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Baldness is an eventuality that most men will have to confront at some point in their lifetime. This is why it pays to know all the basics that surround this natural phenomenon. Such knowledge will definitely help you in making better decisions and preparing yourself psychologically. Our goal in the discussions that follow endeavor to do just that.
We are going to explore all the background pieces of information which pertain to the subject matter of baldness in men. These include the various signs which may showcase baldness, the pace of baldness, and the various remedies which you may attempt to mitigate or combat this situation altogether.
You will definitely find these pieces of information quite eye-opening and relevant for your needs and purposes. They will arm you with the know-how you badly want in order to better handle such an issue if and when it eventually arises.
Signs That You Are Going Bald?
There are many signs which may prove or signal that you are indeed losing hair. Of these many signs, two particularly stand out. They are explained here below:
Loss of Small Patches of Hair (Alopecia)
This is the gradual yet steady loss of small patches of hair on the head or other parts of the body. The first and foremost loss occurs when the strands are weakened and pull off one at a time leaving behind exposed scalp. The sign is also accompanied in a slowed replacement of hair which comes in the form of the new hair taking too long to cover the exposed scalp.
Accelerated Hair Loss Patterns
The accelerated loss of hair is a severe form of the Alopecia. It is basically a situation in which the hair loss is faster than ordinarily is or ought to be the case. At the same time, the hair that is lost takes too long to replace or is not replaced at all.
What Causes of Baldness in Men?
Many causes of baldness do abound. Of these, only two stand out as the most prominent and significant. They are:
Sensitivity to Dihydrotestosterone
Dihydrotestosterone is a hormone in the human body. It stimulates the development of male characteristics. Persons who are born with sensitivity to this hormone are more likely to experience baldness than those who are not. This means also that to some extent, genetics also plays a role.
Inappropriate Behaviors
Some behaviors also play a role in accelerating the formation of baldness than others. These include creatine supplements, smoking, weight training exercises, anabolic steroids, and testosterone hormone replacements. They mainly contribute to the formation of testosterone which has the attendant consequence of hastening the loss of hair.
When Men Start to Go Bald
The exact time that men start to go bald varies from one man to another. This is subsequently determined by a range of factors and circumstances. Regardless of the precise time that the phenomenon sets in, there are some common noticeable signs.
Generally speaking, the growth process of the hair begins to slow down considerably from age 50 onwards. This is evidenced by a reduced pace of the regeneration of any hair that is pulled off the scalp. On the contrary, the resting phase of the hair becomes longer.
This process of balding ordinarily starts at the sides of the head typically above the temples. Alternatively, they patch on the crown and thereafter spread from there. The patches generally enlarge as the hairline recedes backward.
How Quickly Do Men Go Bald?
Just like the onset of balding, the pace at which the hair is lost also varies from person to person. There is really no fixed timeframe within which this process occurs. On the whole, the process starts out at the twenties. It goes on for around 15 to 5 years to mature fully. Some men though are early birds. This is to mean that they take a shorter duration of time to be completely bald.
Such a shorter duration can at times be as short as only 5 years! A couple of behavioral traits and practices have the attendant impact of hastening the process. These include drinking, smoking, and indulgence in too many drugs which may cause hormonal imbalances.
Is Baldness Connected to Genetic?
Partly yes and partly no. Indeed, baldness can be caused by genetic issues. In case your body is sensitive to the male sex hormones otherwise called androgens, chances are that you will develop the problem. This predisposition is purely hereditary and leads to permanent hair loss. That is why to some extent the condition is genetic in nature.
A couple of other factors do have a bearing on the emergence of this phenomenon. These include stressful circumstances, illnesses, surgical procedures, alterations in the hormonal levels and of course, and the scalp infections. The circumstances lead to temporary rather than permanent loss of hair though.
Natural Remedies for Baldness
#1. Onion juice
This juice has great antibacterial properties and sulfur content. These help to combat scalp infections and boost the flow of blood to the hair follicles. The end result is a robust hair growth which eventually mitigates the loss of hair.
• Grind the onion and then squeeze out the juice
• Dip a cotton ball in the juice and apply the same to your scalp
• Leave to settle for around 20 to 30 minutes
• Wash off using the normal water together with mild shampoo
#2. Licorice root
Licorice is a herb which slows the pace of hair loss and the further damages which ordinarily arise. It can also soothe the scalp to rid it of any dry flakes and dandruff.
• Add a tablespoon of ground licorice root and a quarter teaspoon of saffron to a cup of milk
• Apply the resultant paste to your scalp and the entire length of the hair.
• Leave it overnight and wash your whole hair the following day
#3. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk contains plenty of essential fats and proteins. These vital ingredients jointly promote the growth of hair and subsequently prevent unnecessary loss of hair.
• Grate a medium-sized coconut
• Simmer it in a pan for around five minutes
• Strain and cool
• Add one tablespoon each of crushed black pepper and the fenugreek seeds to the coconut milk
• Apply it on your scalp and hair
• Leave for 20 minutes
• Rinse with a shampoo
#4. Egg mask
Eggs are ordinarily rich in phosphorus, sulfur, protein, iodine, and selenium. Together, these nutrients promote the growth of hair.
• Separate one egg white in a bowl
• Add a teaspoon each of honey and olive oil
• Beat the mixture to form a paste
• Apply it on the whole of your hair from the roots to the tips
• Leave for around 20 minutes to settle
• Rinse with a mild shampoo
#5. Green tea
Green tea is generally famed for being rich in antioxidants. These help to boost the growth of hair and prevent its loss altogether.
