Circular hair loss in men
Around 1.4 million people in Germany (50% men and 50% women) are affected by circular hair loss. Here you can find out how to recognize it, what the causes are and what solutions are currently available, especially for men.
Approx. 700,000 men affected
Circular hair loss
Circular hair loss, technically known as alopecia areata, is characterized by bald, coin-sized patches where the hair on the head simply falls out. Circular hair loss usually occurs unexpectedly, often at a very young age, and occurs at irregular intervals with phases of regeneration. This means that it can improve temporarily, but then become more severe again. Either in the same areas of the hair or in new areas. It is particularly tricky for those affected not to know what causes circular hair loss, how long they have to struggle with it and, above all, how they should deal with the unpleasant areas in everyday life.
1 What is circular hair loss?
Circular hair loss, also known as alopecia areata, is an inflammatory skin disease in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out. It occurs in both men and women and is independent of age. The circular hairless areas form depending on how much hair falls out. Alopecia Areata is not just limited to the scalp, as circular hair loss can also occur on other parts of the body such as the beard, eyebrows and body hair. The extent of alopecia areata varies from person to person and must therefore be assessed individually.
2 What are the causes of circular hair loss?
According to current scientific knowledge, there is no clear cause for circular hair loss. Experts assume that it is an autoimmune disease that develops when the immune system mistakes healthy hair cells for foreign bodies. Furthermore, there are a variety of causes that can be responsible for the inflammatory skin disease, none of which have been proven beyond doubt or apply to every affected person, which makes it difficult to treat.
1. genetic predisposition
2. side effect of medication
3. allergies
4 Mental stress and everyday stress
5. infections
6. pregnancy
7. toxins in the environment
8. malnutrition & the lack of certain vitamins
3. how do you recognize circular hair loss in men?
First of all, you should be aware that the progression of each person affected can be very individual. There are men who lose entire tufts of hair from one day to the next and show their first bald patches without recognizing any previous signs. As a rule, this process happens a little more slowly and shows some pre-symptoms in addition to hair loss. These include swollen lymph nodes and brittle or ridged nails. It is only after this that the first hair starts to fall out. The progression over time can vary greatly.
In most cases, hair loss is first noticed by those affected in the following situations:
- Hair on the shower floor
- Loose hair on the pillow
- Hair on the hand or brush after walking through
- Bald patches on the face (beard or eyebrows)
Full hair without surgery or medication?
The realization that your own hair will not come back and that a really good hair density is not possible with any method hits many men hard. So is baldness the only option? No, because fortunately there is a modern and innovative hair replacement system that is absolutely natural and suitable for everyday use.
4 What are the phases of circular hair loss in men?
The biggest challenge with circular hair loss is the aforementioned unpredictability of the course and the irregular occurrence. It is therefore difficult to outline a specific progression, but the stage of circular hair loss can be roughly divided into three phases. Not every sufferer goes through all three stages, but many sufferers also stagnate in phases 1 and 2 and even experience complete regeneration in between. The phases are important with regard to the different approaches to concealing the bald patches. There are of course other options in phase 1 than in phase 3. More information on possible solutions can be found below.
1 | Initial phase
In the early stages, individual bald patches become visible on the scalp. This can occur at the crown of the hair, in the middle of the scalp or on the sides of the hair. It is often the case that light, colorless hair grows back in the affected areas.
2 | Dissemination phase
In the spreading phase of circular hair loss, more and more bald patches appear. Other areas can regenerate at the same time or colorless or white thin hair grows back, which is why the bald patches are still visible.
3 | Surface phase
In the third phase of circular hair loss, there is a massive spread of bald patches and sometimes total hair loss. Regeneration is of course also possible here, but it takes a long time and concealing is difficult in the meantime.
5. can circular hair loss be cured?
