Hair is determined first and foremost by genetics and there is not much you can do about that. Hereditary reasons account for 99% of all prematurely thinning or balding scalps. According to David Salinger, director of the International Association for Trichologists, 'pattern baldness is really the only thing that can be traced through a specific genetic line. Most hair characteristics come from both sides of the genetic pool and it's the luck of the draw'.
Over 25% of men in their 20's experience male pattern baldness and this figure rises to over 50% of men when they're in their 50's. A number of factors can influence hair loss from dietary deficiencies to poor health but medical researchers believe the male hormone DHT
(dihydrotestosterone) is the single biggest cause of baldness as increased levels shorten the hair's normal growth cycle resulting in decaying, thinner hair which will eventually fall out if unchallenged. The membrane of the scalp becomes thick and inflexible slowing the circulation and nutrition to the hair follicle. The hereditary factor plays with the receptors in the hair follicle that attract DHT- this is determined by your genes. In order to prevent and slow down the rate of hair loss, the DHT level in the scalp must be reduced. Several recent studies have shown that azelaic acid, zinc sulfate and saw palmetto extract block the formation of DHT in the scalp. A dermatologist or trichologist can assist you further in deciding the best course for you.
Diet is another important factor in maintaining healthy hair and can also help control dandruff. Mineral deficiencies like insufficient zinc or iron can cause dryness of the hair and scalp. Copper, in recent studies, has proved to be very beneficial to the hair, but high levels in your water, for example, can dry your hair and scalp unduly. It may also be necessary to balance your diet with dietary supplements and a dermatologist, trichologist or nutrionist can also advise you on the right course of action. Healthy foods like lean protein and soy products as well as beans, fresh fruits and vegetables can also help improve the strength and durability of your hair.
In terms of general health, the usual vices alcohol and smoking have also been linked to hair loss in certain studies. Stress can also play a factor as well though this has not been fully understood. Certain forms of medication can also cause balding to develop and a list of known drugs is listed below.
Excessive use of styling products can also exacerbate hair loss and should be avoided as it causes a build up of sebum, having a detrimental effect on your hair follicle. Further, not everybody needs to wash their hair everyday, but if your lifestyle does require it, make sure your shampoo is gentle and choose the shampoo and conditioner that is right for you. Hair gets dirty when sebum, an oily substance secreted by the skin's sebaceous glands, coats the shaft. Dead skin cells and airborne dirt stick to the sebum. For everyday washing, try using Gentlemen's Tonic Daily Shampoo and Gentlemen's Tonic Protein Conditioner.
If you have an oily scalp, frequent shampooing will keep the hair from lying flat, weighted down by the fats in sebum. Shampoo will also reduce surface sebum, which contains high levels of testosterone and DHT that may re-enter the skin and affect the hair follicle. Very dry hair may be improved by massaging in a little olive or almond oil, covering and leaving on overnight, and washing it out the next morning.
Below is a list of drugs that are known to cause hair loss in some patients:
- Cholesterol-lowering drug: clofibrate (Atromis-S) and gemfibrozil (Lopid)
- Parkinson Medications: levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa)
- Ulcer drugs: cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid)
- Anticoagulents: Coumarin and Heparin
- Agents for gout: Allopurinol (Loporin, Zyloprim)
- Antiarthritics: penicillamine, auranofin (Ridaura), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Naprosyn), sulindac (Clinoril), and methotrexate (Folex)
- Drugs derived from vitamin-A: isotretinoin (Accutane) and etretinate (Tegison)
- Anticonvulsants for epilepsy: trimethadione (Tridione)
- Antidepressants: tricyclics, amphetamines
- Beta blocker drugs for high blood pressure: atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal) and timolol (Blocadren)
- Antithyroid agents: carbimazole, Iodine, thiocyanate, thiouracil
- Others: Blood thinners, male hormones (anabolic steroids)