How to Stop Balding

Learning how to stop balding is something many men have to research when they get older.

Fortunately today we have a greater understanding of why some men lose their hair.

There are a number of fundamentals behind why men go bald.

Genetics and Baldness

The most common cause has to do with genetics.

If your father, grandfather, uncles, and brothers went bald at an early age, most likely you'll be more susceptible too. However, that doesn't mean it can't be slowed down or even prevented altogether.

DHT and Hair Loss

High levels of testosterone and its main metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT) tend to cause your hair follicles to diminish and die. That's why men are more prone to hair loss than women.

The greater your testosterone levels the greater your susceptibility to hair loss. Thankfully DHT can be blocked with a number of medications.

Healthy Scalp, Healthy Hair

Having a generally healthy scalp is important for hair growth. Your scalp is like a lawn and just like any lawn, contaminants needs to avoided.

The healthier your scalp, the healthier your hair will be as well. By keeping your scalp in top-notch condition, you're laying a great foundation for healthy, thick hair.

Sebum and Hair Loss

Over production of sebum (bacteria and oil) can also cause hair loss. Excess sebum (often created through stress and fatty diets) clogs your hair follicles resulting in their death.

Try to Avoid Stress

Stress and the poor blood circulation are also contributing factors. Undue stress causes the scalp to tighten, strangling the blood supply leaving fewer nutrients for hair follicles to grow properly.

If there are a lot of stressors in your life you may consider more relaxation and recreation time. Stress not only aggravates baldness, but it is generally bad for your overall health and well being.

Keeping your scalp in prime condition is essential. To achieve this there are several excellent medications available on the market today.

Propecia and Avodart

Finasteride (Propecia) and Dutasteride (Avodart) are the new wonder drugs when it comes to how to stop balding. We mentioned DHT earlier as one of the main offenders to hair loss. Propecia and Avodart works to block the enzymes that create DHT, leaving less of this destructive substance to harm your hair.

Its ability to prevent balding was actually discovered as a side effect when given to men with prostate problems. Shortly afterwards it started to get prescribed off label as a main treatment for hair loss.

Rogaine

Another promising treatment in the repertoire on how to stop balding is a preparation called Rogaine. Rogaine is the brand name for Minoxidil, and is a popular treatment available over the counter at your local pharmacy. Rogaine is known both to prevent hair loss, and to aid in new growth.