Causes | Hair loss in men

Causes

In addition to the causes already described above, hair loss can be caused by other factors. Hair loss in men can be caused by metabolic diseases (e.g. diabetes mellitus), thyroid diseases, infectious diseases (e.g. scarlet fever, a streptococcus infection), but also by venereal diseases (syphilis in late stage can cause hair loss).

Not to forget eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia or unbalanced diets. As more and more men are affected by these, it should be pointed out that unbalanced nutrition does not only lead to weight reduction. The metabolism is disturbed and hair growth is hindered in the course of this.

Stress is another factor that is becoming increasingly important. People who are constantly exposed to professional or private stress run the risk of losing their hair. In particularly stressful phases, tufts of hair loss can be observed.

The only remedy is the reduction of the triggering stress factors. Smoking is not only bad for the metabolism, lungs and white teeth, but can also damage the hair with the consequence of progressive hair loss. All the causes mentioned here rather cause a general thinning of the main hair.

The typical receding hairline and semi bald heads are not likely to develop. The treatment of hair loss in men can be approached cosmetically on the one hand, and on the other hand it can be tried to achieve an improvement with medication. Depending on the cause of the hair loss, drugs only help in rare cases.

The side effects are usually so strong that it would not be appropriate to burden the body so much because of a cosmetic problem. Cosmetically, some things can be concealed. There are special hairpieces, so-called toupees, which, made by a specialist, look deceptively real.

Hair thickening can also be considered. In this case the own still existing hair is thickened by a specialist to create the illusion of full hair. Hair thickening is offered either by second hair specialists (wig manufacturers or hair practices), or by specially trained hairdressers.

There are different methods. Extensions can be glued, very similar to hair extensions for women. However, if the patient suffers from permanent hair loss, it is not recommended.

The extensions weigh down the hair and would also fall out in case of hair loss. There is also the possibility of using a very thin grid to which hair is attached, so to speak, to stick hair on the head. The hair stays in place regardless of the own hair and lasts for about half a year.

Another possibility to conceal hair loss is hair transplantation. Prominent examples of such an operation are Silvio Berlusconi, Kevin Costner and Jürgen Klopp. In this type of transplantation, a thin strip of hairy skin is taken from the crown of hair.The treating surgeon divides this strip of skin into small bundles, each with a few hair follicles, which are then transplanted one by one to the bald area in laborious manual work.

The cost of such an operation is usually based on the number of grafts. Hairpieces, thickening and hair transplants are relatively expensive and are only covered by health insurance in exceptional cases. The costs usually have to be paid out of one’s own pocket and are therefore not affordable for everyone.

The last option is to shave a bald head. While receding hairline and loose hair are perceived as a sign of age and relatively unattractive, according to various studies, bald heads are often associated with professional success. According to studies, bald men appear more masculine, more dominant and more successful.