Why Are More Men In The Middle East Losing Hair?

Hair loss is a major concern in the Middle East. According to the statistics from ISHRS, the region experienced the biggest increase in the number of hair restoration procedures performed from 2004 to 2012, which is a whopping 740%. Aside from those born in the region, foreigners also experienced considerable hair loss since moving to the Middle East.

One in every three Middle Eastern men suffers from hair loss and hair thinning while one in every five is the ratio for women. This is why there’s a high demand for hair restoration procedures among people who are residing in the region.

What Causes Hair Loss?
Not all cases of hair loss are equal. There are many factors that come into play when it comes to determining why more men lose hair in the Middle East.

1. Environmental Causes
Climate and water conditions can do major damage on one’s hair, regardless of gender, race, and age. Conditions such as heat, dust, air-conditioning, and desalinated water contribute greatly to hair loss among Middle Eastern men. Heat and sun exposure make the hair brittle and prone to breakage. It also contributes to faster ageing, which is also connected to hair loss.

The use of desalinated water is bad for the hair, scalp, and skin. In a dry region like the Middle East, the removal of salt from seawater is necessary to produce drinkable water. But with desalination comes the negative benefits; it contains high amounts of minerals such as calcium and chlorine which destroys hair. Excessive calcium in the water will dry out hair and weigh it down. It can also cause scalp build-up, which leads to flaking that can appear like dandruff.

Chlorine, which is essential in killing bacteria in water, is a harsh oxidizer that can affect the health of your hair. Too much exposure to chlorine can cause hair breakage and stoppage of new hair growth. At the very least, chlorine removes shine from the hair and makes it look dry and brittle.

2. Genetics
Androgenic alopecia, also known as hereditary hair loss, is the most common culprit behind premature baldness and thinning. Your genes have a major say in your hair growth and hair loss. Take a look at your family members to see the future of your hair. If balding and thinning is common among them, then you can pretty much assume that you are prone to the same problems. This condition is more prevalent among men than women.

Prevention is pointless if the root cause is genetic. The most you can do is to do something about it at an early stage and offset the inevitable effects. If alopecia is still in the mild stage, there’s still hope when it comes to rescuing the remaining hair that you have. If you already have advanced androgenic alopecia, the reduction in hair follicles are so severe that the remaining hair can no longer be saved. If you’re at this stage, you’re a prime candidate for hair transplant.

3. Illness or medication
People suffering from autoimmune diseases are prone to hair loss because of the formation of antibodies. This results to bare spots or total baldness. The classic example is chemotherapy used for cancer patients. Prescription drugs for heart disease and high blood pressure can also become culprits. Eating disorders and metabolic disorders can also contribute to the loss of hair.

4. Physiological factors
Malnutrition, stress, ageing, and water quality are some of the physiological factors that can contribute to the cause of hair loss in Middle Eastern men. Here’s a breakdown of the popular and lesser-known universal causes of hair loss.

Malnutrition. If you’re not eating right, then you are prone to hair loss. Not only can it slow the growth of your hair, it can actually cause strands to fall out. People at higher risks are those who consume too much junk food, those who have zinc deficiency, vegetarians, crash dieters, and drug users. Because they lack the nutrients necessary for hair growth, they are likely to experience hair loss in the future.

Stress. The strains of living in a fast-paced world can take its toll on your hair. When you’re stressed, your vascular system fails to get enough oxygen and nutrients needed for healthy skin and hair. Stress causes the scalp to tighten and stops the production of hair. Extreme stress causes hair to fall off.

Scalp and skin disorders. Included in this category are those who are suffering from conditions such as psoriasis, ringworm, seborrheic eczema, pityriasis amiantacea, dermatitis, and sebum build-up.

How Can One Deal with Hair Loss?
Fortunately for those dealing with hair problems, there are various solutions available in preventing hair loss or restoring lost hair. If it’s not possible to use another type of water aside from the desalinated one, you can combat the drying effects by using hair products made for such conditions. There are shampoos and conditioners that provide the extra moisture needed to restore the hair’s vitality. Since you will have to deal with the Middle Eastern heat, always remember to cover your hair with a hat or scarf before sun exposure.

There are oral and topical medications for those who prefer non-invasive solutions. For those who are still in the mild stages of hair loss, taking medications such as Minoxidil can be a sensible option. However, this may not be the best solution for those who are already dealing with severe hair loss.

If taking medications or wearing wigs doesn’t sound appealing to you, then you should consider going for hair transplantation. This is the perfect solution for those who are looking for a natural-looking and permanent treatment. Hair transplant is an invasive procedure that is perfectly safe as long as you book the services of a reputable hair restoration clinic. Now treatments in the Middle East can be costly so you may want to look for hair restoration services in Manila, which offer the same quality at more affordable packages.