When we first gaze upon another person one of the first things we notice is their hair. Without even giving it a second thought, we make judgments based on the amount of hair we see –or don’t see. In a culture where hair is revered, thinning hair on a man or woman can make a negative first impression. But what about the guy who is losing hair, how does hair loss impact him? For many men who start losing their hair in their twenties and early thirties, it can have a significantly negative effect on their self esteem. Research shows that younger men are more likely to find the emotional impact of hair loss as particularly distressing. According to Clinical Interventions in Aging, while it may seem easy to dismiss these concerns as vanity and self-indulgence, the fact is that research and anecdotal studies reveal that the perception of youth is a real advantage even in areas as fundamental as job markets and financial security.
The psychological impact of losing hair
There are many emotions a young guy goes through when he starts losing his hair. Humiliation is one. Because we all want to fit in, if you are the first guy in your group of friends to start showing signs of thinning hair you may find yourself at the center of your friends teasing and the butt of their jokes. Even worse, girls you meet may think you are ten years older than you are. Could you be in denial about your hair loss? Guys who suppress what is happening and avoid talking to a specialist or their doctor, may put their money where their hair –used to be. Are you spending money on creams, vitamins, or supplements in hopes that some hair, any hair will grow on your head? Anger is yet another emotion young men may experience with early hair loss. Are you someone who is angry about your hair thinning? Do you engage in risky behaviors in an effort to prove you manliness, such as extreme sports, casual sexual encounters, or increase in drug or alcohol use?
What causes early hair loss?
Before rushing off to find a solution for your thinning hair, it's important to understand the possible reasons you may be losing your hair. It’s genetic. There is a genetic link to family male patterned baldness. The chromosome for baldness can come from either parent. So you may want to look to your grandparents for possible clues to early onset, also known as Alopecia areata. Studies have shown that men with a history of genetic hair loss cope better with this disorder than men who have no underlying hereditary disorder. It’s stress. It may be hard to believe, but stress can cause your auto immune system to become strained. There are three types of hair loss attributed to stress. Anagen effluvium is when the hair loss occurs three months after a stressful event, like a bereavement or emotional stress from losing a job. Alopecia areata happens when the hair falls out quite quickly and in a circular pattern, and Alopecia barbae only affects a man's facial hair such as his beard or mustache. It’s medical.Medications, illness, or infection and diet can all be a contributing factor when it comes to male hair loss. In most of these situations your hair does regrow. However, in some cases your hair may stop forming properly. Consult your doctor if you think your hair loss may be related to a medical concern.
Hair regrowth treatment for men
Luckily, there are plenty of options available to help you fight balding or thinning hair. The type of treatment that may be right for you will depend on many factors including the type of hair loss and the reason. For chronic conditions, over-the-counter shampoos, topical creams, and prescription medications may help stop your hair thinning and may even regrow hair. Low-level light therapy is a newly recognized treatment option to help men achieve thicker, healthier hair. It is used to slow thinning hair and patterned baldness for both men and women suffering from hair loss. To learn about hair regrowth treatments options or to locate a Capillus specialist in your area click here or call Capillus for more information at (786) 888 6249 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 272-9599.