Why Do Men Lose Their Hair? Symptoms and Causes

Hair loss is very common in men and can start at different ages. For some it begins with a receding hairline and later thinning on top. The most frequent cause is genetics. Hormonal changes, some illnesses and nutritional gaps can also cause it.

So the first question should not be "what should I do?" but "why is it falling out?" Not every kind of hair loss has the same cause, and the same approach does not suit them all. This article gives general information. It does not diagnose anything.

What Is Male-Pattern Hair Loss?

Its medical name is androgenetic alopecia. It develops through genes and hormones and mainly affects the follicles at the hairline, temples and top of the head. Over time the follicles shrink and start producing thinner, shorter hairs. Density falls gradually. In some men it starts young, in others it becomes clear later.

How Does Genetic Hair Loss Happen?

What you inherit from your family matters a lot. How sensitive your follicles are to androgen hormones shapes the process. Sensitive follicles shrink over time, hairs thin and the growth cycle changes. It is not a matter of one gene passed down from a mother or father. Several genetic factors can play a part.

How Does DHT Affect Hair?

DHT is an androgen made from testosterone. In people with a genetic tendency, some follicles are more sensitive to its effects. This is linked to follicles shrinking and the growth phase getting shorter. But having DHT does not mean every man will lose hair. The genetic sensitivity of the follicles matters too.

Other Causes

Hair loss does not come from genetics alone. Other causes include:

• Vitamin and mineral gaps. Iron deficiency and some nutritional shortfalls can affect hair health. But not every case comes from a deficiency. Supplements should be used only when a proper assessment shows they are needed.
• Thyroid problems. Thyroid hormone imbalance can affect the growth cycle and in some people cause widespread shedding.
• Stress and physical illness. Heavy stress, serious illness, surgery or rapid weight loss can lead to temporary shedding. It is sometimes linked to a type called telogen effluvium.
• Scalp conditions. Some inflammatory or infectious conditions can cause hair loss. In that case the underlying problem should be assessed instead of planning a transplant on its own.
• Medication. Some medicines are linked to hair loss. Stopping a medicine without your doctor's advice is not appropriate.

At What Age Does It Start?

It can begin after puberty or in young adulthood. The age of onset and how fast it progresses differ from person to person. In some men the hairline stays much the same for years, in others thinning is quicker. When progressive loss starts young, long-term follow-up matters.

How Can You Tell?

A receding hairline, thinning at the temples and a thinner crown are typical signs. Some people notice their hairs getting finer, or the scalp becoming more visible. Not every change in the hairline means progressive hair loss, though. A dermatological assessment may be needed to find out what type you have.

Can Hair Loss Be Prevented?

That depends on the cause. In genetic hair loss, some medical approaches can help slow its progress. Whether they suit you, their possible side effects and how long they are used should be discussed with a doctor. When the cause is a nutritional gap or another health problem, the underlying issue has to be dealt with. No single method works for every kind of hair loss. Rather than starting medication or supplements on your own, seeing a dermatologist is the safest route.

Is a Hair Transplant Suitable?

A hair transplant is a surgical option that can be considered for some types of hair loss. But not every man with hair loss is a suitable candidate. Enough healthy follicles in the donor area, the type of loss and your general health all matter. A transplant does not stop existing hair loss from progressing. So before planning, the cause of the loss and what may change later should be assessed. For the long term, read how long transplanted hairs last.

For methods, see our FUE technique and DHI technique pages, the comparison in FUE or DHI and the planning guide how many grafts do you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cause of hair loss in men?

One of the most common is genetic hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia.

At what age does male-pattern hair loss start?

It can start in young adulthood. The age of onset and the speed of progression differ from person to person.

Can genetic hair loss be stopped completely?

Some approaches can slow it. There is no single method that gives everyone the same result.

Does a vitamin deficiency cause hair loss?

Some nutritional gaps can affect hair loss. But not every case comes from a vitamin deficiency.

Can everyone with hair loss have a hair transplant?

No. Suitability depends on the donor area, the type of loss and your own health.

Conclusion

Male hair loss can come from genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. In male-pattern loss the genetic sensitivity of the follicles is decisive. Even so, the cause is not always the same, and the type of loss should be assessed before choosing an approach. For general information, see our hair transplant page.

Coming from another city or country? Our Istanbul patient guide walks through the steps of the trip.

Turkey Hairbank offers information support on hair loss, methods and planning to people researching a hair transplant. Medical assessment and the procedure are carried out by authorised healthcare professionals at a licensed healthcare facility.