‘Hair' today, gone tomorrow

Stress is one of the major reasons for the increase in baldness among young people today, finds Lisa Antao
It’s a fact anything that’s different certainly stands out from the crowd and not necessarily always in a good way, for example baldness. People who suffer from baldness are ridiculed, are the butt of all jokes and don’t find many suitors most of the time.And that’s because very few people can carry it with elan like Michael Jordan, die-hard Bruce Willis and our desi folks like Persis Khambatta and the late Feroz Khan. Today, the problem of balding is not limited to the elderly, in fact an increasing number of young people too are facing this catastrophe of sorts. Read on to find out more...
Why does it usually occur?
Balding can occur because of a number of factors including aging, skin conditions, poor nutrition, certain medications, stress, and most commonly, genetic influences. The reasons vary from individual to individual. Trichologist Dr Ritu Khedekar says, “When balding occurs as a result of an inherited genetic disorder, it is referred to as Androgenic Alopecia, also known as Male Pattern Baldness.” If at the time you were born, the genes responsible for hair loss were present, you will likely experience hair loss upon reaching adulthood. Contrary to popular belief, balding is not inherited from the mother’s father; rather, both parents contribute to a child’s likelihood of hair loss. Aside from a physical condition, men can bald typically anywhere from their late twenties to well in their later years.
Trichologist Dr Apoorva Shah says, “There are different types of balding, it can be hormone related or it can be due to various other reasons like autoimmune problems. If it is hormone related then there is no age limit for balding. It can happen anytime after the age of 12 to 13 years. Autoimmune problems can happen anytime during one’s lifetime as it is stress related.”
Men vs Women
Androgenetic Alopecia (balding) is majorly seen in males because males don’t have the support of female hormone oestrogen. Khedekar says that the less hair you’ve got the more testosterone you have in your body. Bald men usually have higher levels of testosterone than other men. Women have very low levels of testosterone, so they are less likely to go bald.
However, nowadays even younger women are susceptible to balding due to excessive hair loss. Hair expert Dr Shreepad says, “Women are generally prone to balding as they are more concerned about their style and looks. Many harmful chemicals and advanced equipments are used for straightening as well as colouring hair. The excessive or regular use of these harmful products or equipments can lead to more hair loss in women.”
Stress factor
An increasing number of people in their 20s and early 30s are facing the problem of balding due to stress. “Stress is supposed to be the major cause for triggering the problem in youngsters and also because hormonal activity, is more as compared to the later age group, and hence, baldness is increasing among young people,” says Dr Shah. Dr Khedekar says that other reasons like tightly tied hair, iron deficiency, thyroid affected patients, skin outgrowths, etc. are also responsible for baldness. However, severe stress is one common reason why an increasing number of young people fall prey to baldness.
Treatment
Balding represents aging and very few are able to accept this gracefully. While normal hair represents youth and virility, men mark alopecia as an end to their youth. Though balding is a physical condition, it has psychological repercussions in the form of stress, social stigma, being made fun of and facing humiliation by others, lack of interest in grooming, etc.
Balding is not the end of the world. Remember, the more you worry about it, the more worse it will get. There are treatments that can you can opt for to curb and get rid of balding. Hair replacement surgery can help regrow hair when baldness is due to hereditary thinning. Dr Shah suggests natural extracts of plant which have DHT blocking properties and which does not interfere with the hormonal system is prescribed. As for home remedies, green tea acts as an excellent DHT blocker.
Do’s and Don’ts
Here’s a list of precautions and advice for balding by Dr Shreepad:
- Use Amla oil on the scalp with the fingers after washing hair in cold water.
- Ensure to consume a well-balanced, nutritious and a healthy diet.
- Massage almond oil on scalp two to three times a day, as this will stop further hair loss.
- Eat plenty of iron-rich foods, like liver, whole grain cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, dates, and raisins.
- Avoid intake of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.
- Avoid excessive use of hair colours and other chemicals on the hair.