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Hair loss among men is prevalent, but thankfully, some supplements can support scalp and hair health to slow down hair loss. Below, we'll cover the most common causes of hair loss in men, as well as the best vitamins and supplements to prevent thinning hair and promote new growth.
What causes hair loss in men?
The majority of hair loss in men is a result of male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. With this type of hair loss, an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is created when an enzyme called 5α-reductase converts testosterone into a byproduct. DHT can bind to hair follicle receptors, which causes them to shrink and produce thinner hair before eventually stopping new hair growth. Since men have more testosterone, they are more likely to experience this type of hair loss than women. They are also much more likely to deal with complete balding from androgenetic alopecia.
In this type of hair loss, hair regrowth in the affected follicles isn't possible. However, men can use DHT blockers (both topically and via a supplement) to help stop hair loss. We'll talk more about that below.
While most men with thinning hair have male pattern hair loss to blame, other causes can affect men, including illness, stress, and certain medications. Hair growth supplements and topical products may help promote new growth and support healthy hair.
If you're unsure precisely what is causing your hair loss, it's a good idea to talk to a dermatologist or other healthcare professional to determine precisely what the root cause is so that you can create an effective hair loss treatment plan. You can also discuss any dietary supplements you consider adding to your hair care routine.
Stats on the prevalence of hair loss and baldness in men:
- 25% percent of men who suffer from male pattern baldness experience hair thinning before age 21.
- By age 35, 66% of American men will experience visible hair loss. By age 50, 85% of men have significantly thinning hair.
- Genetically related male pattern baldness (AKA androgenetic alopecia) accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men.
- Contrary to common belief, most men who suffer from male pattern baldness are extremely unhappy with their situation and are concerned about its effects on their personal and professional lives.
What are the best hair loss supplements for men?
The best treatment for male hair loss is a medicated topical scalp solution containing minoxidil 5% or plant-based hair regrowth activators. Combined with the right shampoo and oral supplementation, this treatment reactivates the hair follicles and provides significant regrowth.
How do vitamin supplements help with male pattern baldness?
Vitamin supplements can help male pattern baldness by providing necessary nutrients to support scalp and hair health, promoting circulation and oxygenation, and reducing inflammation and free radical damage to the scalp. Vitamins like B6, B9, D, and E, and minerals like Zinc, Selenium, and Copper have been found to promote scalp health and support hair regrowth by providing necessary nutrients, fighting free radical damage, promoting tissue growth and repair, and supporting collagen formation and immune system function. While vitamins and supplements alone cannot cure male pattern baldness, they can support overall hair health. They may be combined with medicated topical scalp treatments or plant-based hair regrowth activators.
How do mineral and trace element supplements help with male pattern baldness?
Mineral and trace element supplements can help with male pattern baldness by promoting scalp and hair health, supporting hair regrowth, and preventing further hair loss. Minerals like Zinc, Selenium, and Copper promote tissue growth and repair, fight free radical damage, and support the immune system and collagen formation, essential for healthy hair growth. Zinc, in particular, has been linked to hair loss, and a deficiency in this mineral can contribute to hair thinning. Selenium has been found to help fight damaging free radicals, while Copper supports the immune system and helps support the formation of collagen. It's important to note that consuming too many of these minerals can be harmful. Hence, talking to a healthcare professional before adding mineral supplements to your routine is essential. While mineral and trace element supplements alone cannot cure male pattern baldness, they can support overall hair health. They may be combined with medicated topical scalp treatments or plant-based hair regrowth activators.
What are the best natural supplements for men with male pattern baldness?
Saw Palmetto Berry Extract
Saw palmetto is commonly seen in topical hair loss products, including shampoos and conditioners, but it can also be taken as a supplement. This herb is a natural DHT blocker, which means it can prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT, reducing DHT's negative effect on hair follicles. This will help prevent further hair loss. More research on the impact of saw palmetto berry extract oral supplements on male pattern baldness is needed, but early studies show promising results. For example, in one smaller-scale study, researchers found that men with hair loss who took palmetto capsules over 5 months reported improving their thinning hair.
