It’s difficult to determine a specific age when hair loss regularly occurs, as every man is unique. Equally, many factors contribute to hair loss, including genetics and lifestyle. To give you a better idea of the ins and outs of hair loss, we explore the topic in more detail below and explain how and when hair loss may occur.
What are the causes of hair loss?
Male pattern hair loss is triggered by a range of factors, with the most common contributors including hormones, genetics, diet, illness and stress. For instance, researchers have discovered in excess of 287 genetic variations associated with male pattern hair loss. Above all else, this highlights just how difficult it is to attribute hair loss in men to one specific factor, let alone predict at what age it may affect an individual.
The role of hormones in hair loss also can’t be understated. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that attaches itself to the hair follicles on your head. Left untreated, the prevalence of DHT leads to male androgenic alopecia, the primary cause of hair loss affecting up to 50% of men by the age of fifty. Thankfully, this can be treated, as we explain a little later on.
Research has also shown that chronic stress can contribute to three different types of hair loss in men, including telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, and alopecia areata. Men who lead unhealthy lifestyles - taking an excess of alcohol and cigarettes, for instance - may also be prone to hair loss. What’s more, if your diet is bereft of the required nutrients and vitamins that stimulate hair growth, you may be more at risk of suffering from male pattern hair loss.
The bottom line is that there are many reasons why hair loss affects such a large proportion of men. But is there any indication as to when hair loss is likely to occur?
Hair loss and age
While it’s unusual for men to start losing hair in their teens, it’s not unheard of for boys as young as fifteen to show signs of male pattern hair loss. Studies show that around one in four men who have hereditary male pattern hair loss start losing their age before they turn 21. What’s more, by the age of 35, two in three men will have experienced some degree of hair loss. By fifty, 80% of men will experience some type of hair thinning or loss. As such, it’s accurate to say that men can start showing signs of hair loss at any age from their teens, so it’s helpful to do something about it when you start noticing these signs.
How to treat hair loss
The most important thing to remember if you notice patches on your temples or a receding hairline is not to panic. Hair loss is a common occurrence at a wide range of ages, and there are active steps you can take to do something about it. At Sons, we use Finasteride and Minoxidil to treat male pattern hair loss. Both medications are scientifically proven to treat hair loss in men, and when combined, they can be much more effective. Finasteride helps to block the production of DHT, reducing the hormone’s impact on your hair follicles and allowing them to reach thair full growth potential again. Minoxidil then increases blood flow to the affected areas of your scalp, revitalising your hair as a result.
No matter how old you are, if you’re an adult, you may be experiencing male pattern hair loss. Noticed those early signs? Browse through our treatment plans today or get in touch if you have any questions about how the Sons process work.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
