Male pattern baldness, known as androgenetic alopecia, is a hair-loss condition affecting billions of men worldwide. And although it is a common condition, it can be emotionally challenging to cope with. Hair loss can affect men’s confidence, self-esteem, and body image.
While there’s no way to guarantee you can prevent male pattern baldness, there are ways to cope. Some coping mechanisms focus on positive thinking, while others focus on your external appearance. Explore six ways to cope with hair loss and regain confidence in your appearance.
1. Embrace the Change
The first step to coping with male pattern baldness is accepting the reality of the condition. Understand that hair loss is a natural process that doesn’t determine the quality of your character. The fullness of your hair does not resolve your self-worth.
Think of all the people who have lived fulfilling lives despite their baldness. People like Joe Rogan, Samuel L. Jackson, Mike Tyson, and Patrick Stewart have all had interesting and varied careers. They don’t let their physical appearance define or limit them, and you don’t have to either. Accepting who you are is the first step to making meaningful progress toward where you want to go.
2. Prioritize Self-Care
Caring for your overall health and well-being can contribute to a more positive mindset and healthier hair. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep are pillars of a healthy life that you can begin developing today. A balanced diet will help your hair get vital nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Regular fitness and sleep promote good blood circulation, which your scalp and hair follicles need to grow strong.
Similarly, it’s important to find ways to relax, as sustained periods of stress can cause you to experience hair loss. Practice meditation, yoga, or another activity that calms you down. Finding a stress management technique is about discovering what works for you, not what works for someone else. Prioritizing your self-care can help your hair and enhance your overall confidence.
3. Use Medications
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You can also consider hair recovery medication in conjunction with the previous coping strategies. Modern hair medications have proven effective for many people in restoring their hair’s fullness. And the earlier you begin to take it, the better.
Two of the best kinds of hair growth medication on the market today are minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil helps your hair by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, prolonging their growth phase. Topical finasteride, on the other hand, inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles. Some individuals have even found benefits from combining medications when appropriate. If you’re considering using growth and recovery medication, you should talk to a medical professional to find the best option for your condition.
4. Explore Different Hairstyles
Experimenting with different hairstyles can work wonders for coping with male pattern baldness. Consult with a skilled hair stylist who specializes in thinning hair. They can help you find a flattering cut that complements your facial structure while minimizing the appearance of hair loss.
Try to find a shorter hairstyle, as they often work well for individuals with thinning hair. Keeping your hair more straightforward can create an illusion of fuller hair, making the thinner areas less noticeable. Shorter cuts, like buzz, crew, or other textured styles, can help you embrace your natural hair. They also offer a clean, modern look that works with a variety of various. And don’t shy away from trying new looks — you might be surprised at how a well-styled haircut can boost your confidence.
5. Shave Your Head
Shaving your head can be a powerful coping mechanism if you prefer a clean, bold look. Remember, part of dealing with the reality of hair loss is accepting it in the first place. And one of the best ways to do it is by embracing being bald. Doing so can help you regain control over your appearance and project confidence.
It requires regular maintenance if you want to shave your head; just like with hair, it’s important to wash dirt, sweat, and excess oil. It’s also important to exfoliate, as dead skin cells can accumulate on your scalp. After doing so, moisturize your scalp with a UV-protectant moisturizer to keep it safe from the elements throughout your day. Going completely bald is an adjustment, but it gives you back control when you’ve been with involuntary hair loss.
6. Wear Hairpieces and Wigs
Over the last few decades, hairpieces and wigs have come a long way regarding realism and comfort. It’s no longer seeing blowing in the wind. If you find it is no longer common with a full head of hair, consider one of these options.
Modern hairpieces and wigs can be customized to match your natural hair color, texture, and hairline. Or you can experiment with different hairstyles and colors that are completely out of this world! In some ways, modern hairpieces can offer even more freedom of expression than naturally-grown hair. They provide a solution that allows you to boost your self-esteem.
Your Unique Hair Journey
Conversely, coping with male pattern baldness is finding what works best for you. Each person’s hair journey is unique, and yours may involve employing a combination of different factors. Embrace your individuality, prioritize your well-being, and choose the coping mechanisms that make you feel confident and comfortable in your skin.
