As Father’s Day approaches, some dads might worry that they’re not looking quite as dapper as they used to — especially when it comes to their hair. Parents often joke that they pull their hair out because of the kids, but many dads genuinely do start to lose hair more noticeably as their children grow up. Why does hair loss affect dads more than moms, and what can you do about it?
Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss is far more common in men than in women. Fact: 16% of 18- to 29-year-old men will experience hair loss, a figure that increases to 53% for those over 40 years of age.[i] Hair loss occurs for many reasons, including:
Side effects of certain medications and treatments
Stress
Trauma, including head injuries
Poor nutrition
Illness
Hormonal changes
Genetics
The most common form of hair loss in men is androgenic alopecia, often simply called “male pattern baldness,” or MPB.
Male Pattern Baldness Explained
You inherit this type of hair loss from your parents. It usually presents as a receding hairline, where the follicles at the edges of your hairline stop producing hair. Your hair may recede from your forehead, leaving a “V” or “M” shape.
Men may also experience thinning across the top of the head, which can culminate in one or more “bald spots.” Genetic baldness happens no matter how great your diet and how healthy your lifestyle — but various treatment options are available.
A long-running line of thought is that you inherit the baldness gene from your mother, but both moms and dads can pass the gene on. That’s because there are 63 separate genes involved with hereditary hair loss[ii], making it a complex subject indeed!
Talk to Other Dads
The important thing to know this Father’s Day is that you’re not alone. Hair loss can affect self-esteem, leading many men to shave their entire head[iii] rather than discuss the problem with a professional. Talk to other dads about your receding hairline, and you might be surprised how many of them also struggle with confidence issues around their hair. They may also share their treatment secrets and successes, such as seeking professional help from a specialist.
If you’re a dad who is experiencing hair loss, Genesis II can help. To schedule a free consultation this Father’s Day — or any other time throughout the year — click here.
Photo Credit: StockSnap Via Pixabay
[i] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9865198/
[ii] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28272467/
[iii] https://www.askmen.com/grooming/appearance/guys-share-why-they-re-self-conscious-about-their-hair/i-don-t-shave-my-head-by-choice.html
