Hair fall and hair loss are a natural process of hair growth but it becomes stressful when it gets severe. Everyone faces hair loss in their lifetime, especially above 40. For some, it may be just hair fall due to aging. The age and the amount of hair loss vary from person to person. But baldness starts slowly as thinning and then the hair loss becomes extensive partially or fully. 

Baldness is one of the most stressful problems faced by men. Usually, baldness develops slowly around the age of 40 to 50 years, but men in their early thirties are also facing this issue due to various factors. Baldness refers to the loss of hair on the scalp in men. It is usually due to genetic and hormonal factors but it can also be due to various other factors such as severe stress, dietary factors, underlying medical conditions, certain treatments, medications, etc. 

Hereditary hair loss is the most common cause of baldness in men. It is called male pattern hair or androgenic alopecia and it typically affects men around the age of 30. The changes in the hair and scalp occur due to increased sensitivity to male hormones. 

Signs and Symptoms 

Baldness in males is usually diagnosed based on the appearance and pattern of hair loss.

In male-pattern baldness, the typical signs are that the hair begins to recede at the temples. Apart from that, the hair becomes thin on the crown of the head as well. A bald patch gradually develops for many in the middle of the scalp. It goes further with the receding sides and the bald patch on the top joining together, leaving a patch of hair at the front. This patch also begins to thin gradually and the progress is slow. 

Sometimes baldness can occur in an atypical pattern as rapid hair loss, widespread shedding, hair loss in patches, hair breakage, etc. It affects different population groups in different prevalence rates, probably because of their genetic makeup. Sudden and unexpected hair loss may be due to more serious health conditions.

Causes Of Baldness in Males

Baldness in men is usually caused by three factors: genetics, age, and hormones.

1. Heredity

The most common cause is a hereditary condition called male-pattern baldness. It occurs gradually with aging and in a particular pattern with a receding hairline and bald spots in men. The person develops a genetically determined sensitivity to the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair follicles of the scalp. DHT affects the scalp by shortening the growth phase of the hair follicles and shrinkage of the follicles. This leads to fewer and finer hairs. 

2. Certain medications


Hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs that are used for a long time, such as medications for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout, high blood pressure, etc.

3. Radiation Therapy

The hair growth is usually hampered due to the treatment.

4. Stress


Any stressful event, physical or emotional shock can cause sudden hair loss.

5. Hair Problems


Other hair problems such as alopecia aerata, alopecia totalis, telogen effluvium, etc.

Several factors such as diet, hair care, and lifestyle affect the growth of hair.

6. Certain medical conditions

Underlying health conditions such as lupus, fungal infection, thyroid problems, can also cause baldness. Hair loss in men has been many times linked to prostate cancer, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or hypertension.

7. Nutritional deficiency


Lack of enough protein in the diet leads to hair loss. Other nutritional deficiency such as iron and calcium also causes hair loss.

8. Effects of baldness



Going bald can have a great psychological impact on men. Hair loss and baldness are associated with low self-esteem, depression, introversion, and feeling unattractive. Baldness does not have any adverse effects on the body. Regular oiling or applying a good lotion can prevent sunburn and skin damage.

Treatment options for baldness

Many men take hair loss and baldness as a part of growing older when it happens around the age of 40s and 50s. But for men who are young and in their 30s baldness can be very distressing since it occurs too early in life. 

Hair loss can be managed to some extent but baldness is difficult to treat. That's why men get anxious and are ready to do anything to get their hair back.  There are many options available to treat baldness in the conventional system of medicine such as Minoxidil, Finasteride, PRP/Platelet Rich Plasma, Hair transplant surgeries, Laser Therapy, etc. But they are very expensive, the side effects are too severe and harmful to the body as a whole and they come with their own set of positive and negative outcomes. 

There are several new haircuts, hairstyles, and hair accessories to mask thinning hair. Not all men can afford and opt for such expensive treatment or hair procedures. Some men accept it and try to change their looks positively. Shaving the head has also become one of the fashion trends nowadays. 

Counseling

One of the biggest troubles with going bald is acceptance. It is not just about the physical appearance but the stress many men face to come to terms with their appearance. It also causes anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, or other psychological problems. It can be difficult for them to accept and embrace the condition. Counseling and support can be very helpful for them along with other treatments they are on.

