Approximately 85% of men experience notable hair loss by the time they’re 50, reports the American Hair Loss Association, with around 25% of men with male pattern baldness showing signs before they turn 21. If you are noticing a little thinning or finding that you’re shedding more hair than in the past, know that there are many solutions available to you. Research published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology indicates that early diagnosis and management of scalp issues can help individuals maintain better hair health over time.
Considering the fact that men are less likely than women to seek preventive healthcare advice (including when it comes to scalp health), however, problems often go unnoticed until they reach a more advanced stage. That’s where regular barber visits come in. Those trained in scalp and hair health can flag issues even before clients notice them, enabling them to nip problems in the bud or at least slow hair thinning.
Keeping Hair Strong
Great barbers do more than simply use their clippers to give hair a neater, more perfect look. They focus on hair health, routinely trimming damaged ends, which, if left untrimmed, can travel up the hair shaft and weaken strands. Barbers can also maintain hairstyle shape, reducing the need for excessive heat exposure, products, and styling.
Scalp Health Matters
Healthy hair begins with good scalp health. Many people are unaware that hair loss can be triggered by a myriad of scalp conditions, ranging from fungal infections and autoimmune diseases to inflammatory disorders. For instance, scalp psoriasis, a chronic disease that causes reddish, scaly plaques on the scalp, can lead to severe itching. Scratching and the plaques themselves can cause hair to break or shed temporarily. Another common condition, seborrheic dermatitis, is a type of eczema that causes inflamed, itchy, scaly skin.
Chronic inflammation and scratching alike can lead to increased shedding and hair thinning. Lichen planopilaris is yet another inflammatory condition that can arise. In this case, the inflammation destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue, leading to irreversible hair loss. Although barbers are not dermatologists, they can nevertheless spot issues such as bald spots, red areas, and plaque, prompting clients to take action. By receiving prompt male hair loss treatment, men can address problems early and reduce some of the long-term effects of these conditions.
Not All Problems Are Irreversible
Only a few of the many conditions men can experience will necessarily lead to hair loss if addressed promptly. For instance, scalp folliculitis is an infection or inflammation that is often caused by bacteria or fungi. It manifests as pimple-like sores that, if left untreated, can permanently damage follicles. If the condition is caught early, when it has only affected the upper part of the hair follicle, it can be successfully treated, allowing the normal hair growth cycle to return.
In some cases, a comment from your barber can point to other issues—including mental concerns such as anxiety or stress. These conditions are linked to scalp dysaesthesia, or “burning scalp syndrome,” which causes a burning, tingling, or painful sensation that can accelerate shedding and interfere with the growth cycle.
Advice for Fuller Hair
Barbers have access to detailed information about the latest shampoos, conditioners, and treatments, including those that can increase hair volume. Specific cutting techniques and optimal maintenance can enhance hair’s appearance, even in the face of natural thinning. They can also give tips on actions to avoid, including overwashing hair, using harsh products, and excessive styling.
For men with longer hair, for instance, tight hairstyles (such as a “man bun” or ponytail) can stress follicles, leading to a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. Styles that can increase the risk of traction alopecia also include cornrows, braids, dreadlocks, hair extensions or weaves, and, indeed, any hairstyle that causes long-term tension around the hairline or crown.
Your barber can play an important role in maintaining your locks, primarily because they have access to parts of your scalp you may not see in the mirror. They can help flag issues such as redness, plaques, and bald spots, all of which require proper diagnosis and treatment by a specialist. By taking action fast, you can prevent many issues which, if left unchecked, can lead to permanent hair loss.
