Why Do Men Go Bald?
There’s an old saying that goes: 20% of men in their 20’s experience hair loss, 30% of men in their 30’s, 40% of men in their 40’s, and so on. As it turns out, research shows that these numbers are now even higher, with nearly 65% of men in their 50’s experiencing some form of hair loss.
The hair loss journey often begins in the front hairline. Balding early signs start with recession creating an “M” shape and noticeable thinning and balding at the crown of the head.
As the “M” grows larger and the hair at the crown continues to get thinner and thinner, balding men are often left with little to no hair on top of their heads.
So where does balding come from?
For approximately 95% of men, balding is hereditary and caused by something we call Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). When we break it down, we see the term comes from three separate words:
Androgens = Hormones
Genetic = Inherited
Alopecia = Baldness
To simplify this, some men inherit receptors at the base of their hair follicles that develop sensitivity to something called DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). Androgens (aka hormones like testosterone) convert to DHT and latch onto those receptors, which in turn shrink the follicles, eventually making the hair thinner or ending growth altogether.
Women, as well as men, have these androgens that convert to DHT and create Androgenetic Alopecia, but they exist in different places on the scalp. And because male and female hormones differ greatly, so do the ways they become imbalanced.
Women tend to experience diffuse hair loss rather than balding. Their part will often get wider, their ponytail smaller and their hair thinner overall.
About 40% of women experience hair loss by their 40’s, with a wide variety of causes including hormonal imbalance, pregnancy and iron deficiency to name just a few. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) is most common in postmenopausal, Caucasian women with onset occurring around age 45 to 65. However, women of color and men can experience FFA, too.
Where does the balding gene come from?
Interestingly enough, for quite some time it was commonly believed that hair loss came from the mother’s side of the family alone. Research now shows that there is an equal chance of hair loss being passed down from the mother’s side of the family or the father’s side of the family.
With that being said, just because a father is bald, does not mean that his sons will lose their hair. There is always a chance, but no guarantee that the father’s hair loss journey will directly reflect the son’s hair loss journey.
Can hair grow back after balding naturally?
If you or a loved one notice signs of hair loss, it is imperative that you start on a treatment plan right away. Each hair follicle is a living mini-organ, so if it dies it is gone for good.
Today people are treating hair loss like preventative dentistry. If you know you have a family history of gum disease, you take preventative measures early on to avoid the problem before it begins.
Likewise, if you know you have a family history of hair loss, I recommend that you start taking certain supplements and making certain lifestyle choices early on, just in case.
This where seeing a Certified Trichologist can help. Understanding the true cause of hair loss is key to proper treatment and there are no “miracle” cures.
Consultations can be done in-office or virtually. Using The Gordon Method of Hair and Scalp Analysis™, each consultation is a comprehensive examination of the many factors that can contribute to thinning hair and balding. Diagnostic tools measure and record the health of the hair, scalp and follicles, and a trichoscope takes a magnified look at the scalp and photographs the findings.
By uncovering the underlying cause of hair loss, an effective treatment plan is designed to address your specific needs.
Remember, there IS something you can do. I look forward to helping you!