Pygeum Bark Extract
Like saw palmetto, pygeum bark extract (taken from the bark of an African cherry tree) can work as a DHT blocker. It is rich in phytosterols, which can block DHT. This herbal extract may effectively prevent further hair loss in those with androgenetic alopecia.
Broccoli Whole Plant Powder
Here's one more reason to eat your greens! Broccoli extract is rich in antioxidants that reduce free radical damage to the scalp, helping to create a healthier scalp more conducive to hair growth. Broccoli extract is packed with B vitamins – particularly folate or folic acid. This B vitamin keeps red blood cells circulating, helping hair follicles get the oxygen and nutrients they need for optimal hair health. B vitamins also help regulate stress, which can contribute to hair loss.
To top off those benefits, broccoli is also a good source of vitamin C. This vitamin promotes the production of collagen, which is essential for strengthening hair. Collagen gives your body the amino acids to build keratin, a hair protein.
Tomato Fruit Powder
Tomato powder is rich in an antioxidant called lycopene. Lycopene improves blood flow and helps with cell restoration in the scalp, promoting a healthier scalp and a better hair growth environment. Tomato powder also contains folic acid, further helping support scalp health.
Maitake and Reishi Mushrooms
These mushrooms (found in capsule and powder form) can promote thicker hair in a few ways. Reishi and maitake work as inhibitors of 5α-reductase (the enzyme that metabolizes testosterone to create DHT), meaning they can help slow down hair loss related to DHT. They are also adaptogens that can help the body deal with stress – a common cause of hair loss. Additionally, these mushrooms work as immunomodulatory, activating the immune system. This may be particularly helpful for those with alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks the hair follicles.
Juniper Berry and Rosemary Leaf Oil
Juniper berry and rosemary leaf are evergreen herbs that may help those with thinning hair. These antioxidant-rich natural plant extracts may help stimulate hair regrowth and promote a healthy scalp. Rosemary is also high in vitamin B6 (which we'll talk about below), while juniper berry is a good source of vitamin C.
The benefits of Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) for hair regrowth
Vitamin B6 may benefit men with androgenetic hair loss by supporting healthy hair growth through its role in protein metabolism, aiding inkeratin productionn, and promoting balanced hormone levels, which can help counteract the adverse effects of DHT on hair follicles.
The benefits of Vitamin B9 (folic acid) for hair regrowth
Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid or folate, may benefit men with androgenetic hair loss by supporting cell growth and division, contributing to the synthesis of DNA and RNA, and aiding in the formation of red blood cells, which deliver oxygen and nutrients to the scalp, promoting healthier hair growth. However, more research is required to fully understand the role of vitamin B9 in preventing hair loss.
The benefits of Vitamin D for hair regrowth
Vitamin D is essential for healthy hair; low levels have been linked to hair loss (specifically alopecia areata). Vitamin D may benefit men with androgenetic hair loss by promoting healthy hair follicle function, supporting a robust immune system to reduce inflammation, and aiding calcium absorption, essential for hair growth.
The benefits of Vitamin E for hair regrowth
Vitamin E can reduce free radical damage to the scalp. Vitamin E may help men with androgenetic hair loss by providing antioxidant protection, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the scalp, and promoting blood circulation, which can encourage healthy hair growth.
The benefits of Zinc for hair regrowth
Zinc may benefit men with androgenetic hair loss by playing a vital role in hair follicle health, supporting protein synthesis, and maintaining hormone balance, which can help mitigate the detrimental effects of DHT on hair growth. Additionally, Zinc's antioxidant properties can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the scalp, promoting a healthier environment for hair growth.
The benefits of Selenium for hair regrowth
Selenium may benefit men with androgenetic hair loss due to its antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the scalp, creating a healthier environment for hair growth. Selenium also plays a role in maintaining the proper functioning of hair follicles and supporting the immune system, which can contribute to overall hair health.
The benefits of Copper for hair regrowth
Copper may benefit men with androgenetic hair loss by contributing to the formation of melanin, which gives hair its natural color, and promoting the production of proteins like elastin and collagen, essential for hair strength and elasticity.
