Why Am I Balding? (And Other Hair Concerns of Men and Women)

 

Lordhair is trusted globally for risk-free hair recovery. No wonder, men and women across the globe contact us with hair queries and hair loss concerns. Over the past 2 decades, we’ve received hundreds of questions but ‘why am I balding?’ is definitely the most frequent one.

Truth is, it’s normal to shed some hair daily - about 50 to 100 strands to be somewhat precise. But for many, the loss is much more aggressive. Since it’s tough to fight back without knowing the major causes, we decided to clear up the confusion!

In this blog, Lordhair - a leading supplier of hairpiece toupees and women's wigs - will dive into the reasons behind your thinning hair. We will also discuss treatments and lifestyle tweaks that can help you regain control of looming hair loss.

We’re certain that by the end of this read, you'll get the answer to 'why I am balding'. Let's get started!

Why Am I Balding and What Is Causing It?

OK, let’s be honest. If you think balding is caused by just one factor, you’re mistaken like millions of other men and women. It’s often the result of several reasons, working together. Let’s explore these causes of baldness in detail:

#1 Genetics

Genetics is the most common cause of balding and is associated with a condition referred to as androgenetic alopecia. This type of hair loss is inherited. That means if your parents or grandparents experienced hair loss early, you might experience it too. The primary factor behind genetic balding is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). For those who don’t know it is a hormone that can shrink hair follicles.

Over time, this leads to thinner hair and eventually, hair loss. It's like a ticking clock embedded in your genes, gradually causing your hair to retreat over time. Genetics could be the major reason why you are asking ‘why I am balding’.

#2 Age

We say age is just a number but it’s really not when it comes to hair. As we grow older, it's natural for our hair to start thinning and falling out. Age-related hair loss is something that happens to most men and women at some point in their lives. For some, it happens in the late 30s while for others it can appear sooner or later.

With age, hair follicles can weaken and the growth phase of hair strands shortens. Even if new hair strands sprout, they will be finer and less robust, leading to overall thinning. We understand that it can still be distressing for many but it’s a part of life just like wrinkles and graying hair. If this is not the case with you, you should keep reading our ‘why I am balding’ guide!

#3 Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes also play a significant role in regulating hair growth. In fact, changes in hormones can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss. Events like pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid problems can all cause hormonal imbalances that may result in hair loss.

Think of it as a see-saw! When the balance is disrupted, your hair growth cycle can be affected, leading to increased shedding and thinning.

#4 Stress

Do you know that stress hormones can actually release chemicals into the body that reconstruct cells, synthesize proteins, and improve immunity? Yes, they can leave your body even stronger and healthier than it was before. However, high levels of stress can also lead to a type of baldness called telogen effluvium.

This condition pushes hair follicles into a resting phase, causing hair to fall out more easily. According to dermatologists, it occurs because your body puts non-essential functions like growing hair on hold to deal with the stressor. So, the first thing you should do after googling 'why I am balding' is to destress.

#5 Poor diet

Our diet is like a bank account and good food choices are good investments. Human hair needs the right mix of nutrients to grow healthy and strong. But if you have a diet that lacks essential vitamins and minerals, you will notice thinning and even baldness.

Deficiencies in iron, protein, zinc, and vitamins like B12 can all impact hair health, leading to weakened strands and loss. It's like trying to grow a plant without enough sunlight or water. Without the right nutrients, your hair can't thrive on the scalp!

Make sure to check out these resources as well:

Your complete hair loss prevention guide!

Does the keto diet cause hair loss and damage?

10 vitamins and nutrients for hair growth

 

#6 Medications

Just like there are two sides to the same coin, medications that you use to treat a certain condition pack side effects that could cause baldness. This includes drugs for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, and high blood pressure. These medications can cause hair loss by interfering with the normal cycle of hair growth.

It’s like a roadblock in the path of your hair's natural growth cycle, causing it to stall and eventually fall out.

#7 Medical conditions

Since we’ve talked about medications, let us also underline that some medical conditions such as alopecia areata, scalp infections, and trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) can leave behind hair damage and trigger questions like ‘why I am balding’. These conditions either attack the hair follicles or involve a compulsion to pull out hair.

In simple words, these conditions are the enemy forces that fight an internal battle within your body and do serious damage to your hair.

#8 Hairstyles and treatments

Yes, you read it right! Hairstyles that pull your hair tight such as ponytails and cornrows can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. In fact, harsh chemical treatments can also damage hair. According to dermatologists, constant pulling on the hair can cause stress on the follicles while chemicals can weaken the hair shafts.

#9 Environmental factors

This could be another reason why you are balding in 2024. Environmental factors such as pollutants and toxins can contribute to hair fall. Even exposure to sunlight and UV rays can have an effect. Pollutants and toxins can disrupt the hair growth cycle or damage the hair and scalp while UV radiation can weaken the hair strands over time.

#10 Smoking

We bet that most readers are aware of this reason behind baldness. Smoking cigarettes can affect your body in many negative ways. Although they leave a serious impact on your respiratory system, it causes hair on the scalp to fall. How? Well, smoking can reduce blood flow to the scalp. This means less nourishment reaches the hair follicles.

Moreover, it can damage the DNA of the hair follicles, leading to weakened hair growth and loss.

How Can You Prevent Balding?

