I guess that goes for eyebrows and other body hair in general, but it seems like hair loss with age is very specifically only on top of the head and nowhere else.

  • Track_Shovel@slrpnk.net
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    60
    arrow-down
    4
    ·
    2 days ago

    So that’s the reason as guys age we end up hairer on our bodies and end up walking around like bald gorillas.

    • CanadaPlus@lemmy.sdf.org
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      18
      ·
      2 days ago

      There’s also studies showing everyone (at least in the study areas) thinks it’s goofy unless you shave the sides to match, so that’s interesting. Either one of those two facts are wrong, or cavemen were dexterous enough to get the job done with a piece of flint.

        • CanadaPlus@lemmy.sdf.org
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          edit-2
          2 days ago

          Yeah, fractured ceramics can be more than sharp enough - really metal is a downgrade at the microscopic level. The trick is that it’s pretty hard to get a totally straight edge. The Aztecs did it, but it sounds like it required a mass-produced supply chain of some unknown kind (and I’m not even sure if grinding has been ruled out).

          I miss a strip on on my non-dominant side every once in a while using power clippers, and we’re talking about a wiggly little stone scraper. Primitive people spend all that time we spend on books working with their hands and body instead, and would have a ton of family around, so they’d probably never have to do themselves, but it’s still kind of impressive.

        • CanadaPlus@lemmy.sdf.org
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          edit-2
          2 days ago

          Well, keep reading. Conversation did ensue. You basically write a summery of the important bits of what would be in the search (reminder Google alternatives exist), and then it’s OP’s turn to ask follow up questions, make a joke, counter with their own information, share an idea if one occurs to them, or just say thank you.

          Androgens, evolution, the state of medicine and the the difference between head and body follicles have all been in immediate replies, and then there were spin-off conversations (honestly including this one, although an attempt was made to prevent it).

  • YarrMatey@lemmy.dbzer0.com
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    9
    ·
    2 days ago

    My understanding is it is hormonal and governed by androgens, testosterone, and DHT. Depending on a man’s levels and how sensitive their follicles are, it will affect how their scalp or beard grows. It can also be genetic/inherited and they are more likely to bald as they get older. Medication is usually aimed at hormonal causes and combined with something like minoxidil, which is a vasodilator.

    Women also go through something similar, except the beard part for most women.

  • CanadaPlus@lemmy.sdf.org
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    11
    ·
    edit-2
    2 days ago

    As a very bald man, let me assure you, hair does not merely keep growing other places. The exact same hormones that cause the baldness make it start coming out of unexpected places like weeds in a sidewalk. So cool. /s

    As to why hair follicles work backwards specifically on the very top tip of genetically predisposed individuals, I can’t say. There’s a lot of information on the Wikipedia, but probably more we’re yet to discover. I know it’s still an active area of medical research. Especially active, even, because it’s an old white/asian guy problem (usually).

      • BlueSquid0741@lemmy.sdf.org
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        2 days ago

        Not the guy you asked but that is a decent question.

        My hair thinned massively between ages 21-23, and when I was 24 I’d had enough and finished the rest off with a razor.

        21-22 I could get away with it, but by 24 it was ridiculous and nothing could hide it short of always wearing a hat.

  • Altima NEO@lemmy.zip
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    6
    ·
    edit-2
    2 days ago

    Something about it being different kinds of hair. Facial hair trend to be more “pubic”, with it’s coarseness and waviness. If anything, as men get older, that kind of hair grows more vigorously.