Androgenetic alopecia or common male pattern baldness (MPB) can become the bane of existence for any man who takes pride in his appearance or shares a Jesse Katsopolis-affinity for their locks. Doesn’t help that we live in a society where people often perceive our inner beauty and character by our looks. But if you’re one who lets his insecurities get the better of him after spotting some minor bald patches on your dome, then it might be time for a crash course in balding.
According to the American Hair Loss Association, male pattern baldness “accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men.” Soul crushing to hear, we know. And like any other body condition, the older you are, the worse it can get. Studies show that two-thirds of American men suffer some form of hair loss by the age of 35, with 85% of men experiencing “significantly thinning hair” at the age of 50. Ain’t that a bitch.
Dr. Terrence Keaney, board certified dermatologist and SkinCeuticals expert, states that the “exact operation of male pattern baldness is not understood,” which encourages most of us to inquire about the common causes of male pattern baldness. Is it really genetic? Bad grooming? Or what about our dieting plan? Brace yourself because, unfortunately, it’s a variety of determinants, some more impactful than others.
Hormones
A male hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is known to trigger baldness. This byproduct of the breakdown of testosterone shrinks hair follicles and replaces old strands on the head with thinner ones. Dr. Sejal Shah, dermatologic surgeon and RealSelf contributor, touches on the development saying, “hair follicles begin to enter a dormant phase and stop producing hair.” The inclusion of androgens initiates MPB as well.
Androgens, which regulate hair growth, are another hormone linked to male pattern baldness. An increased level of these hormones in hair follicles can delay hair growth, creating a shorter cycle and producing thinner strands. With an increase in age, androgens are capable of stimulating facial hair, while on the other hand depleting hair on the temple and scalp. Such hormonal changes will affect and occur during the aging process, intertwining with genes to fully expose your melon.
Genetics
Your family history plays a pivotal role in male pattern baldness. In fact, it’s said that genetic factors account for nearly 80 percent of the condition. “The genetic susceptibility can be inherited from either parent and the condition is thought to be polygenetic, or involving more than one gene,” says Dr. Shah. It’s believed that having an immediate family member who is balding increases your chances of getting it by 50%.
Scientists say age sets off the “androgen paradox,” a condition that decreases a number of factors in the human body: including 5-alpha reductase, androgen receptors, and testosterone, to name a few. The inheritance pattern of MPB is a code that hasn’t been cracked yet.
External Causes
Outside of hormones and genetics, many of the other mainsprings of baldness practically fall under the myth category. That’s not to say there aren’t any to be conscious of. “External causes play less of a role in causing hair loss but may accelerate its development,” says Dr. Keaney. Here are three in particular.
- Stress — Familiar with Telogen effluvium? Oh course not. It’s a form a hair loss that Dr. Shah describes as a “a disruption in the growth cycle of hair usually as a result of an extreme stress.” This can be provoked by a number of things such as illnesses, major surgeries, medications, severe psychological stress, thyroid diseases, and other chronic diseases.
- Malnutrition — Some experts speculate that stress doesn’t entirely result in hair loss, but can attribute to speeding up the process of the body’s genetic predisposition. In other words, follicles that are deprived of blood, nutrients, and oxygen can’t produce good hair due to the drainage of B12 levels. Crash diets or nutritional deficiencies only make matters worse.
- Poor grooming — Most of the market’s popular hair styling products don’t contain harmless ingredients that promote MPB. This is a huge plus. However, you’re still required to practice proper hair cleaning etiquette. By that we mean shampoo and condition regularly. Reason for that is, not doing so will deprive your scalp of the nutrients needed to produce healthy fur, producing sebum that results in a high level of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme — clogging pores and converting testosterone into DHT.
Target Areas
Those suffering from the hair loss disorder might curiously wonder why certain areas of their head are balding more than others. Here is what Dr. Emily Wise shared with us: “The classic pattern in men is to see gradual thinning and receding of the frontal hairline and the temples and usually this will gradually evolve to include the top of the head (crown) as well.”
Dr. Keany adds to the conversation: “Men are unique in that theandrogenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) occurs in the frontal and vertex (crown) of the scalp. This hair is susceptible to hair miniaturization while hair on the sides and back of the scalp are not.”
Who Are Most Affected?
One can only beg to ask the question: Which ethnicity is most affected by MPB? Answer: Caucasian. Yes sir. “Caucasian men are at greatest risk, with over 50% experiencing hair loss by their 50s,” claims Dr. Keany. Other ethnic groups such as Asian, American Indian, and African Americans are more likely to maintain a full head of hair.
Stepping outside of race, Dr, Keany also mentions that patients with curly or wavy hair are at an advantage, being that they’re blessed with the luxury of covering any spots suffering from hair loss. Guess you have to master the art of the comb-over sooner rather than later. Either that or go the Trump route and break the bank on hair transplant surgery.
The Hazards Of Male Pattern Baldness
Inherited male pattern baldness doesn’t necessarily lead to medical side effects. Still, it can have more serious causes normally triggered by anabolic steroids, medications, thyroid conditions, and various cancers unbeknownst to the subject. Researchers are investigating the connection between alopecia and other medical conditions (coronary heart disease, prostate cancer), as they think such disorders are linked through elevated androgen levels.
No matter the issue, we highly recommend visiting a hair specialist or doctor to determine whether you suffer from any fungal scalp conditions or nutritional disorders. A medical history, bloods tests and a skin biopsy just might save you from joining the Hair Club For Men.
