Mercy Network
Mercy Family Clinic
FOR HIM: MALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS
The term “common baldness” usually means Male Pattern hair Loss (MPHL). 90% of all men will lose a significant amount of their hair.If you start losing your hair at an early age, it’s likely that you’ll develop a more extensive baldness patter. This is usually an inherited trait. About 50% of children with a balding parent of either sex will inherit the dominant baldness gene.
MPHL is identified by an upward retreat of the hairline from the forehead. Other characteristics include an area of lost hair starting at the crown of the head and expanding in a circular pattern. MPHL usually begins by claiming the hair at the temples, which gradually recedes to form an “M” shape. You also may find that your once thick hair is finer and unable to grow as long as it once did. Women may also develop this, although the incidence is lower in women.
What can be done to prevent this?
- Massage your scalp with your fingertips (not your nails) daily.
- Comb or brush your hair and scalp gently.
- Turn down the heat! Use blow dryer on low setting and keep distance from hair.
- Avoid getting hair creams, lotions directly on scalp.
- Avoid “crash and fad” diets. Proper nutrition is important!
- Shampoo right after swimming.
- Protect hair and scalp from direct sun.
- Avoid tight hats and caps.
- Lower your stress levels.
If you are losing your hair, see your doctor to be sure that there is no underlying illness. If no physical cause is found, take heart. You have lots of company!