like Denzel Washington and Shia LaBeouf, hair has always been a part of our individuality and is an expression of style. Baldness is an option for some, but when your hair begins to thin on its own, the thought of an uncontrollable result is not easy to digest. The good news is that it is entirely possible for men to prevent baldness; you just need to understand what causes it and what method of treatment will be best for you.

The most common cause of hair loss in men is rooted in genetic factors. Male pattern baldness can be inherited from either side of the family and can present itself in two different ways. Some men start out with a receding hairline and a bald spot on the top of the head, while others may simply notice a thinning of the hair on the crown or spreading diffusely across the scalp.

Baldness is the result of a combination of genetic factors and dihydrotestosterone or DHT (a converted form of testosterone). Testosterone levels are normal in bald men and hair loss is actually the result of a genetic sensitivity of the predetermined hair follicles to DHT rather than a build-up of the hormone. So even though both patterns are caused by the same mechanism, it is genetics that determines which hair follicles are prone to the effects of hair loss.

Baldness is probably at the forefront of most men’s minds, but there is a misconception that nothing can be done to prevent it. In fact, up to 87% of British men are unaware that there are scientifically proven hair loss treatments, but there are medically approved ways to prevent baldness and hair is likely to grow back in most cases.

The treatments work in different ways. An oral treatment addresses the root cause of male pattern baldness by inhibiting the disruptive action of DHT, and a topical treatment encourages continued renewed hair growth by stimulating blood flow to the hair follicles, relaxing the surrounding tissues. follicle and opening potassium channels and allowing the release of essential nutrients to the follicles. Both are effective as individual treatments, but there are ways in which one can personally generate far superior results.

There are other ways to deal with baldness. Many men are initially interested in hair transplants, thinking that they are a quick fix, but they are generally not suitable for men who are completely bald and it is generally recommended to anyone considering a hair transplant to try loss treatments first. clinically tested hair. Then there are wigs and hairpieces, but they are largely a dying trend as people tend to look for ways to prevent baldness rather than treat it later.

Of course, there is the natural approach to hair loss. Many men who are losing hair or who are left with a fringe of hair around the sides and back of the scalp will prefer to shave and go bald. There is no shame in accepting the gradual onset of baldness; It’s a normal part of the aging process, and another seven out of 10 of your peers will eventually take the same path.