Male pattern hair loss is extremely common. Unfortunately, so is misinformation regarding the subject.
There are a few rumors or half-truths surrounding genetic hair loss that you would be better off crossing off your list of legit hair tips.
Below, we will address 6 of the most common male pattern hair loss myths that may be sending your hair loss efforts in the wrong direction.
It is unclear just why this myth developed. Perhaps because men who first start noticing signs of hair loss may default to lots of hat-wearing to disguise the issue.
Regardless of why this myth began, hat-wearing does not in itself cause hair loss. And, your hair does not need to “breathe” with no hat on, follicles get their oxygen from vessels, and a hat is also not capable of “sealing out” oxygen anyway.
In rare instances of wearing extremely tight or dirty hats all of the time, this may lead to negative hair consequences. But, since most people wear hats that are relatively clean and fit comfortably, the average hat person need not worry.
Unfortunately, this is also a myth. In fact, hair loss can start shortly after puberty (in some unlucky individuals). And about 25% of men who experience male pattern hair loss will start seeing hair losses by the age of 21.
Keep an eye on your hair, if hair loss is concerning to you, and don’t just dismiss changes because you think you are “too young” to start seeing male pattern balding. There may be options to help slow the progression of hair loss, and most options work best when started closer to the first signs of hair loss.
While this one isn’t a flat-out myth, it is more of a half-truth. Yes, genetic hair loss like male pattern hair loss does stem from genes that came from your family. But, all of those genes did not come from just one person. In the case of this myth, fingers tend to point to your mother’s father.
Your genetic predisposition toward hair loss is based on many different genes, likely blended from multiple members of your family. So, trying to distill all of the blame into one person isn’t quite right.
You can, however, take a look at many older members of your family to try and get a sense of what might be in the cards for you hair-wise.
Going bald does not necessarily mean that you have more or less natural testosterone production than other men who do not go bald.
But, there is a little something related to testosterone at play here. It is your sensitivity to DHT that determines if you will experience male pattern hair loss, and DHT is created enzymatically from some of the testosterone in your body. But, that sensitivity to DHT or the amount of DHT that is created from testosterone is ultimately determined by your genes.
Technically, two men of the same age could have the exact same natural testosterone and DHT production, and in one man it leads to hair loss while it does not affect the other. It’s all down to your genetic predispositions.
It can be easy to focus in on lost hairs in the shower when you are scrubbing away with a foamy shampoo. And, it might lead some people to point to washing your hair as something that increases hair loss because of this.
But, in reality, washing your hair should not amplify hair loss. You may be washing away hairs that are naturally shed each day, including those that have shed but were still caught up in your hair since the previous wash. In the case of male pattern hair loss, you may also be washing away hairs that are shedding due to genetic hair loss. In this case, you wouldn’t want to stop washing your hair, but you may want to find a way to start addressing the underlying issue -- male pattern hair loss from DHT.
So, washing your hair too often could lead to things like a dry, irritated scalp, or brittle hair from stripping off too many natural oils. But, it is unlikely to be the root cause of hair loss.
Someone unfamiliar with the progress made in hair loss treatments over the last few decades may be unfamiliar with the options and just how effective they may be. In the past, men may have believed that balding is unstoppable and you just have to live with your hair and let it progress. However, this is no longer the case.
There are currently 2 medications available that are FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss treatment -- Minoxidil, and Finasteride. And, these two medications seem to play well together and may deliver even better results when used as a pair.
Minoxidil was originally used as a blood pressure medication, but it was discovered that it also helped increase hair growth. Today, you may know of this active ingredient through its brand name OTC medication, Rogaine. The exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it may have something to do with increased scalp blood flow and adjusting the hair growth cycle in favor of growth. Minoxidil is approved for use in men and women.
Finasteride is a medication known as a “DHT-blocker”. It works by helping to block the enzyme that converts some of the testosterone in your body into DHT, thus leaving less DHT around to damage your hair follicles. For men treating male pattern hair loss, this may mean a slower hair loss progression, even though the condition itself is genetic. Dutasteride is another medication in the same class as Finasteride, and it may block DHT even more strongly, but it is considered an off-label use for hair loss.
Here at Strut, we want to arm you with true knowledge about male pattern hair loss, as well as give you an opportunity to try out the latest male pattern hair loss medications available.
We offer innovative topical and oral customizable prescription-only treatments for male pattern hair loss which can contain more than one active ingredient for maximum results. Our formulations utilize active ingredients like Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dutasteride, Tretinoin, and Biotin, depending on the exact medication selected and your goals and preferences.
If you are interested in seeing if a male pattern hair loss medication is a good fit for you, simply select the treatment you want to try, and complete a free online questionnaire and image-based doctor’s consultation in under 15 minutes. If our U.S. licensed doctors find that you are a good candidate for treatment, your payment will be processed, and your medication will be shipped to your front door.
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