Thinning hair is a natural part of aging but with the modern lifestyle, hair loss and thinning have become quite normal. This topic is not yet talked about in the open but nearly 85% of men experience hair loss by the time they turn 50.

Hair loss in men is quite normal and they tend to lose hair more quickly and noticeably than any other gender. This condition is called androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness.

What causes hair thinning and hair loss?

By the age of 30, most men notice hair things and this is due to the shrinking or closing of hair follicles which are responsible for producing hair strands. This leads to either production of thinner hair strands or no more hair growth.

Male pattern baldness usually happens when natural thinning of hair takes place and eventually leads to baldness. The thinning of hair usually starts from the temple and gradually recedes backward, leaving the crown bald.

Some hair loss treatments that can be done to make your hair thicker or help the follicles grow hair back more consistently are –

1. Minoxidil (Rogaine)

This is a topical hair loss treatments that has to be applied to the scalp two times a day which will help in promoting hair growth in thinning or bald areas. Rogaine is an ingredient approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use at home and there are plenty of studies to prove its use.

You must contact your doctor to make sure it works for you and see the lifestyle or diet changes you need to make to help Minoxidil work effectively.

2. Scalp massage

Gently put pressure on your scalp with your fingertips. You can also use oil to massage. This will help in an easy blood flow to your follicles and thus better hair growth. You can use castor oil to moisturize your hair and increase blood flow. Both these things will help in better and thicker hair growth.

3. Essential oil

You can try applying essential oils like rosemary on your scalp to promote hair growth. Lavender has shown results in the successful treatment of thinning hair.

Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil and do a patch test to make sure that you are not allergic to it. You can do this by putting a small drop on your skin and leaving it for 24 hours. If your skin turns red or becomes itchy, you are allergic and should not continue with the same.

Also, do not apply undiluted essential oil directly to your skin.

4. Shampoo

Although many shampoos make false promises, some shampoos in the market possess anti-thinning properties and add volume to your hair, nourishing it and its follicles with vitamins and amino acids.

This will bring nutrients and moisture to your scalp which will promote hair growth and follicle health.

5. Vitamins

Using a multivitamin tablet rich in iron, folic acid, and zinc helps in growing hair back thick and healthy. It is advisable to consult your doctor first before taking any kind of vitamin.

It must be kept in mind that there is not much evidence for vitamins resulting in hair regrowth and too much intake of these vitamins may prove to be harmful to your health.

6. Prescription Medication and Treatment

Some medications prescribed by your doctor that will help you in reducing hair thinning and loss are –

  • Oral or injected medications – these will help in reducing hormones or inflammation that leads to hair loss.
  • Laser therapy – your dermatologist can treat hair follicles with laser technology that sends light particles into your follicles which will help them in growing.

Some general lifestyle steps that you can take to reduce hair thinning and loss are –

1. Temperature

Hot water is not beneficial for your hair and scalp. It strips away your hair of natural oils. These oils are necessary for keeping hair strong and healthy. You can use warm water to wash your hair but not scalding hot water.

2. Dry gently

Rubbing hair is no way to dry your hair and will only worsen the situation. Gentle patting of your hair is an easier way to dry your hair. Try to avoid heating and styling tools like a blow dryer or straightener etc.

3. Style with hydrating products

The gels and sprays that you use to style your hair also affect your scalp and its health. Try going for products that have more natural ingredients and hydrating properties and will soothe your scalp.

Avoid hair products that contain alcohol as it dries your hair and scalp, leaving them damaged and not in a position to maintain hair growth.

Wrapping Up

There are many hair growth products for men available in the market but minor baldness can be treated at home with a little support from a doctor if detected at the right time. Male pattern baldness is something that has become quite common in today’s generation of men.