Natural ways to prevent baldness

There is no way to reverse baldness once it had happened but it can be prevented by following the natural way of life. At the least, the period can be prolonged and the rate of hair loss can be reduced. If a person thinks that he might be prone to baldness due to family history or any other factors, he can try to follow the below routines from an early age to prevent premature balding.

  1. Try to use natural, homemade hair care products that have been used traditionally. Use natural oils such as coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil, etc for hair. Regular oiling and hair massage will promote healthy and strong hair. You can use plain oil or infuse the oil with natural herbs such as Murraya, Henna, Amla, lemon, etc.
  2. For washing the hair try to use shikakkai powder or the ones made at home using natural herbs and flowers. You can also use hair packs made of henna, hibiscus, and eggs for the natural conditioning of hair. Using them from an early age can help retain the hair for a much longer period and they strengthen the hair naturally.
  3. Avoid harsh hairstyle treatments, unnatural dyes, bleach, and other harsh chemical treatments on your hair. Instead opt for natural hair colors based on henna, amla, etc. 
  4. Massage your scalp weekly once or twice with a warm natural oil for 20-30 minutes and wash it off with a homemade shikakkai powder. You can also mix essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil, etc to the massaging routine. Do not use the essential oil directly on the scalp. Always use it along with any other natural oils.
  5. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy choice of food, physical activities, and hair care products.
  6. Eating food rich in iron, calcium, protein, vitamins like Biotin, Folic acid, vitamin C and minerals as they improve hair growth and stimulation of hair follicles.
  7. Avoiding smoke and alcohol. Smoking is reported to cause hair loss in men.
  8. A diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Adding fruit and vegetable to your diet regularly increases the antioxidants and provides nourishment to the scalp.
  9. Get enough sleep of a minimum of eight to ten hours a day. Regular sleep is essential for a healthy body and a healthy mind. 
  10. Regular exercise and yoga improve blood circulation to the scalp, reduce stress, and naturally improve the health of your scalp and hair. Stress causes hair loss. So reducing stress through yoga and meditation can prevent that by relaxing your mind and body.
  11. Avoid tight hairstyles and hats or bandannas that increase the sweating on the scalp. If you are sweating too much, dry the hair and scalp with a soft cotton cloth.
  12. Wash and brush the hair as gently as possible. Always use a wide-toothed comb.
  13. Avoid heat treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, and perms.
  14. Protect the hair from sunlight as it may damage the hair and cause dryness.

Homeopathic Medicines to Treat and Prevent Baldness

Homeopathic medicines are harmless and are mostly prepared from natural sources. Along with proper nutrition, a well-balanced diet, regular physical activity and a natural hair care routine, a well-selected homeopathic medicine can help prevent hair loss, scalp infections, premature baldness, and delay the progress of hair loss. There are several homeopathic medicines to prevent hair loss and baldness. Some of them are:

Silicea: it helps to enhance hair growth, strengthen hair follicles and reduce dryness of hair.

Kalium Carbonicum:  it is used to prevent thinning of hair, and damage of the hair. 

Lycopodium: it is used to prevent premature balding and premature greying of hair

Natrum Muriaticum: it is used to treat dandruff, scalp infections with dry crusts on the scalp and prevent loss of hair.

Phosphorus: it is used to treat hair loss due to dandruff and other scalp infections.

Graphites: it is used in cases of patchy baldness on the scalp.

Fluoric Acid: it is used to treat brittle hair, baldness in spots, hair fall after an illness, and baldness of the top of the head.

Arnica: it helps to increase blood circulation, stimulates hair follicles, and is very effective in preventing hair loss.

Jaborandi: it is used for preventing hair loss and to promote healthy hair growth. 

Vinca Minor: is used in treating hair loss with dandruff. 

Baryta Carbonica: it is very useful in treating premature baldness. 

Psorinum: it is used for treating hair loss due to dandruff. 

Some of the best homeopathic hair care products from Schwabe India are 

1. B&T 7öL


2. B&T Hair Growth Oil


3. B&T Anti-Dandruff Oil


4. B&T Arnica Shampoo


5. Zauberol