Thin hair in men

What is the definition of thin hair?

Thin hair is a term used when hair density is less than the average hair density. Thin hair occurs when the number of hairs on the surface of the head does not sufficiently cover the scalp. Thin hair in men or women is referred to when there is hair loss, a receding hairline or the appearance of inlets.

The difference between fine hair and thin hair in men

People with fine hair are more likely to have thin hair. In men with fine hair, more hair is needed to cover the skin. It is not that fine hair necessarily means that a man has thin hair. However, these terms are regularly used interchangeably. In fact, fine hair refers to the diameter of one hair and not the hair density and the extent to which the scalp is covered.

The amount of hair you have per square centimeter and the thickness of the hair are two different things. In practice, this means that you can have a full head of hair if you have little hair, but it must be thick. So it is possible to have a full head of hair if you have a lot of fine, thin hair.

How does thin hair occur in men?

Thin hair can occur in men and women. At some point in life, hair can become thinner. In women, hair often becomes thinner all over the head. In men, hair loss usually follows a pattern in which the inlets and crown become thinner. In fact, 70% of men develop thinner hair, while 40% of women do.

Thin hair in men generally develops at the temples and on the crown of the head. How quickly this process occurs varies from person to person. Sometimes it takes five to 10 years, but in some men it takes much longer. There are also men whose hair does not thin or fall out at all, but this is the minority.

The cause of thin hair in men

There may be other causes for thinning hair in men besides hereditary strain. Consider an unhealthy lifestyle, stress or illness. Medical skin conditions and/or treatments can also cause thinning hair or hair that falls out.

Heredity

Heredity is considered the main cause of thinning hair. In fact, it can run in the family. If hair loss occurs in your family, but this does not mean that everyone in the family will suffer from it.

Hormones

Alopecia Androgenetica is the Latin name for baldness caused by hormonal changes. In particular, an increase in the male sex hormone "Dihydrostestosterone"(DHT) can cause sensitivity of the hair follicles. In addition, hormonal changes can also be age-related.

Tips to reduce thin hair in men

Thin hair in men is by no means always preventable. However, there are several tips that can reduce thin hair. Here are five tips:

1. Nutrition

Healthy eating is important, including for the health of your hair. Enough fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grain products provide a healthy balance.

2. Hydration

Hydration is very important to prevent thinning hair. It is advised to drink at least two liters of water a day.

3. Preventing stress

From stress and tension, hair can become thinner or even fall out. It is therefore important to seek adequate rest or distraction when you experience stress. Consider exercising, meditating or reading a book. These can be good ways to de-stress.

4. Hair care

Using good hair care can have a lot of impact on your hair quality, but not directly cause hair loss. Wearing tight hairstyles, such as very tightly braided hair, can permanently damage hair follicles, however, causing thinning hair.

5. UV radiation

Prolonged UV radiation weakens the hair and can also break it down. This causes hair to become brittle and thin. The hair follicles can also be damaged, by the UV light when the hair does not provide enough protection. It is therefore wise to protect your hair. You can do this by wearing a cap or hat.

What does thin hair in men look like?

Changes to your hair can occur quickly, or it can be gradual. The first thing you often notice with thinning hair is hair loss after sleeping or showering. You may also notice areas where your hair looks thinner than before. You may also notice it by your hairline receding. A change in the hairline can be a sign of hair loss. You may also discover circular or patchy bald patches on your scalp.

Treatments for thin hair in men

When thinning hair in men follows the pattern of hair loss on the crown and inlets, it is usually recoverable well with hair transplant treatment. At Zantman Clinic you can get appropriate advice for your situation and the options for further hair loss prevention and restoration through hair transplantation. We are happy to help you further. To do so, you can contact us by email or schedule a consultation online.