Ever wonder why most women don’t experience balding the way men do? To add fuel to the fire, there’s a nasty rumor that male pattern baldness comes from your maternal genes. The good news is that you can stop resenting your mother - hereditary baldness can come from either side of your gene pool.
There’s a reason men are more likely to experience balding than women. It’s all wrapped up in that masculine happy-hormone - testosterone. When 2 hydrogen molecules attach themselves to testosterone, the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) develops. DHT effectively poisons your hair follicles when the appropriate receptors are in place. So, it’s not the amount of testosterone you have or don’t have - it’s the amount of DHT receptors that you have.
Now that you’ve breathed a sigh of relief, let’s get into some specifics. The most common form of balding is officially called Androgenic Alopecia, but you probably call it male pattern baldness. If this is the type of hair loss that you have, a Minoxidil product (including Rogaine) is going to be your best bet (as a guy). If you want to know more about it, you can check the drug specifications on WebMD or consult your health care provider.
There are other forms of Alopecia, but these have less to do with hormones and typically are linked to other medical conditions. And for these, you should be seeing a doctor anyhow. And we’d really urge you to consult a medical professional if you suspect that there’s anything suspicious about your balding; it may be more than your hair that’s at stake.
Here's the best part:
We took a look at some of the best hair growth products and hair loss cure options on the market. And, we did so for over 40 hours. The truth is that there isn't much out there. Yes, there is Minoxidil, and that is your best bet as a hair loss treatment.
But...
It's not just a matter of using this particular drug if you're looking for a baldness cure. You should also look at hair growth shampoo straight away. Though these aren't going to give you a full head of hair on their own, they provide the right environment for that to happen. And, they aren't going to do any harm, which can't always be said for standard shampoos.
And, you should be careful of the styling products you use if you're truly looking for hair regrowth. If you can afford it, take a serious look at laser treatments. It's exactly the sort of thing you would get at a hair loss cure clinic and worth a look when combined with other treatments.
While you wait for your new hair loss cure product to arrive, you may want to consider some lifestyle changes that can prepare your scalp for new hair.
What Else Can You Do about Male Pattern Baldness?
For a start, stop messing with your scalp. Please; we’re begging you. Massaging and over-washing your scalp aren’t going to help you at all. And, these may even work against your goals.
Then, get rid of your stress. It’s not a primary cause of Androgenic Alopecia, but it’s not helping at all. But, before you head off to laze about on tropical beaches, remember that you want to avoid too much sun exposure on your scalp.
Controlling your diet will also help. Unfortunately, you’re not going to experience phenomenal regrowth from a change in diet, but what you put into your body can affect the way your body reacts. In general, you’ll want to boost your intake of these hair growth vitamins:
- Iron and Protein - Yep, you get to beef up on those red meats that you love so much. Also, the protein you eat can do a lot more than the ones you use topically.
- Vitamin C - This helps to absorb all that iron that you’re eating. So, indulge in oranges and chili peppers all you like.
- Biotin - This is one of those all-important B vitamins that will counteract those nasty DHT hormones. You’ll find this in walnuts and lentils.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids - If you feel like the world is screaming at you to get more of these into your diet, then hurry up and listen. They’re good for everything, and you’ll find them in salmon and walnuts.
- Zinc - You’ll get this from lean beef and turkey, though there are also plenty of supplements that will boost your levels.
There’s one final thing you need to know, home remedies do not work. Please don’t waste your time and money on these treatments. Take a look at our list of Faves instead.
It’s best to start small - you may not want to begin half a dozen treatments at once. And, for heaven’s sake, consult a doctor if you’re concerned about your health. There’s no point taking chances with the rest of your life. Your momma would not like it - and, remember, you can’t be mad at her for your hair loss anymore.
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