Baldness in men: causes and solutions

Male pattern baldness is a subject that goes beyond simple aesthetic concerns. Hair loss in men is often linked to self-confidence and personal image. In this article, we will explore together the underlying causes of baldness in men, in order to better understand this phenomenon. Before that, let's first focus on the hair itself

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a condition characterized by hair loss in men. Particularly on the crown of the skull and the forehead line. It all depends on the person, it can start early, from early adulthood or even during adolescence. Generally, the earlier it starts, the more severe it will be. Alopecia progresses with age: it affects 25% of men aged 25, 40% of men aged 40 and 50% of those aged 50. These statistics highlight the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of this condition.

• Genetic Factors Extensive research has revealed that genetic predisposition plays a major role in male pattern baldness . Genes inherited from both mother and father may influence the sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss.

• Hormonal Imbalances High levels of DHT are associated with hair follicle miniaturization (reducing the diameter of the hair follicle, resulting in the appearance of less dense and thinner hair ) in predisposed men. Studies have shown that hormonal imbalances can trigger this process, eventually leading to baldness in men.

• Lifestyle and Environmental Factors Besides genetic factors, lifestyle plays a crucial role. Chronic stress, poor diet and other environmental factors can contribute to hair loss. Research indicates that adopting healthy lifestyle practices can help mitigate this risk.

Hair is primarily made up of keratin, a fibrous protein produced by hair follicles in the scalp. Regarding its structure:

• The hair follicle: the hair root is anchored in the hair follicle, which is located in the scalp. It is from this follicle that hair grows. Noted On average, there are 1000 hair follicles per cm2 on a newborn's head, compared to around 600 at 25 years old.
• The hair bulb: at the base of the follicle, we find the hair bulb, which is an important nourishing structure for hair growth. Blood vessels supply the hair bulb with nutrients and oxygen.
• The Matrix: The matrix is ​​an area inside the hair bulb where cells multiply rapidly. This is where keratinization begins, the process by which cells fill with keratin and are pushed to the surface to form the hair.

• The hair shaft: The hair shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends above the surface of the scalp. It is made up of three main layers:
• Medullary: the medulla, located in the center, is not present in all hair.
• Cortex: the middle layer, the cortex, gives hair its strength, texture and color.
• Cuticle: The cuticle is the protective outer layer composed of overlapping cells that cover the hair shaft like scales.
• The Perifollicular sheath: this is the structure surrounding the hair follicle and playing a role in maintaining the stability of the hair.

Hair, although mainly composed of keratin, can also contain melanin pigments, responsible for hair color. Hair structure varies from person to person, influencing texture, density and other hair characteristics.

Growth (anagen), transition (catagen) and rest (telogen). During the growth phase, hair actively grows for 2 to 7 years. Note, hair grows approximately 0.35 mm per day.
Then, in catagen, growth slows down and the hair prepares for the resting phase, which lasts approximately 2 to 4 months. In telogen, the hair is inactive before falling out, allowing a new cycle to begin. This process is continuous, with hair moving in and out of each phase, influencing the density and overall health of the hair.

Alopecia and baldness are terms often used to describe hair loss, but they have distinct nuances. Alopecia is an umbrella term that encompasses any form of hair loss, whether temporary or permanent, due to various causes such as genetic factors, medical conditions or hormonal changes. Baldness, on the other hand, refers specifically to permanent hair loss, usually hereditary and associated with androgenetic alopecia. So while alopecia is an umbrella term for hair loss, baldness describes a specific type of permanent hair loss, often linked to genetic and hormonal factors.