The American Hair Loss Association state that at 35 years of age, a significant fraction of the male population experience a marked amount of hair loss, two-thirds of men in fact, and by the age of 50, reports reveal that 85% suffer from substantial thinning of the hair and the type of hair loss experienced is usually male pattern baldness.

One quarter of men will experience the beginnings of hair loss from the age of 21. 95% of male pattern baldness sufferers have the hereditary type. And this is the common form among men.

There has been much debate circulating about hair loss and weight lifting. Testosterone converts to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) during this type of exercise. DHT shrinks the follicles of the hair in those who are genetically predisposed for this.

In terms of weight lifting, the effects would not be noticed for 3 to 5 years as a result of the growth cycles of the hair however there is little evidence to suggest that there is a link. Furthermore, weight lifting will cause a short lived increase in testosterone level post session but this is unlikely to cause of it. Those lifting weights who are taking steroids for the increase of testosterone might experience male pattern hair loss once again if they are predisposed to it.

James Nesbitt, British actor, has recently gone public about two hair transplant operations he has had. When the media erupted having noticed the hairier appearance of his scalp, he was initially embarrassed but now wants to share an experience he describes as life changing in the hope that he may help other men suffering from baldness.

He has been using treatments in conjunction with his transplants such as Finasteride (Propecia) and Minoxidil in order to prevent further loss. These drugs have been known not only to prevent further loss of hair but in some cases a substantial regrowth is noticed. Propecia is the best treatment which only available for men as there is evidence of it causing birth defects in pregnant women. Propecia will only work for male pattern baldness but has a 90% success rate.

So there is no relationship between lifting weights and losing one's hair but there ways of avoiding the other influences such as genetics and stress. The right treatment and a healthy lifestyle will contribute to the maintenance of hair and prevention of loss.