As men age, it's normal to experience a slow but steady thinning of hair. Male-pattern baldness, also known as alopecia, occurs when aging hair follicles shrivel. This shrinkage compromises their ability to grow new hair, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. The reason hair follicles diminish in size is unclear, but it may be related to hormones and genetics. Although hair follicles may get smaller, they never die and remain capable of new growth.
Use Minoxidil
Minoxidil, brand name Rogaine, is a topical solution that stimulates hair follicles and may encourage regrowth, according to the UMMC. Minoxidil may also slow the rate of hair loss. It can take eight to 12 weeks of daily use to notice the effects of Rogaine. Hair loss returns once treatment stops.
Manage Stress
Hair loss is sometimes caused by emotional or psychological stress, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, or UPMC. Stress management practices such as mediation, listening to soft music and regular exercise can help to relieve stress and guard against hair loss.
Get a Massage
Getting a therapeutic head massage can improve circulation in the scalp and promote hair growth while diminishing stress, notes the UMMC. Massaging your head with essential oils such as lavender cedarwood, rosemary and thyme may further boost blood flow to the scalp.
Eat a Nutritious Diet
A healthy diet is important for proper hair growth. A diet that is deficient in iron and protein or lacks other essential nutrients can lead to hair loss, reports the Mayo Clinic. That's why people who go on crash or fad diets sometimes experience thinning hair. A balanced diet consists of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meat and low-fat dairy items.
Treat Underlying Conditions
Obtaining proper treatment for medical conditions that negatively affect the hair can help to promote re-growth. Diseases such as lupus and diabetes can cause hair loss, notes the Mayo Clinic.
In addition, fungal infections such as ringworm can attack the hair and skin of your scalp, resulting in hair loss. Once treated with an anti-fungal medication, normal hair growth typically resumes.
Review Your Medications
A number of medications may cause hair loss in some men, notes the Mayo Clinic. Talk to your health care provider if you take drugs to treat arthritis, depression, high blood pressure, heart conditions or gout. If hair loss appears to be a side effect, your doctor may be able to recommended alternative medications.
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