Hair Loss in Men: Common Causes and Effective Solutions

Experiencing hair loss is more prevalent than you might think. Millions of men across the globe are affected by this condition, with the risk increasing with age. But what exactly causes hair loss? It’s not just old age that makes your hair fall out — there are actually several factors that play into this condition. Keep reading for four of the top common causes and how you can combat them.

1. Hormonal Imbalances

You might not realize it, but your hormones affect almost every part of your body, including your hair. Particularly in men, the sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) has a unique impact on hair health and growth.

If the body produces too much DHT, the excess hormones can gather around hair follicles. This causes the follicles to become weak and shrink, leading to a decrease in healthy growth. As a result, the hair shafts will fall out and the weakened follicles will stop producing more hair. Most of the time, this hair loss follows a pattern along the hairline called male pattern baldness (MBP).

So how can you treat this? There isn’t much you can do in terms of preventing this affliction, as hormonal imbalances occur all the time without warning. However, there are some effective hair loss treatment methods for DHT overproduction. The most common is taking the prescription finasteride, which acts as a block against hormonal overproduction. After around four to six months, the follicles should start growing hair again.

2. Stress

Stress can be hugely impactful on many of the body’s functions, systems, and organs. And you guessed it — hair is included in that. One of the most prevalent types of stress-induced hair loss is known as telogen effluvium. This condition occurs when severe amounts of stress cause hair follicles to essentially shut down. The good news is that telogen effluvium is considered a temporary condition, meaning it’s not something that will last forever. Recovery typically happens when levels of stress are reduced, but the process can be sped up with minoxidil.

While telogen effluvium is an involuntary bodily reaction, there also exist voluntary causes of stress-induced hair loss. Trichotillomania is a self-induced form of hair loss in which stress incites one to pull out their own hair. Repeated pulling can damage follicles, leading them to stop producing more hair over time. Treatment can be tricky, as over-the-counter medications aren’t recommended as effective against hair-pulling. A focus on mental health is necessary.

Stress can also negatively affect the immune system. Alopecia areata is an auto-immune disorder in which white blood cells attack healthy parts of the body, specifically hair. The result is usually hair loss in large patches, and treatment usually consists of stimulating drugs like minoxidil or corticosteroid injections.

Of course, if your stress levels are continuously so high that they’re causing hair loss, you might want to do more than just treat your hair. Mental health is just as important as physical health, if not more so. If you’re experiencing difficult times, consider professional treatment.

3. A Lack of Hair Care

The way you treat your hair can also have damaging effects. And this goes beyond the daily upkeep of shampooing and conditioning. What products you use and how you style your hair can cause hair loss over time.

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs due to repeatedly wearing tight hairstyles. These could include slicked-back updos or braids. As the hairstyle pulls on the hairline throughout the day, the follicle slowly becomes weaker and hair could fall out. Reserving tight styles for rare instances or special occasions can help eliminate potential hair loss.

Certain hair products can also do more harm than good. Heavy styling gels and hairspray can contain harsh chemicals that weaken the hair shafts and follicles. Dyes, bleach, and perming solutions are full of strong chemicals, like derivatives of ammonia, that strip the hair of its protective layer. And using heated tools, like hair dryers or flat irons, can leave hair brittle and weak. All these factors can lead to hair loss due to their damage over time.

Additionally, simply washing your hair too much can reduce its natural oils that keep follicles healthy. If your scalp is on the dry side, try going a day or two in between washes to increase these oils’ effects. You may also consider using oils or a hair mask to add moisture to your hair.

4. Genetics

Of course, there’s always the possibility of your hair loss being reduced to genetics. This is arguably the most common factor, as it affects approximately half the population. Genetic hair loss is usually marked by pattern balding around the hairline or crown of the head.

Some scientists believe this genetic sequence might be related to the X chromosome, meaning it’s passed down from your mother. However, there’s not enough research to fully prove this theory. Most likely, genetic hair loss is caused by a gene code that changes how the body responds to androgens. When receptors overreact to androgens, the hair growth phase is shortened, leading to thinner hair. And sometimes, this growth won’t extend past the scalp.

Genetic hair loss is a condition that needs a lot more research to be understood. And unfortunately, it’s another inescapable ailment. However, medications like finasteride and minoxidil have been successful treatments for some people, and hair transplants could be a more invasive, yet permanent, option.

It’s Unpredictable

Ultimately, hair loss is a complex and unpredictable condition that can occur suddenly. Much more research is needed to better understand the condition and its various forms. How it takes shape varies from person to person, and so does how it responds to treatment. It might take some time and experimentation to discover what works for you in your journey to hair growth recovery. But don’t be discouraged — you’re not in this alone, and you’ve got what it takes to get through it.