As you read above, the reasons behind baldness in men and women are varied. Now, you might be wondering, “How can I prevent my head from going bald?” The good news is that there's a chance to prevent it, especially if caught on time. Here are some treatments and lifestyle changes that can help:

#1 Oral and topical medications

Oral and topical medications are often the first line of defense against baldness. Some topical treatments work by prolonging the growth phase of hair and reducing hair follicle shrinkage. Oral medications, on the other hand, prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT.

However, we highly recommend taking a prescription from a dermatologist since these medications, as we said earlier, have their share of side effects.

#2 Hair transplant surgery

Hair transplant surgery is seen as a permanent solution for hair loss but it really isn't. During this procedure, a surgeon will remove hair follicles from areas of the scalp where hair still grows (usually the back or sides). The removed follicles are then transplanted to balding areas. This allows new hair to grow in places where it has stopped. However, this won't stop hair loss from happening at other places where hair was plenty previously!

Although this option offers long-lasting results, a hair transplant is a more invasive option. Also, there’s a chance of facing issues after undergoing this hair recovery surgery. Some patients may face scalp infections or pain while others may see symptoms like crust or pus drainage around the surgical sites, folliculitis, bleeding, and lost sensation.

#3 Scalp micropigmentation

A cosmetic procedure that creates the appearance of a fuller head of hair! Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) involves tattooing tiny dots of pigment onto the scalp to mimic the look of hair follicles. This can be a good option for those who want an immediate improvement in appearance without undergoing surgery or taking medication.

Scalp micropigmentation can create a look of a closely shaved head or add density to thinning areas.

#4 Laser therapy

Now, laser therapy, specifically low-level laser therapy, can stimulate hair growth in some men and women. It involves the use of light energy to increase blood flow to the hair follicles which in turn promotes growth. This non-invasive treatment can be done in a clinic or at home with a handheld device.

Laser therapy has been shown to improve hair density and stimulate the growth phase of the hair cycle, making it a viable option for those experiencing hair thinning or loss. But again, there are complications associated with this procedure. Burns, infections, depigmentation, and scarring are some common side effects of laser therapy.

#5 Healthy diet

Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin D, B vitamins, and zinc can support healthy hair growth and help men and women prevent baldness. Foods such as eggs, berries, spinach, fish, sweet potatoes, and avocados are all excellent for hair health.

Remember, your hair is a reflection of your overall health, so a nutritious diet will not only benefit your hair but your entire body.

#6 Stress reduction techniques

Stress is one of the common causes of baldness, and high stress levels can disrupt the normal growth cycle of your hair, leading to shedding. But know that stress-related hair fall can be prevented. Techniques like yoga and meditation can help manage stress by calming the mind and relaxing the body.

Regular exercise also helps reduce stress by releasing endorphins (known as 'feel-good' hormones). A sound sleep is crucial too since it allows your body to recover from daily anxieties and triggers. Take time out of your day to relax and do things you can enjoy while keeping stress at bay.

Want more recovery ways to ‘why I am balding’? Read on!

#7 Scalp massages

Okay, this one is a no-brainer! We're willing to bet that many of you saw this treatment coming from a mile away. Scalp massages stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth. By using gentle circular motions with your fingertips, you can increase circulation and deliver more nutrients to your hair roots.

This can help strengthen your hair and reduce hair loss. Men and women can also use oils like coconut or castor oil during their scalp massage. These will provide additional nourishment to the hair.

#8 Quit smoking

We did tell you how smoking is bad for your overall health and how it can lead to searches like ‘why I am balding’. But what we didn’t tell you is that toxins in cigarette smoke can damage hair follicles and even restrict blood flow to the scalp, depriving your hair of the nutrients it needs to grow. Quitting smoking can improve your overall health and may help prevent further hair loss.

#9 Hair systems

The aforementioned treatments and lifestyle changes may or may not be effective for you. In fact, some may come with side effects. This implies that while combating baldness, you might encounter additional issues. However, this solution offers a safer, non-surgical approach to tackling baldness. We are talking about none other than hair systems!

For those who are new, let us tell you that hair systems (also known as toupees, hairpieces, and wigs for men) cover up the bald or thinning region of the scalp with 100% human hair attached to an almost invisible base. Lordhair’s modern hair systems are designed to be comfortable and breathable so you can wear them all day without discomfort.

The hair used in these toupee wigs looks natural, matching your own hair's color and texture. And best of all, hair systems are pocket-friendly unlike some medications or surgeries for hair loss. This makes them a reliable option for anyone dealing with baldness!

Check out how amazing Juha looks wearing our premium hair system:

 

Recover from Baldness with Lordhair

Above are reasons and treatments for men and women facing baldness. Dealing with hair loss can be challenging - true. However, it's not an impossible mission. With the right approach, you can regain your confidence and embrace your appearance.

Just remember that each option has its pros and cons. So, it's important to do your research and consult with a dermatologist if nothing makes sense.

Also, if you’re thinking of buying a non-surgical hair replacement unit, better go with Lordhair! Whether you’re prioritizing breathability, comfort, or a seamless blend, we offer a diverse range to suit every preference. All of our hair systems for women and men are crafted with precision and innovation.

Got any questions to ask? Feel free to contact us. Our team of hair system experts will be more than happy to answer them for you!