Unlike female hair thinning, which progresses overall, male hair thinning is characterized by progressing from specific areas. There are various causes of hair thinning, and the methods for addressing it differ for each cause. By knowing the areas that are prone to thinning, you’ll be able to notice hair thinning early on. In this article, we will introduce the areas prone to thinning, the causes of hair thinning, and methods to prevent it. If you want to know from which areas hair thinning progresses, be sure to read until the end.
Here are the areas that are prone to hair thinning. The main areas where thinning occurs are the following four:
• Forehead (M-shaped)
• Crown (O-shaped)
• Forehead and Crown (U-shaped)
• Areas Other Than the Forehead and Crown
Forehead (M-shaped)
The first area prone to hair thinning is the forehead, specifically the hairline. When viewed from the front, the area where hair grows resembles the letter “M,” which is why it’s referred to as M-shaped hair thinning.
A common pattern in male hair thinning is that it progresses from the sides of the hairline and forehead. As it progresses, thinning extends from the forehead to the crown, eventually leaving hair on the back and sides of the head. This is because androgen receptors, related to the causes of hair thinning, are more concentrated in the forehead and less so in the back of the head. If you notice your hairline receding and your forehead becoming more prominent, it indicates that hair thinning is advancing, and you should take some form of preventive measures.
Crown (O-shaped)
The second area prone to hair thinning is the crown, or the top of the head. When viewed from behind, the thinning area resembles the letter “O,” which is why it’s referred to as O-shaped hair thinning. O-shaped thinning is as common as M-shaped thinning and progresses from the crown area. As it advances, thinning extends from the crown to the forehead, eventually leaving hair on the back and sides of the head, similar to M-shaped thinning. If you notice that the scalp on the crown is becoming more visible compared to before, or if the hair flow on the crown is disrupted, it may indicate that O-shaped thinning is progressing.
Forehead and Crown (U-shaped)
When both M-shaped and O-shaped hair thinning progress simultaneously, it can lead to U-shaped thinning. From a top view, the remaining hair resembles the letter “U.” U-shaped thinning doesn’t occur suddenly; it develops as M-shaped and O-shaped thinning connect and merge into a U-shape. If you have progressed from M-shaped and O-shaped thinning to U-shaped thinning, it indicates that the hair thinning has advanced significantly, and prompt action is necessary.
Areas Other Than the Forehead and Crown
While hair thinning typically progresses from the forehead or crown, it can also start in other areas. Generally, thinning in the forehead or crown progresses slowly over time, but thinning in other areas can sometimes advance suddenly. This sudden progression may indicate that there is some trouble occurring in the scalp, so it is important to pay attention to these changes.
Male Hormones
Many cases of hair thinning in men are related to male hormones. The enzyme “5α-reductase type II” converts the male hormone “testosterone” into “dihydrotestosterone (DHT).” DHT then binds to androgen receptors, leading to the production of hair loss factors such as “TGF-β.” These hair loss factors shorten the growth phase of the hair cycle, causing hair to fall out earlier than it normally would. As the growth phase shortens, the size of the hair follicle, which encases the hair root, becomes smaller, eventually leading to thinning hair.
Aging
One of the causes of hair thinning is aging. As we age, each individual hair becomes finer and softer. Additionally, as we get older, the skin also ages, causing the surface to become harder. This hardening of the skin can lead to poor circulation, so it’s important to actively promote blood flow to the scalp.
Genetics
A major cause of hair thinning is genetics. This is because enzymes related to hair thinning, such as 5α-reductase and androgen receptors, are inherited. If many people in your family have experienced hair thinning, you are more likely to experience it as well.
Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Unhealthy lifestyle habits can be a cause of hair thinning. Examples of lifestyle habits that can lead to hair thinning include poor diet, irregular sleep, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.
These habits can result in a lack of essential nutrients for the hair and poor blood circulation in the scalp.
Stress
Stress is one of the causes of hair thinning. When a person experiences stress, their autonomic nervous system becomes unbalanced, with the sympathetic nervous system becoming more dominant than the parasympathetic nervous system. This dominance of the sympathetic nervous system leads to increased secretion of adrenaline, causing blood vessels to constrict. As a result, blood circulation deteriorates, and nutrients have a harder time reaching the scalp. Moreover, stress can slow down hair growth, leading to hair falling out before it has a chance to grow fully.
Here are four methods to counteract hair thinning:
1. Improve Lifestyle Habits
To counteract hair thinning, improve your lifestyle habits. Pay particular attention to your diet and sleep. A diet with imbalanced nutrition can lead to deficiencies, making hair finer and weaker. Be sure to consume sufficient protein, a key component of hair. Additionally, lack of sleep is another cause that negatively affects hair. During sleep, growth hormone, which is important for hair growth, is secreted. Since growth hormone also promotes protein synthesis, getting adequate sleep is very important.
2. Limit Alcohol Consumption
To counteract hair thinning, limit alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol intake makes it harder for nutrients like zinc to be absorbed by the body compared to those who don’t drink. Since essential nutrients for hair are less likely to reach the scalp, this can potentially lead to hair thinning. Zinc deficiency can also be a cause of hair loss, so it’s important to be cautious. You don’t have to quit drinking entirely, but reducing the amount of alcohol you consume gradually is advisable.
3. Perform Scalp Massage
To counteract hair thinning, perform scalp massages. Massaging the scalp stimulates blood circulation, which helps nutrients reach the scalp more effectively. When massaging, be careful not to damage the scalp with your nails; use the pads of your fingers to gently knead the entire scalp. It’s beneficial to perform scalp massage while bathing and shampooing, as this further improves blood circulation.
4. Change Your Hairstyle
Changing your hairstyle can also be an effective method for dealing with hair thinning. Depending on your hairstyle, you can hide or minimize the appearance of thinning areas.
If hair thinning is progressing, consider cutting your hair short. Shorter hair can reduce the contrast between areas with healthy hair and those with thinning hair.
Using a hairdryer to add volume to thinning areas or styling products like wax to create volume can also be helpful.
Men’s hair thinning typically progresses from the forehead and crown. If you want to know how much thinning has progressed, compare the current position of your hairline and the volume of hair at the crown with old photos. Knowing which areas are prone to thinning in advance can help with early detection of hair loss. If thinning is not too advanced, it will be easier to take preventive measures. Refer to the measures introduced in this article and address hair thinning accordingly.
Source : https://answerweb.artnature.co.jp/archives/4218