Hair loss is big insecurity for a lot of men, though it’s an incredibly common issue that most men will need to come to terms with at some point. It’s thought that by the age of 35, two-thirds of men will have noticeable hair loss, and by the age of 50, 85% of men will have hair that is significantly thinning.
Though it’s a common issue, most men feel very insecure about it and would rather spend money on products to prevent baldness and hair loss early on.
Unlike women, men may not feel so comfortable or easily able to hide thinning hair with the likes of taped hair extensions, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t other options.
Many men choose to have hair transplants, but there are a number of steps you can take beforehand to prevent thinning and hair loss.
Here are some of the ways you can prevent baldness before it takes hold – or at least long out the process.
Buy a Laser Comb
There are only three hair-loss treatments that are FDA approved: two prescription medications (minoxidil and finasteride), and laser combs.
It’s thought that the low-power lasers in the combs have an antioxidant type of effect on hair follicles, meaning with regular use over a set period of time, hair density can be increased.
A 2014 study found that after using a laser comb on the scalp three times a week for approximately six months, hair density improved in almost all the men involved in the experiment.
With this in mind, if your hair is thinning, consider buying a laser comb.
Use Ketoconazole Shampoo
DHT is a hormone that is responsible for hair loss. It shrinks hair follicles which causes them to fall out, leaving you with thinning hair and, eventually, hair loss.
Ketoconazole is an anti-DHT drug that can be found in specific types of shampoos. It stops testosterone from transforming into DHT (similar to how prescription medications do).
If you want to preserve your hair follicles, look for shampoos that have 1-2% ketoconazole in as opposed to standard shampoos, and aim to wash your hair three times a week max.
Avoid Hot Showers
Though many of us enjoy steaming hot showers, they’re not good for our skin. They can cause it to become dry and irritated, and even inflamed. The skin on your scalp is no different. Inflammation may cause hair follicles to shrink, contributing to hair loss. Instead, shower in warm water rather than hot.
Don’t Pull Your Hair Back
If you have longer hair and like to wear it up, try and limit the number of times you scrape it back. If you frequently pull your hair back, it can lead to traction alopecia, particularly at the front of your scalp. The best way to prevent this is to avoid tight hairstyles where possible.
Take Hair Vitamins
The final way you can prevent baldness is to take hair vitamins. They work in the same way as vitamins for your body, but not all are created equal. You need to be looking for specific vitamins that will actually help. These include biotin, vitamin D, and zinc.
Deficiencies of these vitamins and minerals have all been linked to hair loss, so make sure any vitamins you purchase contain at least one of these vitamins and assess your diet to ensure you’re getting the recommended doses of other things like iron and protein.
Make sure you don’t take too much, though, otherwise you have risk-averse side effects and even contribute to hair loss through a range of other medical conditions.
