How to prevent hair loss in men?

Hair loss in men is one of their main aesthetic concerns, as studies show. Specifically, 42% of the Spanish male population experiences alopecia to a greater or lesser extent. Below, we explain the main causes and share some tips and options to help prevent it.

Causes of hair loss in men

Disruption to the hair growth cycle usually causes weakening and hair loss. This cycle is made up of three phases:

1. Anagen or growth.
2. Catagen or transition.
3. Telogen or resting.

As a general rule, hair falls out at the end of the third phase while new hair emerges in turn. However, disruption to the cycle can cause it to fall out before the growth phase has finished.

There are mainly four factors that directly affect hair loss in men.

Stress

This condition negatively affects the body, and its impact on hair is noticeable. Stress can be both physical and emotional and, in both cases, it affects the hair follicle.

As a result, hair falls out and does not grow back. The good news about this factor is that, if it can be eliminated, there is a strong chance of restoring growth.

Poorly balanced diet

For the body to function properly, having a healthy, rich and varied diet is essential. Failing to do so has a negative impact on the hair follicles, as keratin production and oxygenation itself are affected.

The most necessary nutrients are biotin, iron, magnesium, zinc and vitamins A, C, E and B. If the body does not receive what it needs, the hair may suffer from telogen effluvium. This speeds up its life cycle so that it reaches the resting phase before shedding as quickly as possible.

Age and hormonal changes

Studies indicate that 25% of men begin to lose their hair before the age of 30. In addition, around 70% will have advanced baldness or be bald before the age of 60.

On the other hand, hormonal changes, such as increased DHT (dihydrotestosterone), affect the hair follicles. Its presence causes shorter, smaller hairs to be produced, to the point where they stop being produced altogether.

Likewise, most of these hormonal changes are linked to age.

Genetics

Underlying medical conditions, environmental factors and genetics or stress can all contribute to hair weakening.

When it comes to genetics, this is one of the most important causes of hair loss in men.

In addition, family history considerably increases the chances of experiencing it, which calls for specific hair loss treatments for men.

Tips to care for your hair and help prevent hair loss in men

When hair is prone to falling out, changing certain parts of your grooming routine is usually very helpful. Some of these are:

• Avoid hot water. This helps prevent damage to the scalp and stops the essential oils that protect it from being stripped away. Hot water causes dryness and inflammation and, as a result, this affects the condition of the hair follicle and hair thinning. For this reason, it is best to use lukewarm water and rub gently, without scratching the scalp with your nails.
• Avoid hot air. Heat also weakens the hair proteins and causes brittleness. It is best to let it dry naturally whenever possible.
• Massage the scalp. Doing so helps to increase hair density because it improves blood circulation. This means the hair is better supplied with blood, nourished and oxygenated and, therefore, it will grow faster and stronger. It will also help to reduce stress levels.
• Look after your diet. For healthy hair, it is necessary to follow a protein-rich diet, as well as include a range of vitamins through food: vitamin A (pumpkin and carrot), vitamin B (pulses), vitamin C (kiwi or oranges) and minerals such as zinc, copper or iron.

Best treatments for hair loss in men

You can also turn to some treatments to help prevent hair loss in men. For example:

• Ducray Neoptide expert: This Ducray anti-hair loss hair serum stimulates hair growth, strengthens the fibre, adds volume to the hair and is recommended as a complement to hair transplants. Its formula contains anchorane, which helps anchor the hair and activates natural keratin production, lespedeza to regulate the hair cycle and slow hair loss and mangolidone, which stimulates microcirculation and provides moisturising agents.
• Vichy Dercos Aminexil Clinical 5 Hombre Ampollas: One of the products that should not be missing when treating hair loss in men is anti-hair loss ampoules. In this case, Dercos anti-hair loss ampoules are enriched with aminexil and are intended for men experiencing hair loss. It provides vitality and strength from root to tip, so hair will look stronger and more vigorous.
• René Furterer Triphasic Champú Anticaída: Made with natural ingredients such as essential oils of orange, lavender and rosemary which, together with Pfafia extract, help hair growth and strengthening, this Rene Furterer anti-hair loss shampoo tones and improves scalp microcirculation. The result is soft, strengthened and purified hair.
• Iraltone Aga Plus Cápsulas: Formulated with pumpkin seed oil, biotin, vitamins B5 and B6, vitamins C and E, and selenium, Aga Plus de Iraltone strengthens the hair, treats loss of density and volume, and regulates chronic and severe hair loss.
• Supplements with Minoxidil: On the Farmaciasdirect website, we have a wide selection of products formulated with Minoxidil to treat alopecia in different formats such as Regaine foam, topical solution or tablets.

These and other products to tackle hair loss in men effectively are available from Farmaciasdirect. And remember that, in the case of supplements with Minoxidil, their use should be guided and recommended by a specialist.