• Soak two to three teabags in one or two cups of hot water depending mainly your hair’s length
• After it cools, pour this mixture over your hair and scalp
• Massage your head gently
• Leave the hair with cool water after around one hour
#6. Greek yogurt and honey
Honey and Greek yogurt both contain plenty of vitamins which are essential for the growth of hair. They also preserve hair moisture by virtue of possessing humectant properties.
• Mix two tablespoons of yogurt with one tablespoon of honey
• Pour some lemon in a bowl
• Apply the paste on the scalp and roots of the hair using a dye brush
• Leave to settle for around 30 minutes
• Rinse with cold water
#7. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a great remedy for combating the loss of hair. It also boosts the growth and can be pretty effective in managing a couple of scalp issues such as flaking and itching.
• Take the stalk of Aloe Vera
• Extract the pulp
• Apply the pulp to your scalp and hair
• Leave untouched for around 45 minutes
• Rinse with normal water
#8. Beetroot juice
No other natural remedy for baldness is rich in Vitamin B6 as the beetroot. Other than this, it is also a great source of Potassium, Betaine, Manganese, Folate, and Vitamin C. All these are essential for the healthy growth of hair. They also detoxify the scalp and rids it of any impurities.
• Boil around 7-8 beetroot leaves
• Grind along with some 5-6 henna leaves
• Apply the paste on your scalp
• Leave for around 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water
#9. Fenugreek seeds
Also called the Methi seeds, Fenugreek seeds contribute immensely to the repair of the hair follicles as well as the re-growth of any lost hair.
• Soak Fenugreek seeds in water overnight
• Grind the seeds into a fine paste
• Apply the paste on your scalp and hair
• Leave the paste intact for around 30 minutes
• Alternatively, cover your scalp to keep it moist
• After around 30-40 minutes, rinse the scalp in normal water
#10. Amla
Alma is yet another term for the Indian Gooseberry. It contains plenty of Vitamin C which stops the falling off of hair. By consuming this substance, you will also strengthen your hair follicles. Lastly, you will, courtesy of its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, experience faster hair growth, slow down premature graying of hair and maintain a healthy scalp.
• Mix lime juice with the amla powder to generate a paste
• Massage the paste on your hair and scalp
• Cover your head with a shower scalp to keep the paste moisten
• Keep it intact for around an hour
• Rinse the paste off using normal water
Diet to Reduce the Effect of Baldness
Combating baldness requires a concerted effort. It is not enough to implement the remedies above only. You have to take the right diet. The following diets will help you to accomplish this sacred task as well:
#1. Lentils
Lentils are rich in biotin, zinc, iron, and protein. They also contain plenty of folic acids which is essential for the restoration of the robust health of the red blood cells.
#2. Spinach
The deficiency of iron is chiefly responsible for the falling off of hair. Spinach provides plenty of iron and Vitamins A, C, and proteins. Moreover, it has sufficient amounts of sebum which is a natural skin and scalp conditioner. These maintain the healthy state of the scalp besides giving rise to lustrous hair.
#3. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes produce higher amounts of Beta carotene. This mitigates dry and dull hair besides stimulating the glands in the scalp to generate the oily fluid called sebum.
#4. Carrots
Carrots are largely known to be great for eyesight. What few people know is that it also improves the growth of hair. Its possession of sufficient quantities of Vitamin A combats the feelings of itchiness and dryness.
#5. Oats
Being a grain, oats are rich in Zinc, fiber, Iron, Omega-6 fatty acids, and a couple of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These ingredients stimulate the growth of hair which makes it thicker and healthier.
#6. Strawberries and guavas
Strawberries are rich in silica which is a trace mineral that strengthens the hair. Do take plenty of other complementary foods if you want to see your hair get stronger and thicker.
#7. Walnuts
Walnuts are unparalleled by any other food with regards to the levels of biotin. It is also a great source of B vitamins (B1, B6, and B9), Vitamin E, protein, and magnesium. These strengthen the hair cuticles and nourish the scalp as well.
#8. Eggs
Given that hair comprises 68% keratin proteins, eggs play a crucial role in rebuilding damaged hair. Being rich also in biotin, they help the hair to grow luxuriously.
#9. Chicken
Chicken and its sister meat, Turkey is lean meats. They are rich in high-quality proteins. These strengthen the fragile hair and also prevent their breakage on the whole.
#10. Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in Vitamin B5 and Vitamin D. These two work hand in hand to promote the health of the hair follicles.
Medical Treatment for Bald Men
Baldness is largely a natural process. You, therefore, do not really have to treat it. You may choose to accept and live with it altogether. In case you opt for medical treatment, you may try out a couple of medical drugs. These are the Minoxidil lotion and the Finasteride.
The Minoxidil lotion is applicable twice a day. It is freely available over-the-counter as there are no restrictions at all on its acquisition. You have to use it indefinitely though as its impacts begin to diminish as soon as you cease taking the medication.
Finasteride another option for your consideration. The drug is available in the form of a tablet. It works by partly blocking the effects of the male hormones. This halts the further loss of hair and also promotes the re-growth of scalp hair.
CONCLUSION
In as much as baldness is an eventuality that most men will ultimately have to confront as stated, it can be effectively mitigated as well. This can only happen if the appropriate intervention measures are put in place and in a timely manner for that matter.
It is not enough to receive the head knowledge for the sake of it. You definitely have to take the extra step to implement at least one of the tips we have discussed above. In case you are satisfied with a bald head, you want to pass this information on to another one who might need it. Best of luck in your anti-baldness campaign!
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