male pattern baldness

 WHAT IS DHT AND MALE PATTERN BALDNESS

Androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, caused by the hormone DHT, is by far the most common type in men, accounting for more than 95% of all male hair loss. 1 Although the chance of male pattern baldness is small as a youth or teenager, the risk increases with age and by age 35, two-thirds of men will have at least some noticeable hair loss. So what is DHT and why does it cause hair loss in men?

WHAT IS DHT ?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen hormone, a type of male sex hormone found in both men and women. Androgens are responsible for biological male characteristics such as body hair, increased muscle mass and a deeper voice. Read hair regrowth for men .

HOW DOES DHT CAUSE MALE PATTERN BALDNESS?

Exactly how DHT causes hair loss is not entirely clear, but it is thought that DHT attaches to androgen receptors on the hair follicles. Then DHT shrinks the hair follicles. As a result, the anagen or growing phase of the hair growth cycle decreases in length, while the telogen or resting phase of the hair cycle is lengthened.

The anagen phase becomes shorter and shorter over time, until eventually new hairs no longer grow along the scalp line. The hair shaft also becomes thinner as the hair follicle shrinks, leading to thinner, weakened hair that is more prone to breakage. Read best hair loss treatment for female .

The extent to which your hair is affected by DHT is greatly influenced by genetics. Hair loss in men usually begins at the temples and crown, leading to a receding hairline. Eventually, these thinning areas will expand into a bald spot and a horseshoe-shaped pattern.

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE HAVE DHT HAIR LOSS?

Everyone of every gender has DHT in their body, but only some people have DHT hair loss. For the most part, DHT hair loss is related to genetics. But for people without a genetic cause, researchers have recognized some features that can cause it in some individuals:

• More androgen receptors on the hair follicles
• Increased DHT levels in the body
• Higher sensitivity to androgens

WHAT CAUSES A DHT INCREASE?

Because DHT is converted from testosterone, more testosterone in the body means higher DHT levels. Your body's glands naturally regulate your testosterone levels to keep your body in balance. So even if you want to stop DHT hair loss in its tracks, lowering your testosterone levels is not the right way to do it. That's why some people recommend DHT blockers to help with hair growth for men.

WHAT IS A DHT BLOCKER?

Some medications and hair loss treatments have the ability to lower DHT levels, slowing or even reversing DHT hair loss. Read best hair growth oil .

Finasteride is a DHT blocker that reduces the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, effectively lowering the amount of DHT in the body. However, because DHT is so important to the body's reproductive operations, finasteride can have serious side effects, such as loss of libido.

Some researchers have identified herbal remedies that may be DHT blockers, such as Saw Palmetto, nettle and reishi mushrooms. However, more research is needed to determine how effective these treatments really are at reversing DHT hair loss.

There are hair loss treatments that contain DHT blockers such as Foligain products and Viviscal supplements.

3 WAYS TO DISGUISE DHT HAIR LOSS

When it comes to hair growth for men, there are many medical options. However, these treatments are expensive and only a temporary solution, as there is no cure for hair loss caused by DHT. That's why many men choose to hide their hair loss with these tips.

GET A FLATTERING HAIRCUT

Just because you have thinning hair doesn't mean you don't have many options. In general, keeping your hair on the short side is the best option.

SWITCH TO PRODUCTS FOR THINNING HAIR.

Instead, opt for texturizing sprays or a thickening product like Toppik Hair Fattener. This concentrated hair styling serum has a keratin formula that adds volume and shine to hair.

ADD HAIR POWDER TO YOUR STYLING ROUTINE

A simple way to instantly undo the appearance of hair loss is to use Toppik Hair Building Fibers. Made from keratin proteins similar to your hair, these fibers adhere to your hair and create an instantly fuller look. Plus, they are completely invisible.

Simply apply fiber anywhere hair looks a little thin and dab gently to distribute evenly. Then follow with Toppik FiberHold Spray for a natural-looking shine. Remember, if you're losing your hair, you're in good company! Most men will struggle with hair loss at some point in their lives. Besides, hair does not make the man. Whether you choose to treat your hair loss, hide it or shave a your head, confidence is the best look of all!

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