It probably began sooner than you had anticipated. Maybe in your early to mid-twenties. The widow’s peak increased in prominence, and the tell-tale M-shaped hairline crept into view. However, you didn’t worry about it, and you just thought you could cover it up with increased growth on top. Become a hipster with an artfully sculpted mane and short fade.
But now you’re on the other side of 30 and working a big job in the city. That indie haircut you once loved now doesn’t cut it with your tailored suit, but you can’t bring yourself to reveal what’s hidden underneath. Still, you’re not alone. By aged 80, 80% of men will have a receding hairline, and while some people notice it earlier than others, it’s just a natural part of ageing. But there’s some good news on the horizon. Hair loss expert Dr. Knut Moe – Medical Director of Sons – explains what you can do to combat a receding hairline.
The causes of a receding hairline
Knowing your enemy is important. The official name for a receding hairline is male pattern hair loss, and if you suffer from it, you can thank your old man. “Male pattern hair loss is caused by a genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT for short), a by-product of testosterone in the body, which causes hairs to miniaturise gradually and shed,” says Dr. Moe.
“If there’s very little hair loss in your extended family, then there’s a strong likelihood that you will not be affected by male pattern hair loss to any great extent. If everyone in your family lost their hair in their twenties, then this is likely to happen to you earlier too. It’s not an exact science but can be a good predictor of future hair loss.” Unfortunately, you can’t freely conduct a diagnostic test for male pattern hair loss yet, so flipping through your old family albums might be your best bet.
Prevention is the best cure
If you’ve taken a look at your grandfather and noticed his receding hairline, it’s time to take action before it’s too late. “It’s much easier to hold on to what you have rather than regain what you’ve lost,” Dr. Moe explains.
As with the majority of afflictions, living a balanced and healthy life will reduce your risk of hair loss. So working out and improving your diet will help you. Oh, and your hectic job in the city might not be doing you any favours as Dr. Moe explains, “Factors such as stress can contribute to ‘shock loss,’ where the rate of hair loss can speed up at times of stress.” So, now might be the perfect time to hit those office all-nighters on the head.
Is a receding hair line treatable?
If you’re really worried about your receding hairline, you can book an appointment with your doctor to discuss your options. Finasteride is a prescription-only medication that blocks the production of DHT and is the most effective treatment available to men. Dr. Moe also recommends Minoxidil, which is a topical solution that you can purchase over the counter.
“These medications have been around for over 20 years and are considered effective at halting hair loss in over 90% and can give some moderate regrowth in over 60% of men,” says Dr Moe. “It is important to emphasise that there is no quick fix, and these medications take time to work (typically three to six months) and need to be taken consistently in your daily routine for the improvement to be maintained.”
Biotin supplements and shampoos with saw palmetto can also improve the quality of your hair, but they’re not necessarily effective when it comes to promoting regrowth, so the earlier you use them, the more chance they have of being successful.
What about a hair transplant?
Surgery is a drastic step to take, so you need to think carefully before going under the knife. “Done well, a hair transplant can be transformative. However, it is always recommended to look after your ‘native hair’ (the hair you still have) to stabilise your hair loss first and foremost,” Dr. Moe informs us.
If you’ve tried lots of different treatments and aren’t happy with how your hair looks, a transplant could be a good option to promote regrowth. You justh need to make sure you do your research before getting started, as there’s no going back after the treatment starts. “You should be asking, ‘Is the clinic’s reputation good? Does the surgeon have the right credentials? What’s the aftercare like? Are there hidden costs?’,” says Dr Moe.
“Beware of seemingly low prices or cut-price deals at foreign transplant clinics; often, the prices are too good to be true and can lead to further complications down the line. Most importantly, if you do get a transplant, be sure to follow the aftercare advice closely.”
Rv by KM 29/08/22
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