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Published on February 20, 2008

Baldness is common among men, but what's alarming is that it is now starting at earlier ages, says Christopher Wainwright, an Australia-based hair expert with the Svenson Hair Centre, in Bangkok on an Asian tour.

"Hair loss has usually been found among men aged 30 to 40, but now men 20 to 30 are becoming the majority facing the problem," he says.

Wainwright explains that excessive hair loss can result from many factors, including illness and major surgery, though these involve stress and the hair loss is often temporary.

Hormonal imbalance is another matter, affecting both males and females.

"Asian or Western, men have a similar hair-loss problem," Wainwright says. "There is no difference in the pattern. The only difference is that Asian men have hair shafts that are a little bit thicker - actually they've got better hair.

"But in recent years I've found that lifestyle is becoming more and more influential in hair loss. Eating habits, stress from work, high-sugar diets, etc.

"When combing or brushing, if you notice that you're shedding hair excessively or your hair is thinner, you need to see a consultant. You have to go through a diagnosis first."

While scientists continue tracking down the cause, hair-loss treatments represent a multibillion-dollar industry, even though many people remain sceptical about their effectiveness.

Hair grows in cycles, normally lasting two to six years. A hair grows one centimetre per month - less than half an inch. Men tend to lose their hair first above the forehead, then at the crown. The progression is related to the sweat glands that exude dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in these areas.

DHT is a hormonal by-product that - increasingly as we age - shrinks the hair follicle until it no longer produces new hair.

"DHT affects all men," Wainwright says. "Some are affected earlier in their lives.

"It's important that you wash your hair every day. Learn what shampoo is best for you. A deep-cleansing scalp shampoo removes unwanted oils, sweat and dirt and neutralises DHT."

Nutrients are crucial to hair growth as well, just as exercise builds muscles.

Modern man isn't shy about visiting hairstyling salons, but Wainwright advises those who do to keep dyeing and styling to the hair, not the scalp.

Here are a few pointers about hair care:

l Don't blame your mother's genes for your hair loss. Balding can be inherited from Dad's side as well, and it can skip many generations too.

l After washing your hair, don't use a hot-temperature blow-drier. Sit in front of a fan instead.

l Avoid junk food and high-sugar snacks.

l Do something about that stress.

l If your hair is thinning, see a consultant immediately. The earlier the visit, the more hair you may be able to save.

l Leave those white hairs alone. Pulling them out affects the follicle's ability to grow a new one.

Yingyord M Visith

Special to The Nation