A] WOMEN VERSUS MEN

All around the globe, female population are seen to spend a vast quota of their valuable time in trying to look beautiful. Whether it is the case of possessing lustrous hair, getting their eyebrows done, application of the world’s best lipstick, removal of blackheads, occasional facelifts, breast implants, manicure, pedicure and the list continues. Have you ever wondered, even men wants to look more appealing and attractive?

B] MAN AND HIS HAIR

If a man manages to have a classic haircut and a cleanly shaven beard, he doesn’t require any further make up. And suppose, if the person starts losing his hair due to any reason, then the agony experienced by him is unimaginable. This is exactly what happens in a condition known as ANDROGENETIC ALPOECIA- The commonest type of male pattern baldness.

C] CAUSATION OF ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA 

It is characterized by a hairline which is slowly sloping backwards and progressively thinning. Exact mechanism behind androgenetic alopecia is not known. But as the name suggests a hereditary or familial pre disposition is seen in a large number of cases. Also, a fair amount of hormonal involvement is postulated as one of the causative factors responsible for androgenetic alopecia. There is a typical presentation of androgenetic alopecia. The receding hairline resembles a sort of reverse “W” or even resembles an “M”. To add to this condition, the remaining hair becomes thinner, shorter and finer.

D] SCIENCE BEHIND ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA

Understanding the mechanism of androgenetic alopecia is not so difficult after all. The hair usually grows from a sac or pouch like projection called follicle present in the epidermis of the skin. Suppose, shortening or reduction in the size of the follicle occurs due to any particular reason, hair growth is hampered. No new hair seems to grow from the shortened follicle resulting in the characteristic male pattern baldness. Also, the quality of existing hair is affected. The hair seems to be much thinner in consistency as compared to normal hair. Hair loss in this case is associated with inflammatory changes [redness, pain etc]. Diagnosing androgenetic alopecia is, therefore, possible by the typical presentation and changes in the hair consistency.

E] EXPENSIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS 

Presently, the typical pattern of receding hairline has become a style statement of sorts. You may have seen many of our favorite film stars having such a hair pattern which they have developed naturally of course. But, the grace with which they carry themselves hardly makes us realize that they are actually suffering from androgenetic alopecia. So the point to be noticed in this case is that this can happen to anyone. And whether you carry it with style or with pain and agony is based entirely on one’s perception. However, the concerned and desperate ones move towards the option of hair weaving and hair transplants. But, such methods have their own side effects. There is a heavy risk of trauma to the scalp. The chances of causing an infection are also very high. Also, such procedures require more than one sitting under an expert’s supervision and they are very expensive and time consuming. A wise person has said, “You should not contract diseases which you cannot afford”. Although androgenetic alopecia is not a disease per se, but the bottom-line of this saying is that a common man cannot expect a permanent cure for this problem.

F] DEALING WITH ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA

Coping with this condition is entirely at one’s discretion. Certain medical sciences like homoeopathy and ayurveda have risen up in this aspect and assert that they could cure cases of androgenetic alopecia effectively. Whether you prefer to be Mr. Perfect or not, but as they say, “no one can insult you until you want him to”. If you yourself appear uncomfortable with this condition and keep on sympathizing with yourself, then don’t expect people to be kind to you. The moral of the story is that man should never be disheartened by his sufferings and face each day as it comes. There is a saying “where there is a will there is a way”. So if you really wish to get well, then different avenues of cure will surely open up. Go for it!