A major psychological burden for women and men with circular hair loss is the constant question of whether their own hair loss is not only reversible but completely curable. According to current medical knowledge, there is no sure cure for alopecia areata. The distinction between regeneration and healing is very important here, because regrown hair does not mean that you are cured. Under certain circumstances, hair loss may return in 2 weeks or perhaps only in 2 years. This means that it is all the more important for those affected to find a permanent solution with which they can feel comfortable inside and out and go through life with confidence.
Accepting this and being ready for an alternative solution or making friends with the thought of a life with baldness is the biggest hurdle for many of those affected.
Exciting facts
A Spanish research team has investigated the first links between circular hair loss and dental health. The researchers examined those affected by circular hair loss and often found a dental infection. This means that there may be a connection between oral hygiene and the scalp.
6 What solutions are there for circular hair loss?
All the solutions listed below are designed to combat and deal with the bald patches caused by circular hair loss. As already described, there is unfortunately no treatment for the cause of alopecia areata to date, only symptom control or concealing options, the suitability of which can vary depending on the stage.
1st therapy
Many sufferers seek professional psychological support in order to deal with possible causes of hair loss due to stress or trauma. How effective a healthy inner self can be for the recovery process of circular hair loss is not proven, but it is absolutely advisable to seek such help for the acceptance of Alopecia Areata.
2. minoxidil
Minoxidil is a product that stimulates hair growth. It should be noted that only 10 to 20 % can achieve a visible result and this is limited in terms of hair density and growth. This variant can therefore only be a helpful solution in phase 1. The problem with minoxidil is that it only works as long as it is used and certain side effects cannot be ruled out.
3. cortisone (glucocorticoids)
Cortisone treatment is the most widely used method for combating circular hair loss. In cortisone treatment, so-called glucocorticoids are either injected into the affected areas with a needle or administered via creams and solutions. With the injection option, treatment takes place every 4 to 6 weeks. Regular use is necessary for treatment with solutions and creams. The first results are usually visible after a few weeks to months. Here too, the aspect of side effects on the body must be mentioned and no certain result is guaranteed.
4. light therapy ( PUVA )
PUVA is a light therapy in which UV radiation can cause hair to grow again. In the first step, a mixture of plant-based essential oils is applied locally. Alternatively, so-called psoralen is taken orally. These temporarily make the scalp sensitive to UV rays. In the second step, the scalp is then illuminated with UV rays. The therapy takes place approximately 2 to 3 times a week.
5. shedding hair
Bulk or scatter hair is a spray for concealing bald patches. It is usually based on cotton fibers that are applied to the bald patches to conceal them. This can be a very effective method in phase 1, but if the circular hair loss spreads further, shedding hair is no longer an effective option as it only works in combination with sufficient hair of your own. In addition, restrictions can occur in everyday life, e.g. in the rain or during sporting activities.
5. wig
With a classic wig, the entire top of the head can be covered and the individual bald patches are concealed. This solution provides the greatest possible security in terms of full-surface concealment. Wigs are available in the form of synthetic or human hair and with various attachment methods. The problem for many men, especially younger men, is to achieve a fashionable look that meets their own requirements. A full wig is also associated with restrictions in everyday life and offers a rather loose form of hair replacement, even if it is by no means the case that it blows off the head at the first gust of wind and the wearer is left "topless".
6. hair system
The hair system is a modern and innovative form of hair replacement that is worn 24/7 and firmly bonded to the scalp. Sleeping, showering, doing sport - it's all possible with the hair system. It also looks absolutely natural and can hardly be distinguished from your own hair. A hair system is either made of synthetic hair or, ideally, high-quality human hair. The special feature here is the interplay between the man's own hair and the hair system, as a hair system is not attached to the entire top of the head, but is always attached to the side of the man's own hair. This ensures a seamless and natural transition.
With regard to the solution for men affected by circular hair loss, it is therefore important to know which phase they are in and where the bald patches occur in particular. In phase 3, a solution with a hair system is difficult, but very possible in the previous phases. If necessary, a combination with shedding hair can also be used.
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