The global market for hair loss products is increasing at a tremendous rate. Studies have shown that in the year 2020,12.42 million Americans have used hair regrowth products. In the year 2024, this figure is projected to go on to 12.64 million.
The rising popularity of all these products brings us to the question: Do these hair care products do their job as well as they advertise?
We will never know the answer until we try these products first hand. But even before you do that, start by understanding the causes of hair loss and the factors to consider when choosing a product.
The article is a part of our comprehensive series on “Hair loss in men”
Understanding the causes of hair loss in men
When it comes to male hair loss, there is not one but innumerable causes. Let us discuss a few important ones.
1. Genetic Factors
Genes running through your ancestral line plays a significant role in determining the strength and quality of your hair.
If your ancestors suffered from an early hair loss, the chances are high that your hair might be at risk since you will be carrying the same set of genes.
2. Ageing
This is one of the most commonly accepted facts when it comes to male hair loss. Research has indicated that the risk of hair loss in men between the age group 40-49 is 53%.
As a person starts to age, the natural ability of the hair follicles to grow new hair decreases resulting in hair loss.
3. Variations in hormones
Various studies have proven that the DHT hormone, which is derived from the male sex hormone, plays a direct role in causing male hair loss. This is why the frontal hair falls easily, while the hair at the back portion, which is resistant to DHT, stays for a more extended period.
4. Result of certain health conditions
Certain health conditions such as high BP, thyroid disorder, anaemia, and heart problems result in hair loss as they impact the growth process of hair.
5. Smoking
Cigarette smoke contains large amounts of toxins that will shrink the blood vessels supplying oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. This will deprive the hair follicles of oxygen and nutrients resulting in hair loss.
6. Haircare products containing strong chemicals
Using hair care products such as conditioners, gels or shampoos that contain strong chemicals may negatively impact your hair follicles resulting in hair loss.
7. Unhealthy diet
For the proper growth of your hair, your diet should contain essential nutrients such as minerals, Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins and vitamins.
If you face hair loss due to this issue, consuming a well-balanced diet and supplementing the lacking nutrients will solve the problem.
8. Dandruff
This is a medical condition resulting in flaky skin on the scalp. This causes the skin to fall out, often resulting in white flakes on your shoulders.
Dandruff is often associated with constant itchiness, which causes the person to scratch excessively on their head, damaging the hair follicles.
Dandruff can be effectively combated by regularly using medicated shampoos. However, sometimes a specific infection in the scalp area also causes dandruff. In such a case, you need to seek the help of a certified dermatologist.
Factors to consider when choosing the best hair loss product for men
Before rushing to buy a hair care product, here are some essential factors you need to consider.
1. It should not cause any allergic reaction
While choosing a hair loss product, ensure that it does not have ingredients that you are allergic to. Allergies are an immune response of your body to certain drugs.
Drug allergies are entirely dependent on the person. Just because your friend didn’t experience any allergy with a particular hair care product doesn’t guarantee that you won’t have one.
It is advisable to use the hair care product in a small area of the scalp to check for any allergies.
2. Approved by the country’s relevant medical authorities.
It is essential to make sure that the country’s medical authorities approves your hair care product.
This will help to make sure that:
- The medication does not cause a severe adverse effect.
- The treatment works as expected.
- The product does not have any adverse interaction with any other medicines that you are consuming.
The FDA in the US has approved mainly two products for treating hair loss. They are Minoxidil and Finasteride.
You may want to consider a shampoo that has these two products to combat hair loss.
3. Natural compounds
One of the advantages of having organic compounds in your hair care products is being free from harmful chemicals or side effects.
Some natural products that help to fight hair loss include
- Coconut oil: Contains lots of fatty acids. Nurtures the hair follicles and reduce protein loss.
- Saw Palmetto: Blocks the action of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.
- Caffeine: Works by reversing the action of DHT.
- Argan: Vitamin E in it helps to heal the damaged scalp.
- Aloe Vera: This herb has been used for centuries by traditional medical professionals as a good conditioner for hair. This will also help to unblock the clogged hair follicles from excessive oil and reduce dandruff.
- Collagen: Helps to supply the scalp abundantly with nutrient-rich blood.
- Biotin-Helps to make the hair strong and shiny
To Wrap Up
When dealing with hair loss, due care must be taken to ensure that the products you use are beneficial to your scalp, medically approved, and are free from any allergic reactions.
This article has discussed some essential factors to consider while choosing a hair loss product.
Check out our at-home hair loss treatment and choose from a variety of medically approved and allergy-free hair care products for faster results. Speak to our team of medical experts online for assistance.
