You wake up one morning and look in the mirror. You could swear that you had more hair on your head the day before. This cycle continues for days and then weeks, when all of a sudden, you realize you’re beginning to bald.
This horror story is the reality for many men across the world. Male pattern baldness can be genetic, brought on by old age, or start because of a host of other factors. For many individuals it’s not a matter of if, but when, they’ll begin to lose their hair.
Even though hair loss might occur at various points of life and for different reasons, for most men, the treatment options should be somewhat the same. There is a general formula that has helped numerous men come to terms with their hair loss and make the most of it. Here are some ideas to help you accomplish the same:
1. Consult With a Professional
As common as hair loss is for men, the exact cause can be drastically different between cases. There are numerous variables that contribute to hair loss, and treatments may vary depending on the exact cause. To navigate your hair loss as effectively as possible, it’s a good idea to consult with a medical professional.
For example, a dermatologist can inform you how your scalp health is impacting your hair loss. The hair loss treatment they prescribe may revolve around a topical cream that rejuvenates the scalp and roots, giving your hair new life. When applied, some medications improve blood flow, which can slow down or reverse the signs of male pattern baldness.
Speaking with a professional will also shine some light on some more extensive treatment options. Something like a hair transplant should only be done when directed by a professional. They can test for your eligibility and discuss any potential risks. With their guiding hand, you may be able to restore the hair on your head once more through one of these procedures.
2. Let Go of Your Vices
Let’s spend some time highlighting some of the specific habits that may be contributing to your hair loss. Ditching these habits will be a key part of properly managing your ongoing hair loss. Not only may it slow down the hair loss process, it will improve your overall quality of life so it’s much more enjoyable.
The biggest vice to watch out for is smoking. Few things dry out your scalp and deprive your hair follicles of blood flow like a pack of cigarettes. When you quit smoking, you help restore health to your scalp, as well as virtually every other part of your body. You’ll have a healthier heart, lungs, and skin when you kick smoking to the curb.
Diet and exercise also factor into the health of your hair and your quality of life. Getting the proper nutrients in your body can promote hair growth and cell regeneration. Exercise promotes much-needed blood flow and gives you extra energy to seize the day, with hair or without.
3. Embrace Your New Self
The truth is that there may not be a way to stop you from losing your hair. However, you shouldn’t just admit defeat right then and there. You deserve a lot more than that. What you should do is learn how to embrace your new self in all of its glory.
Your self-esteem can slip while you’re experiencing hair loss. Losing your hair can feel like losing a part of yourself. And you may feel a bit powerless because it’s something out of your control. Consider joining a support group filled with other men undergoing the same physical changes. They can provide encouragement throughout your hair loss journey. Additionally, they may have some tips that can help you look and feel your best during this process.
This is also a great time to do some self-reflection and personal discovery. Pick up an old hobby, set a goal to lose weight, or finally book those flights to Paris you’ve been putting off. Use this moment to start living your best life instead of mourning your past life.
4. Choose Natural Hair Care Products
Certain ingredients can improve your hair health, while harsh chemicals will have the opposite effect. Let’s say you have been using a shampoo that contains sulfates and parabens. These chemicals are known to strip the natural oils from your hair, leading to dryness, frizz, and even potential damage.
Now, consider switching to a shampoo that is formulated with natural ingredients such as argan oil, aloe vera, and vitamins. These are known to nourish and hydrate the hair, providing essential nutrients and moisture to improve its overall health. Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that can strengthen the hair and make it more resilient. Aloe vera has soothing properties that can help calm an irritated scalp and promote a healthy environment for hair growth.
By making this switch and opting for hair care products with beneficial ingredients, rather than harsh chemicals, you might notice significant improvements in your hair health. Over time, your hair may become softer, shinier, and more manageable. It may also appear thicker and experience reduced breakage.
Navigating hair loss, especially in your younger years, is never easy. However, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. You can still feel happy and comfortable in your skin regardless of the hairstyle you wear. If you’re not balding yet, but are afraid it might be in your future, these tips can still be of use to you. The earlier you start taking care of your hair, the longer it tends to last.