How to deal with male hair loss
Searching for the bald truth
Few things concern men quite as much as losing their hair. Lucie Hoe looks at the treatments available
His personal life might be stressful, but Jude Law now has another worry on his plate: the Alfie star is said to be losing his golden hair. Law is reported to be so worried about his receding hairline that he has consulted Dr Michael May, a Harley Street expert, in a quest to save his locks.
He is not alone. Research from the University of Wales found that the prospect of baldness causes at least as much anguish in men as a serious skin condition causes at least as much anguish in men as a serious skin condition, such as psoriasis. "Baldness causes men far more suffering than I had ever imagined," says Elizabeth Steel, founder of Hairline International, a support network. "It does not hurt physically, but it does cause so much suffering across the board: people lose confidence, marriages break down, careers are ruined, and it can lead to suicide attempts."
Law's ex-wife, Sadie Frost, is apparently encouraging him to seek advice from experts in Chinese medicine, homoeopathy and acupuncture. But is she wasting her time?
Here, we review what can and cannot save your crowning glory.
Hair health requires good nutrition, with enough iron, vitamin C, B vitamins and essential fatty acids. "These nutrients can help to reduce hair loss and promote healthy growth," says trichologist Andrew Bernie. Supplements of zinc and silica can also help, as can the amino acid lysine, which helps promote good circulation. Iron deficiency causes a drop in serum ferritin levels, which can slow down the rate of hair growth, and research has shown that redressing this imbalance with iron supplements can help.
"Red meat is an important source of iron, a nutrient that is vital for hair growth," says Bernie. "Anyone who cuts it from their diet could be at risk of deficiency."
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