Hair loss has been a common problem that affects both men and women equally, especially as they age. Back in the day’s men and beauty were two different themes that didn’t go together, so there was little emphasis on how a man looks. Men used to be more concerned about their dress code, physique, profession, family background, and social class.
However, with the development of information and technology, men have now become equally focused on their outer appearance, as much as women. Celebrities and fashion influencers with their style statements also had a great role in this change of focus in men. Hair loss can essentially affect a man’s outer appearance, so it is now continuing to be a growing concern among men.
It’s believed that, on average, 66% of men experience some degree of hair loss. 25% of this hair loss tends to uproot from a hereditary factor. By the age of 50%, at least 85% of men will develop thinner hair, leading to hair loss. This hair loss pattern in men and their need to maintain an appealing physical appearance has led to a more psychological problem in the present day.
This article will give a clear outlook of common causes of hair loss, such as its physiological effects and how men can opt for a semi-permanent solution through scalp pigmentation.
Common Causes Of Hair Loss In Men
Genetics, age, and hormones are three main factors contributing to the cause of hair loss in men. Sometimes hair loss can result from stress, illness, a major surgery, or as side effects of certain medications like anticoagulants, blood thinners, and vitamin A supplements. Alongside, men who have more first- and second-degree relatives experiencing hair loss may also have a higher chance of developing hair loss problems.
Generally, all the factors that contribute to the cause of hair loss shrink the tiny cavities in the skin at the base of the hair, which are known as hair follicles. As a result, the hair growth tends to be shorter until no new hairs are grown, causing baldness.
This is why male pattern baldness has become a growing concern among men who experience hair loss. Male pattern baldness is where men lose hair on the scalp. Also known as androgenetic alopecia, male pattern baldness happens as hormone levels change over time. Male pattern baldness can affect at least half of men by the age of 50 years. While male pattern baldness can be a triggering element for hair loss, some can be caused for other reasons, as discussed above.
Psychological Problems Associated With Hair Loss
Although hair loss is a natural part of the ageing process, it can be psychologically distressing. The main physiological problem resulting from hair loss is intense emotional suffering that leads to personal, social, and work/career-related problems.
As hair loss, especially male pattern baldness, changes how a person looks, it is seen as a failure to conform to the norms and accepted standards of physical appearance within society. This stressful experience or life event can then lead to distress and depression. Compared with the general population, both men and women who experience hair loss tend to suffer from an increased prevalence of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and social phobia.
These psychological changes lead to the following clinical features.
- Lack of confidence, poor self-image, lack of interest in entertainment or other pleasure in activities, sleep deprivation, and energy loss. All these tend to develop as a result of depression.
- On the other hand, anxiety can cause excessive thinking and worrying, difficulty in controlling emotions, heightened tension, and excessive sweating and palpitations.
- Social phobia or avoidance behaviour can lead to social and economic suffering.
- Social anxiety disorder can result in less social interactions or engagement and may even lead to self-isolation. The fear of humiliation mainly triggers this or not being judged by society or other social situations.
All these clinical features can significantly impact one’s mental health and the capability to work and study. As a solution to this, many different solutions have been introduced for men throughout the years. However, most of them tend to come as a temporary solution, with drawbacks and maintenance complications.
To address this issue in a more comprehensive and precise way, scalp pigmentation was introduced as a semi-permanent solution to hair loss and male pattern baldness.
What Is Scalp Pigmentation?
In short, scalp pigmentation is a non-surgical procedure of using detailed micro-needles to deposit pigment into the scalp, which closely replicates the hair follicles on the scalp. Scalp pigmentation doesn’t deposit natural hair like in hair transplants, and it just deposits tiny layered dots (pigment) into the scalp to create a natural-looking hair depth and definition on the scalp.
Unlike with hair transplants, scalp pigmentation does not grow hair back but will only restore the look of full hair, more like a short buzz cut. This technique closely resembles the techniques of tattooing. But, traditional tattoo ink is deposited five layers into the skin, whereas scalp pigmentation will only go two layers into the dermis.
The main concern with hair loss tends to be thinning hair which makes the scalp look partially bald or fully bald. Scalp pigmentations by replicating hair follicles will allow the remaining hair on the scalp to appear fuller and thicker. Adding density allows men who are partially bald to mimic the appearance of natural hair in areas of the scalp with less diffuse or thinning hair. On the other hand, fully bald men can create a shaved head with stubble using scalp pigmentation.
It’s also used as a popular solution to hide any scars from scalp injuries or any other hair transplant surgeries and hide birthmarks.
Why Scalp Pigmentation Is High In Demand As A Hair Loss Solution For Men
Scalp pigmentation is currently seen as the most reliable semi-permanent solution for most hair problems like hair loss, thinning hair, hairline recession, pattern baldness, alopecia, and hair transplant scarring.
Here are some main reasons as to why scalp pigmentation is high in demand as a hair loss solution for men
Affordable And Semi-Permanent
Scalp pigmentation takes only a fraction of the cost men spend on hair transplants and other tonics and shampoos. Scalp pigmentation doesn’t call for any post-medication or hair care products either.
Scalp pigmentation treatments can last anywhere from 4-6 years. This depends on how the procedure was done and taken care of. The pigments can start to lighten in 4 years, requiring a touch-up.
Safe
Scalp pigmentation is a non-invasive procedure conducted without any chemical or medications, which means no side effects. It doesn’t call for any incisions, and so the risk of possible infections is also less. The procedure also uses a local anaesthetic to keep it pain-free.
Fast Procedure And Healing
Scalp pigmentation, more like hair tattooing, is completed within a couple of sessions. It only requires a few hours to produce the perfect look, achieving a realistic look just after the first session.
Because scalp pigmentation is non-invasive, the healing time is only a few days. Some get back to their routine two days after the session. There is nothing to be concerned about, changing stitches or dressings. Scalp pigmentation requires only thorough cleaning for a few weeks.
No Maintenance Needed
Scalp pigmentation doesn’t use real hair, so there is no need for maintenance using expensive hair products or styling. Hair wax can be added to give a little shine to the scalp if needed. Besides, this scalp pigmentation only requires washing the scalp to keep it clean.
Realistic
One of the most distinctive features of scalp pigmentation is that it replicates the hair follicles even without actual hair. The pigments are often matched with a person’s skin tone and existing hair colour to give it the most realistic look.
Long-Lasting Confidence
The pigmentation is long-lasting and will never fall out. It can also be updated to matching styles or colours as required. So there is nothing to worry about having a shortage of hair that can affect confidence and one’s self-image. Long-lasting confidence can support high performance and in overcoming social anxiety disorders. It also allows an individual to face and handle difficult situations better and more confidently.
Hides Scars
Scalp pigmentation treatments can create camouflage to hide any scars from past injuries or hair transplant surgeries. It can also hide the receding hairline, making hair appear fuller.
In truth, hair loss or male pattern baldness is inevitable in men. But it’s important to invest one’s time and energy in opting for the most effective treatments. Ineffective treatments can drain both money and energy. It’s also crucial to make sure professionals or experts conduct hair loss treatments or procedures in a specific field to produce effective results. BROWZ Men is a leading male grooming salon in Dubai with over 30 years of experience; they provide tailor-made grooming services and scalp pigmentation treatments to give men the attention they require.