Men's Hair Care: A Guide to Prevent Baldness

Discover effective strategies and professional options to prevent baldness. Here's the complete guide to stop hair loss.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Leonardo Biolatto.

Written by Editorial Team

Last update: 26 June, 2023

Hair plays a crucial role in men’s appearance and self-esteem. However, concern about hair loss is a reality that affects many and can have a significant impact on their confidence. The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent baldness and maintain healthy hair.

In this guide we’ll explore effective hair care strategies for men and practical tips for keeping hair strong and in place. Discover techniques to prevent baldness and find the one that best suits your lifestyle.

Why do men tend to go bald?

Male baldness is a common condition that affects a large number of men worldwide. It has been determined that there are genetic and hormonal factors involved.

Genes play a central role in predisposition to hair loss. This means that if you have a family history of baldness, you’re more likely to experience it as well.

In addition, hormones, especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT), contribute to the thinning and miniaturization of hair follicles. The result, again, is baldness.

According to the website Medline Plus portal, male pattern baldness occurs in different patterns:

• One is the receding hairline pattern, which is characterized by hair recession at the temples, forming an inverted “M” shaped line on the forehead.
• Another pattern is crown baldness. The hair on the top of the head gradually thins, creating a bald area in the shape of a swirl.
• There is also the generalized thinning pattern, in which the hair becomes thinner all over the scalp.

Daily habits to promote hair care

Maintaining a daily hair care routine is critical to promoting hair health and preventing baldness in men. Here are some key habits to keep in mind.

Proper hair and scalp cleansing

It’s important to wash your hair to remove the buildup of dirt, oil, and hair products. Use a mild shampoo and gently massage the scalp with your fingertips to stimulate blood circulation.

Avoid hot water as it can dry out the hair.

Using men’s specific products

Opt for hair products designed for men. They tend to be formulated to address specific male needs. Avoid excessive use of harsh chemicals, such as gels or foams.

Gentle brushing to minimize traction

Use a soft bristle brush or a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair without causing too much traction. Avoid tight hairstyles if you have long hair now. That is, loosen ponytails or braids.

It’s also advisable to avoid heat tools such as blow dryers or straighteners. These can damage your hair if you don’t apply heat protection.

Diet and nutrition for healthy hair

Including certain foods in your diet could be beneficial to the health of your hair. Fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy scalp. Walnuts contain vitamin E and fatty acids that also strengthen hair.

Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and Swiss chard, are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, such as iron and vitamin C. According to an article published in the journal Indian Dermatology Online J, it’s necessary to add quality sources of antioxidants, as they repair cell damage and restore hair growth.

Healthy lifestyle for baldness prevention

Here are some tips to help you achieve a healthy lifestyle to prevent baldness.

Avoid excessive stress and find ways to manage it

Chronic stress can contribute to hair loss and accelerate baldness. It’s important to identify the sources of stress in your life and find effective ways to manage it. Try relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing.

Find activities you enjoy, such as exercising, practicing yoga, or spending time on hobbies.

Stop hair-damaging habits

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on hair health. Excessive alcohol consumption weakens hair and affects hair growth. Smoking can damage hair follicles and reduce blood circulation to the scalp. In fact, an article published by Skin Appendage Disorders agrees that smoking prematurely ages the scalp.

Medical treatments and professional options

Baldness can be a challenge, but there are medical and professional options that can help. Apart from daily care and lifestyle changes, specific treatments for hair loss are possible.

Approved medications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain medications to treat hair loss in men. One of these is minoxidil, which is applied topically to the scalp and stimulates hair growth in balding men.

Another drug is finasteride. It’s taken orally and can reduce hair loss by blocking the action of the hormone responsible.

Hair restoration therapies

Hair transplants are surgical procedures in which hair follicles are taken from donor areas and transplanted into areas of hair loss. This technique can provide natural and long-lasting results.

Another option is low-level laser therapy, which uses devices that emit laser light to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health. There’s also hair oxygenation, which seeks to increase the amount of oxygen reaching the follicles.

Consultation with a specialist

If you’re experiencing significant hair loss, it’s advisable to seek the guidance of a hair care specialist. A specialized dermatologist can evaluate your individual situation and recommend the best approaches available to try to prevent baldness.

Receiving a personalized consultation will allow you to understand the options specific to your case. You’ll then be able to make informed decisions about your hair care.