Body hairs are something that an individual is born with. It provides the outer covering to the skin. Excess hair in males is generally not a cause of worry unless they themselves find it uncomfortable and want to get rid of it. This is seen usually in men who want their skin to be smooth. There are a variety of techniques available to remove unwanted or excess hairs in males. However, before delving into that it is important to have knowledge of the different types of hairs tat grow on the body. This is because it is directly related to the technique that will be best suited for the individual for excess hair removal.

Medically speaking, the hairs are made up of a protein present in the body called keratin. This protein is commonly found in the toenails and fingers. The hair grows from beneath the skin surface through the air follicle. There are basically two types of hairs, namely vellus and terminal. Vellus is short and usually soft. They are normally found in the chest, face, back and arms. In the face, this type of hair can be seen above the upper lips like in a moustache.

The Terminal hair on the other hand is rough, long and dark in color. They are usually found in the chest, face, back, and legs. It is because of the different types of hairs that different techniques are utilized for removal of a specific type of hair. Read below to find out the different procedures for Hair Reduction in Males.

Different Ways Of Hair Reduction In Males

Many people believe that shaving is the most cost effective and perhaps the best way to get rid of unwanted hair, especially in males. However, this is not true and there are multiple procedures that are required to get rid of unwanted hairs even in males.

Shaving: It works effectively but only in the face and is not that effective for removing hairs in other parts of the body. Some of the common methods for hair reduction in males aside from Shaving include

Plucking: This is an effective but temporary way of hair reduction in males. This technique usually is effective on the face where the density of the hairs is not that much. However, there is a high likelihood of irritating and damaging the skin surface through plucking.

Threading: This is normally done in the nose, chin, and eyebrows. This is not a permanent solution but can be effective for as long as a week.

Hair Removal Cream: It is a type of a creamy viscous fluid that can be applied directly to the area in question and washed away after some time to completely get rid of the hairs. Again, this is not a permanent solution and there are chances of causing damage to the skin, especially if someone is allergic to the constituents of the cream.

Waxing: This is also quite an effective but temporary technique for Hair reduction in males. Its effectiveness lasts for about a month. It usually requires a professional and can be done at home as well as a salon.

Electrolysis: This is quite a tedious and expensive way of Hair Reduction in Males. This process involves passing of electric current through the hair roots and stop the growth of hairs permanently.

Laser Hair Removal: This is the most preferred way of Hair Reduction in Males. This process is done on larger body parts to shorten the duration of the procedure. It involves passing a laser beam through the hair follicles to prevent the growth of hairs. This process is especially effective for fair people with dark hair as the melanin present in the hairs absorbs the beam to its maximum and makes the process more effective.

Each session of Laser beam treatment takes about half an hour and for best effectiveness it requires at least 8 sessions of treatment. An individual can consult with a physician to determine the best option for Hair Reduction in Males. Dr. Rajeshwari’s Clinic specializes in hair reduction through laser treatment and has performed this procedure successfully in many patients for 100% results as desired by the patient.

Conditions that Cause Hair Loss in Males

There are two conditions that cause air loss in males, namely Telogen Effluvium and Alopecia Areata. Telogen Effluvium is the second most common cause hair loss in males. Scientifically, about 90% of hair follicles actively produce hairs while the other 10% are in a static phase called as Telogen phase where no hairs are produced. Telogen Effluvium occurs when maximum hair follicles enter the Telogen phase and stop producing hairs.

Alopecia Areata on the other hand is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system of the body attacks the hair follicles and damages it thus inhibiting production of hairs.

How is Hair Loss Diagnosed?

For a definitive diagnosis of the cause of the Hair Loss, the physician will first take a detailed history of the patient, including personal and family history. Once history taking is done then certain investigative tests will be ordered to come to the bottom of the cause of the Hair Loss. These tests include:
Pull Test: This test involves pulling of a few strands of hair forcefully to check whether any hairs come out of their groove. This gives the physician an idea of whether the quality of hair of the patient is healthy and strong.
Skin Lesion KOH Test: This test involves scraping some samples from the scalp of the patient to observe the hair roots. This gives the physician an idea as to whether there is an infection responsible for Hair Loss.
Blood Test: These are done to identify any underlying medical condition like a thyroid disorder that may be responsible for Hair Loss in the patient.
Microscopy: This is done to observe the hair shaft and see whether there is any abnormality there that may be causing the Hair Loss.

Treatment Options For Pediatric Hair Loss

Tinea Capitis: This condition is primarily treated with oral antifungals. The standard course is for about a couple of months. In addition to the medications, the child will also be given an antifungal shampoo to prevent spread of the infection.

Alopecia Areata: As of now, there is no cure for this condition but there are treatments available which can be quite effective in regrowth of hair and prevent further hair loss. These include corticosteroids in the form of lotions and creams. Minoxidil is also quite effective in calming down the symptoms of Alopecia Areata. If proper treatment is given, then it is quite common for most children to regrow hair within a span of a year.

Trichotillomania: Since this condition is a behavioral disorder here is no specific treatment for it. Hair loss due to Trichotillomania is reversible and once the child stops this habit then there is complete regrowth of hairs.

Hair Loss of Newborn: This is a normal process and does not require any treatment. After the initial hair loss, new and strong hairs regrow.

Friction Hair Loss: It is again a behavioral disorder and children generally outgrow this problem and normal growth of hairs resume.

Chemicals:It is always better to use products that do not have any chemicals or fragrances to protect not only the hair but the body of the child.

Hair Dryer Use: It is recommended to use a towel or set the hairdryer at the lowest speed and heat and also not to use it every day.

Hair Ties: It is necessary to be gentle when combing and styling the hair of the child to prevent Pediatric Hair Loss.

Can Hair Loss be Prevented?

Hair Loss caused due to the normal process of aging cannot be prevented. However, steps can be taken to prevent loss and damage by avoiding chemical use in the hair like hair color and hair dyes. It is also recommended not to use hair dryers for long periods of time as it literally pulls the hair out from their shafts thereby damaging it. This makes the hair weak and brittle.
For healthy hair, it is always best to practice good hair hygiene by shampooing it regularly. Additionally, eating a diet rich in proteins, vitamin B, and iron is also quite effective in preventing hair loss. Keeping the thyroid levels under control and seeking immediate levels if diagnosed with an underactive or overactive thyroid is also recommended to prevent Hair Loss.