While hair loss in men can be part of the natural aging process, other types of thinning or hair reduction can occur due to various factors. Some of these factors can be prevented, while others may require restorative approaches to regain a full head of hair. In this guide, we will explore five possible causes of hair loss in men.

Genetics

The primary cause of hair loss in men is genetic. Known as male pattern baldness, genetic balding accounts for over 95% of hair loss among men. Its medical term is Androgenetic Alopecia, characterized by thinning around the crown of the head and a receding hairline. Teenage boys and men can experience the effects of Androgenetic Alopecia as young as 21, which is the case for around 25% of instances. The risk of genetic balding is higher if male relatives, particularly on the maternal side, have experienced the same condition.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Diet plays a crucial role in male hair loss. Although not as significant as in women, a nutritional deficiency can lead to hair thinning and hair loss in men. Key dietary components for healthy hair include zinc, vitamin B, protein, and iron, all naturally found in various types of meat. While vitamins, minerals, and supplements alone may not restore a hairline, they can effectively maintain hair health.

Medical Conditions

Several medical conditions can cause hair loss in both men and women. Often, this hair loss is not permanent, but restorative treatments will depend on the underlying medical condition. Common conditions linked to hair loss include:

• Alopecia Areata: This condition results in patches of hair loss, which can be widespread across the scalp or localized. In severe cases, it can progress to complete hair loss from the scalp (Alopecia Totalis) or even the entire body (Alopecia Universalis).

• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: This condition is the leading cause of Hypothyroidism and occurs when the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland, which produces hormones regulating several body activities. Untreated, it can result in hair loss.

• Graves Disease: Another thyroid disorder, Graves Disease causes antibodies to bind to the surface of thyroid cells, resulting in an overproduction of hormones. This can affect the production of new hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and loss.

• Lupus: A chronic autoimmune disease that impacts many systems within the body, Lupus can result in hair loss when the body creates antibodies that attack hair follicles, causing hair to fall out and limiting or preventing regrowth.

Medication

Many medications can cause hair loss or exacerbate existing hair loss conditions. Common medications linked to hair loss include steroids, acne treatments, blood thinners, and cholesterol-lowering medications. Some medications can lead to a gradual reduction in hair growth over weeks or months, while others, such as those used in chemotherapy, can cause rapid and severe hair loss within days.

Stress

Intense physical or emotional stress is a common cause of hair loss, but the good news is that this is rarely permanent. When the source of stress is resolved, hair often returns to its previous growth rate. However, it is unknown whether stress can increase the rate of irreversible male pattern baldness.

Summary

Hair loss is a widespread condition affecting around 6.5 million men in the UK, accounting for 39.23% of British men. For men over 50, this figure rises to 50% in the UK and 85% in America. Globally, 4 out of 5 men will experience moderate to severe hair loss by the age of 70. There are products available to help with natural hair loss and treatments such as transplants and hair systems for cases where hair loss cannot be reversed.