Hair loss and baldness have always been major issues troubling men, affecting their self-esteem at the minimum level and impacting their romantic relationships and marriages at the maximum. However, in clinical practice, many patients suffer from "sick" hair. Experts say that many male patients neglect the early signs of hair loss and only seek treatment when the problem becomes more severe. Some even believe in folk remedies or non-medicated treatments like hairdressing and beauty products, which delay proper treatment. The expert reminds us that male hair problems can be divided into various conditions, and treatment should be based on different causes and symptoms. [http://www.toufa5.com]
### Alopecia Areata: Triggered by Fatigue and Mental Stress
**Case:** Heavy Hair Loss Due to Busy Work and Staying Up Late
Mr. Wang works hard, often working overtime and attending social engagements. To relieve stress, he frequently goes out with friends. Recently, after an all-night karaoke session with colleagues, he noticed a clearly defined oval-shaped bald patch on his scalp. Although he felt anxious, he didn't go to the hospital for a check-up but instead applied some homemade remedies directly onto his head. A few days later, not only did his hair loss fail to improve, but it worsened, leading to further extensive hair shedding. Watching his hair fall out day by day, Mr. Wang became increasingly tense and anxious, exacerbating his hair loss.
**Analysis:** Removing the Cause and Proper Treatment Can Lead to Recovery
Experts explain that what Mr. Wang suffered from is commonly known as "ghost shaving" or alopecia areata. Medically, this condition refers to sudden localized patchy hair loss, primarily occurring on the scalp, and in severe cases, it can lead to complete hair loss (alopecia totalis). This disease is mainly associated with psychological factors, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune issues. Once alopecia areata occurs, it can affect the patient's emotions, which in turn worsens the hair loss symptoms, creating a vicious cycle of "the more afraid you are, the more your hair falls out, and the more it falls out, the more afraid you become."
Alopecia areata manifests as sudden circular or oval bald patches on the scalp, with clear boundaries. The affected area has smooth skin without scales or scars. During the active phase, the hair at the edge of the bald patch is loose and easily pulled out. Conversely, if the hair at the edge of the bald patch cannot be easily pulled out, it indicates that the condition has stabilized.
The treatment for alopecia areata focuses on removing the trigger, balancing work and rest, and providing appropriate treatment. The results are generally better than those for male-pattern baldness, and most patients can fully recover.
### Male Pattern Baldness: Accounts for 95% of Male Hair Loss
**Case:** Gradual Hair Loss at Age 25
Mr. Li (a pseudonym) is a young white-collar worker in a foreign company. Despite being relatively young, he has noticed over the past six months that his hair is gradually thinning. He also experiences excessive oiliness on his scalp, a greasy feeling on his face, and frequent acne and pimples, making him look older than his actual age. At just 25 years old, he looks like a middle-aged man in his 40s. This has caused Mr. Li great distress, and his dating life has repeatedly failed due to his appearance, making him feel extremely insecure.
**Analysis:** Early Treatment Can Lead to Regrowth
Mr. Li suffers from male-pattern baldness, which accounts for 95% of adult male hair loss cases. This condition is also known as premature baldness, seborrheic alopecia [http://www.toufa5.com/tuofa/zhiyixingtuofa/299.html], or androgenetic alopecia. Causes include genetics, endocrine factors, nervous system issues, and nutritional deficiencies. Previously more common in middle-aged individuals, male-pattern baldness now affects younger people due to prolonged mental stress, insufficient sleep, and long-term computer use in modern society.
Initially, patients notice thinning hair on the sides of the forehead, which gradually extends toward the top of the head. The frontal hairline recedes, and hair on the scalp may also fall out. As the balding progresses slowly, the forehead becomes higher, forming a "high forehead," eventually merging with the bald area on the top of the head. In severe cases, only a small amount of hair remains on the back and sides of the head, with smooth skin visible in the bald areas, where fine downy hair grows. Most patients experience increased oiliness on their scalp, greasy hair, and itchy scalps.
Experts note that most male hair loss patients do not take early signs of hair loss seriously. Even though they notice reduced hair density early on, they often delay seeking effective treatment until the problem becomes more severe. By the time they seek help, the hair follicles may have almost completely atrophied, making treatment less effective. Related articles: What causes white hair? White hair treatment - "tapping the gallbladder meridian." Dry and frizzy hair. Hair loss. Itchy scalp.