Male pattern baldness is a condition that affects around half of all men over 40 years old. While women can also experience hair loss, it doesn’t occur in the same pattern as in men.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why men are more prone to baldness and why it doesn’t affect women in the same way.
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The Science Behind Baldness
Baldness is a common hair problem for both men and women. However, the pattern of baldness in men and women is quite different.
Here, we explore the science behind male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss.
Exploring Androgenic Alopecia
Androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is the most common form of balding in men. This type of baldness affects the scalp and is characterized by hair loss on the crown and receding hairline.
It is caused by hormonal and genetic factors, specifically the sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.
Testosterone and DHT
The hormone testosterone in men is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which leads to hair loss. DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, resulting in shorter and thinner hair strands.
Hence, men with higher DHT levels are more likely to have male pattern baldness.
Androgens in Women
Women also have androgens (male hormones) in their bodies, but in smaller amounts than men. Androgenic alopecia in women is called female pattern hair loss and is less common than male pattern baldness.
It causes gradual thinning of the hair on the scalp, but the hairline usually stays the same.
Why Do Men Go Bald and Women Don’t?
Baldness affects both men and women, but the pattern of hair loss is different. Male pattern baldness is a common condition that affects men over 40 years of age, and it’s usually hereditary.
In contrast, female pattern baldness is less common, and it usually affects women after menopause or due to hormonal changes.
The Genetics of Baldness
Male pattern baldness is caused by genetic factors, and it’s inherited from both parents through the X chromosome. If a man’s mother or father has male pattern baldness, the chances are high that he will develop it too.
However, not all men who have the gene for baldness will lose their hair.
Differences in Follicles and Hair Growth
The differences in male and female hair growth patterns can also contribute to male baldness. Men have more androgens, which are male hormones, that can affect the hair follicles and cause them to shrink, resulting in shorter and finer hair.
Over time, these follicles stop producing hair altogether, causing baldness.
In contrast, women have less androgens and more estrogen, which promotes hair growth. Women also have a different pattern of hair loss, and they are more likely to experience thinning hair all over the scalp rather than just in one area.
Age is another factor that affects hair growth. Hair grows fastest between the ages of 15 and 30, before slowing down.
Some follicles stop working altogether as people get older, causing thinner hair or baldness.
Prevention and Treatment
Male pattern baldness affects a significant number of men, but why do men go bald and women don’t? Male pattern baldness is related to genetic factors and male sex hormones.
Each strand of hair grows from a follicle, and in male pattern baldness, the follicles shrink over time, producing shorter and finer hair. Eventually, the follicle stops producing hair altogether.
Here are some prevention and treatment options:
Topical Treatments and Medication
Many men turn to topical treatments and medication to prevent further hair loss, and some find success with these methods. Common shampoos and topical creams like minoxidil (Rogaine) can help slow hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
Prescription drugs like finasteride (Propecia) can also be prescribed to men to help prevent further hair loss. However, these treatments are not guaranteed to work and may come with side effects.
It’s important to consult with a doctor before starting any medication.
Hair Transplants and Restoration
Hair transplant surgery is another option for men with male pattern baldness. During the procedure, hair follicles are removed from a donor area on the scalp and inserted into areas of the scalp where hair is thinning or balding.
Hair transplants can be costly and may not result in natural-looking hair growth. It’s important to thoroughly research and consult with a qualified doctor before deciding on a hair transplant.
Preventing hair loss involves taking steps to maintain overall health and hygiene. This includes eating a healthy, balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress levels, avoiding harsh chemicals or treatments for hair care, and maintaining good hygiene.
In some cases, a doctor may also recommend supplements or other treatments to help prevent hair loss. By taking care of your hair and scalp, it’s possible to reduce the chances of hair loss and keep your hair looking healthy and full for longer.
Debunking Myths and Misconceptions
When it comes to male baldness, there are many myths and misconceptions. One of the most popular misconceptions is that hats or helmets cause baldness.
The reality is that hats or helmets do not cause hair loss because they do not put enough pressure on the scalp to affect hair growth. Also, excessive shampooing or hair care products are not causes of hair loss as well.
Additionally, frequent haircuts will not stimulate hair growth or reduce hair loss.
Male pattern baldness is caused by genetics and hormones, specifically dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that miniaturizes hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Women also have DHT in their bodies, but it is less intense than in men, which is why women do not experience male pattern baldness as often. Stress can cause hair loss, but it is not a direct cause of male pattern baldness.
Lastly, hair growth is not affected by shaving or using hair growth or topical hair products, which have not been scientifically proven, is another myth surrounding male baldness that needs to be debunked.
Conclusion
Male pattern baldness is a common condition that affects up to 1 in every 2 men over 40 years of age. It is related to genes and male sex hormones, resulting in hair loss and thinning on the crown and receding hairline.
Baldness is more common in men because male hair grows faster and some follicles stop working as people age. While hereditary, hair loss can also be prevented by eating a healthy balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress levels, avoiding harsh chemicals, maintaining good hygiene, and seeing a doctor if necessary.
Remember, hair loss is not just about your mother’s father, but a polygenic trait. Overall, making these changes helps reduce the chances of hair loss and keeps people looking and feeling their best.