FAQs:
What is male pattern baldness, and what causes it?
Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is men's most common cause of hair loss. It occurs when an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binds to hair follicle receptors, causing them to shrink and produce thinner hair before eventually stopping new hair growth. DHT is created when an enzyme called 5α-reductase converts testosterone into a byproduct. Since men have more testosterone, they are more likely to experience this type of hair loss than women.
How can DHT blockers help with male pattern baldness?
DHT blockers can help with male pattern baldness by preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT, reducing DHT's negative effect on hair follicles. DHT blockers can be used topically or via supplements.
What are some common causes of hair loss in men besides male pattern baldness?
Other causes of hair loss in men can include illness, stress, and certain medications.
How can hair growth supplements and topical products help promote new growth and support healthy hair?
Hair growth supplements and topical products may help promote new growth and support healthy hair by providing necessary vitamins and minerals, stimulating circulation and oxygenation, and reducing inflammation and free radical damage to the scalp.
What should I do if I'm unsure what is causing my hair loss?
If you're unsure what is causing your hair loss, it's a good idea to talk to a dermatologist or other healthcare professional to determine precisely what the root cause is so that you can create an effective hair loss treatment plan.
How prevalent is male pattern baldness, and what percentage of men are affected?
According to studies, by age 35, 66% of American men will experience visible hair loss. By age 50, 85% of men have significantly thinning hair. More than 95% of hair loss in men is genetically related to male pattern baldness.
What are some of the best plant-based ingredients that can help support hair regrowth?
Saw palmetto, pygeum bark extract, broccoli whole plant powder, tomato fruit powder, maitake, reishi mushrooms, juniper berry, and rosemary leaf oil are some of the best plant-based ingredients to help support hair regrowth.
How can vitamins B6, B9, D, and E, and minerals like Zinc, Selenium, and Copper, promote scalp and hair health and support hair regrowth?
Vitamins B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), D, and E, and minerals like Zinc, Selenium, and Copper promote scalp and hair health and support hair regrowth by providing necessary nutrients, fighting free radical damage, promoting tissue growth and repair, and supporting collagen formation and immune system function.
What are some medicated topical scalp treatments that contain minoxidil 5% or plant-based hair regrowth activators?
Some medicated topical scalp treatments containing minoxidil 5% or plant-based hair regrowth activators can help reactivate hair follicles and provide significant regrowth.
Can NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) help with hair growth in men?
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) has been studied for its potential health benefits, such as anti-aging properties. Some researchers suggest that NMN, a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+ (NAD+), plays a role in cellular energy metabolism and may contribute to promoting hair growth. While NMN might have some positive effects on your health, its ability to prevent hair loss has not been proven. As of March 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved NMN as a dietary supplement. Although NMN supplements are available for sale in the United States, it is essential to remember that the FDA has not evaluated their safety or effectiveness.
Gummy Hair Supplements- do they really work?
Gummy hair supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years as a fun and easy way to support hair health. However, according to Dr. Kristen Martin-Biggers, a nutrition expert and associate professor at the University of Illinois, there are some significant limitations to these types of supplements. One major issue is the limited space available for active ingredients in gummy supplements. Dr. Martin-Biggers explains that as much as 90% of the gummy's weight is often taken up by ingredients like pectin, cane sugar, and flavors, leaving little room for active ingredients. As a result, a single gummy may only contain about 300 milligrams of a given nutrient, which may not be enough to provide a clinically effective dose. This is also why many gummy supplements recommend taking at least two gummies per serving. While gummy hair supplements may be a tasty option, they may not always provide the optimal amount of nutrients needed to support hair health truly.
Can vitamins and supplements cure male pattern baldness, or are they most effective when combined with other treatments?
While vitamins and supplements can support hair health and regrowth, they are most effective when combined with medicated topical scalp treatments or plant-based hair regrowth activators. Vitamins and supplements alone cannot cure male pattern baldness.
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More info:
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References:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia
- Anti-androgenic activities of Ganoderma lucidum
- The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: a review
- Effects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteers
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