Movember is an important month for men’s health. Many men spend the month growing and tending to their new moustaches in order to show support and raise awareness for men’s health, such as testicular cancer, prostate cancer and mental health. However, other men’s health topics can sometimes get overlooked, such as hair loss and taking care of the scalp which can often impact on mental health and self-esteem. Hair loss affects millions of men worldwide, and whilst Movember is a good time to think about facial hair, it’s also the perfect moment to focus on men’s hair loss by caring for your sensitive scalp and choosing the right anti-hairloss shampoo.

With scalp care in mind, let’s find out more about hair loss in men, myths associated with hair loss and discover a gentle anti-hairloss shampoo that can help strengthen hair structure and protect your sensitive scalp.

Causes of Hair loss in Men

Statistics show that around 6.5 million men in the UK are currently affected by hair loss. With such staggering statistics, it’s important we find out more about the causes of men’s hair loss -  here are a few of the most common reasons for hair loss in men;

Androgenic alopecia 

The most common cause of hair loss is androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness which affects 85% of men before the age of 50. Androgenic alopecia is usually inherited and can begin between the ages of 20-30. It affects hormones, known as androgens, the most common one being dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a by-product of testosterone. High levels of DHT causes hair follicles to shrink over time, leading to thinning of the hair and crown, and eventually complete hair loss. 

Stress

Stress is also another common cause of hair loss, leading to a condition known as telogen effluvium, which causes hair follicles to shed more hair than usual, leading to a loss of 30-50% of hair. Factors such as stress, poor sleep, unhealthy lifestyle habits can all contribute to hair loss and irritation to the scalp. However, adding stress-management techniques such as meditation, regular exercise, eating healthier and caring for your scalp can sometimes reverse stress-related hair loss within six months. 

Medication / Health Conditions

Some medication and underlying health conditions can also cause hair loss and scalp irritation. Medications, such as beta blockers, antidepressants, anticoagulants and retinoids have all been linked to telogen effluvium as a side effect. Whilst underlying health conditions with the thyroid, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can also cause hair loss as the thyroid plays a big part in regulating the body's metabolism, which in turn affects hair follicles.

Misconceptions about Hair Loss

Myth: Older men only lose their hair

Fact: While we tend to think that hair loss is something that happens as we get older, that’s not completely accurate. Many young men begin to lose their hair in their twenties, and sometimes even as young as 17 due to genetic factors. If male pattern baldness runs in your family, then you might notice a receding hairline or thinning of hair earlier than you’d expect. Therefore, hair loss can affect men of any age, not just older men. 

Myth: If you have a full head of hair, you won't go bald 

Fact: Just because you have a full head of hair now, it doesn’t mean you won't experience hair loss later on in life. Hair loss can affect men at any time, regardless of how your hair looks right now. Genetics and hormones can both play a part in hair loss, therefore if male pattern baldness runs in your family or you are struggling with poor mental health right now, you may notice that your hair is thinning or starting to fall out. So, while having a full head of hair right now is great, it’s important to be aware that hair loss could still be a possibility in the future. 

Myth: Wearing hats cause hair loss

Fact: Another common misconception is that wearing hats can suffocate the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. While hair follicles do require oxygen to function, they receive it from the bloodstream, and not the air. Therefore, wearing hats does not affect the oxygen supply or contribute to hair loss.

Myth: Shampooing cause hair loss

Fact: Shampooing does not cause hair loss, contrary to popular belief. Most people often experience shedding, which is not the same thing as hair loss. We can shed around 50-100 strands daily, which can often happen in the shower, which is why some people associate it with hair loss. Also, some shampoos can contain harsh chemicals that can strip the hair of its natural oils and affect the natural pH balance of the scalp leading to dryness and discomfort. While it’s important to choose the right anti-hair loss shampoo to reduce irritation and strengthen the hair’s structure, shampooing alone does not always lead to hair loss.

What is pH 5.5 and why is it important for scalp and hair?

The scalp and hair naturally thrive at a slightly acidic pH of around 5.5. This natural pH level supports the scalp’s natural barrier function, known as the acid mantle. This protects against harmful bacteria, microorganisms and helps to protect the overall hair structure. When the pH balance of the scalp is disrupted, it can lead to dryness, irritation and discomfort to sensitive scalps.

How can I help hair loss? 

Whether your hair is thinning, you’re noticing a receding hairline or you’ve already lost your hair, taking care of your scalp is important. Finding a shampoo labelled as pH 5.5 can help support the scalps natural barrier function. Be careful of those that claim to be ‘pH-balanced’, as that can often mean the manufacturers have found a pH that they’ve identified performs the best for their particular product. On the other hand, sebamed’s anti-hair loss shampoo is specially created with the same 5.5 pH level as healthy skin. 

100% soap and alkali free, sebamed anti-hair loss shampoo has been scientifically proven to reduce hair loss by activating the scalp's blood circulation. It has been specially formulated with NHE formula of Caffeine and Ginkgo Biloba to support the hair growth and strengthen its structure.