Hair Loss Facts: How Likely Are You To Go Bald?
Aging can bring a myriad of physical changes. These are often changes we don’t like: fine lines and wrinkles, muscle loss, gray hair, or even balding. While most of the latter are often inevitable, balding doesn’t happen to everyone.
Are you worried about the potential of going bald as you get older? Read on to find out if you may be at risk.
Causes of Balding
Thinning or balding hair can be due to a variety of reasons:
● Genetics (most common)
● Stress
● Hormone changes
● Vitamin deficiencies
● Certain medications, medical conditions, or medical treatments
● Specific hairstyles or salon treatments
Some of the reasons behind balding are temporary, while others may be long-term or even permanent. Either way, finding the cause behind your hair loss is important.
Likelihood of Going Bald By Age
As one ages, losing hair becomes more common.
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), 25% of men and 12% of women begin to lose their hair by age 30.
The American Hair Loss Association found other surprising results, particularly regarding hair loss in men. They found that men who end up being diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness start losing hair before even turning 21.
By middle age, about 85% of men will experience significant hair loss. And according to UCLA Health, up to 40% of women have noticeable thinning of the hair by that same age.
So, it’s safe to say that while men experience more hair loss than women, both genders experience this issue quite frequently - and much earlier than we would like to.
Reversing Hair Loss
Unless it’s due to a temporary reason, like hormone changes after giving birth or going through a very stressful divorce, hair loss doesn’t normally go away on its own. Fortunately, there are different treatments one can try.
Some cases of hair loss may be remedied with a simple solution, like discontinuing a certain medication, taking a daily supplement that supports hair growth, or trying an over-the-counter hair growth product like a special shampoo. For more complex cases, topical or oral prescription medication to slow down hair loss may be prescribed by a specialist.
Other Hair Loss Solutions
When the latter solutions don’t work, there are other options to explore. One of the most tried and true remedies for balding starts with choosing the best hair transplant clinic.
Besides getting a hair transplant, balding or hair loss can be significantly improved with microneedling, plasma injections into the scalp, or scalp reduction surgery. For a less invasive option, you might consider getting laser therapy to stimulate hair growth.
If the latter solutions aren’t within your budget or feel too risky, a wig, hairpiece, or scalp concealer can give the impression of a fuller head of hair. For wigs or hairpieces, look into different installation options depending on your budget and needs: clip-ins, full-cap wigs, toppers, lace-front wigs, or glue-on wigs.
Conclusion
Experiencing hair loss or bald spots isn’t uncommon as we get older. Aging women often experience thinning hair, while men may experience patches of missing hair. While there are many reasons for balding, it often comes down to genetics and our overall lifestyle. The good news is, there are multiple hair loss solutions to turn to.