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What Causes Hair Loss in Men? 

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Why do men lose hair? The most common cause of male hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. But it’s not the only one. Hormones, stress, medical conditions, and even lifestyle choices could also be the culprits for why you’re losing hair. 

If you’re worried about thinning hair, Ziering Medical provides one of the most advanced hair restoration treatments in Beverly Hills, New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut. All our treatments are personalized to your hair loss and goals. Visit the nearest Ziering Medical hair transplant clinic now if you’re ready to restore your hair, refresh your looks, and renew your confidence. 

In this article, we will explain the most common causes of hair loss in men, what you can do about them, and when to get a hair transplant. 

What Is the Most Common Cause of Hair Loss In Men?

The primary cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. It affects over 50% of men over age 50, and it can start as early as your late teens or 20s. If you have a family history of hair loss, either on your father or mother’s side, you’re more likely to experience it.

Male pattern hair loss is linked to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a byproduct of testosterone. In men whose hair follicles are sensitive to DHT, this hormone can trigger thinning and eventual hair loss. Inside each hair follicle are special proteins called androgen receptors that act like tiny locks or gateways to the actual hair follicle.  When DHT attaches to these receptors, it sends signals that cause the follicle to shrink, a process known as miniaturization.  Over time, this interaction shortens the anagen or normal growth phase of the hair cycle, making your hair become thinner, shorter, and lighter until the hair follicle stops producing hair altogether.

Signs of male pattern hair loss include:

  • A receding hairline, especially at the temples
  • Thinning at the crown (top/back of the scalp)
  • Widening part or more scalp showing
  • Gradual, patterned hair loss, not sudden shedding

If your hair loss follows this pattern and you have relatives with similar thinning, chances are it’s androgenetic alopecia. We can confirm it with a scalp exam, family history, and sometimes a trichoscopy (scalp magnification) or blood test to rule out other causes. 

Other Reasons Why Men Lose Hair 

Genetics isn’t the only reason why you’re losing hair. Sometimes, it could be one of these male hair loss causes: 

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss caused by physical or emotional stress. It happens when a large number of hair follicles enter the telogen (resting) phase of the hair cycle all at once, leading to noticeable shedding a few months later.

It typically starts with sudden, diffuse thinning across the entire scalp, not just in one area, and increased hair fall in the shower, on your pillow, or in your comb or brush. It’s usually temporary and once the trigger is resolved, most people begin to see regrowth within 6 months. However, chronic stress or repeated triggers can make it linger longer. However, if the shedding continues past 6–9 months, you should consider getting a medical evaluation. A telogen effluvium event may unmask a predisposition to genetic hair loss. 

Alopecia Areata

This is an autoimmune condition where your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your healthy hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in small, round patches. It can affect the scalp, beard, eyebrows, or any part of the body.

The exact cause is unknown, but it’s believed to be triggered by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Stress, illness, or viral infections can sometimes bring it on. What does alopecia areata look like? 

  • Sudden, round bald patches on the scalp or face
  • Smooth, hairless skin in the affected areas
  • “Exclamation point” hairs (short, broken hairs that taper at the base) around the edges
  • No redness, flaking, or scarring

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is caused by prolonged and constant tension on the hair follicles. It’s often seen in men who wear tight hairstyles like tight braids, buns, or dreadlocks, or frequently use harsh styling tools and chemicals. Over time, this repeated stress can damage the follicles and lead to visible thinning or bald spots.

Hair loss along the hairline, temples, or areas under tension, often with broken hairs or irritation are common signs. Is traction alopecia temporary? Yes, it’s usually temporary. However, if the tension or pulling has caused permanent damage to your hair follicles, it’s no longer reversible. 

Poor Nutrition

Hair loss can also result from poor nutrition, especially when your body lacks essential vitamins and minerals. When nutrients are low, your body diverts resources to essential organs, leaving hair follicles undernourished. This can lead to shedding, thinning, slower growth and the hair having a dull appearance.

Common deficiencies tied to hair loss include iron, protein, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins like B12 and biotin. This type of hair loss is often reversible, and a simple blood test can help identify deficiencies. 

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones help regulate the hair growth cycle, and when they’re off balance, it can lead to hair thinning or excessive shedding. In men, common hormone-related causes include thyroid disorders, low testosterone, and high cortisol from chronic stress. Each of these can disrupt normal hair growth and trigger hair to shift into the resting or shedding phase too early and remain there too long. 

If your hair loss comes with other symptoms, like fatigue, weight changes, or mood shifts, or if there’s no family history of baldness, hormones could be the cause. A blood test can check your thyroid levels, testosterone, and cortisol. After you identify and treat any imbalances, your normal hair growth is often restored over time. 

Scalp Conditions

Scalp conditions like inflammation, buildup, or infections can disrupt hair follicle function and lead to temporary or even permanent hair loss. Common culprits include seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, tinea capitis (a fungal infection), and folliculitis. These issues can cause itching, scaling, redness, or patchy bald spots, depending on the severity and type.

If left untreated, some conditions can lead to scarring and permanent damage. A dermatologist can diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like medicated shampoos, antifungals, steroids, or antibiotics to stop the inflammation and restore healthy hair growth.

Medications

Some medications can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and cause hair loss. Drugs that commonly trigger this include blood pressure medications, antidepressants, blood thinners, retinoids, statins, anti-seizure meds, hormone treatments, and chemotherapy, though chemo causes a more sudden loss known as anagen effluvium.

If you start noticing hair loss after beginning a new medication, don’t stop taking it without medical advice. Talk to your doctor first. In many cases, the shedding is temporary and stops once your body adjusts or the medication is changed.

Can Hair Loss Be Reversed? 

It depends on the cause and how early you treat it. Male pattern baldness can’t be reversed, but it can be slowed or partially regrown with early intervention. The earlier you start, the better your chances of preserving your existing hair and improving the health of the hair you have.

It’s Not Too Late to Save Thinning Hair 

We have helped hundreds of patients restore their hair with nonsurgical treatments. Effective options include finasteride and dutasteride to block DHT, oral and topical minoxidil to stimulate growth, Z Factors for hair regrowth, and low-level laser therapy to energize follicles using red light. When used consistently, these treatments can slow loss, increase hair density, and improve hair health.

If nonsurgical options haven’t given you the results you want or if your hair loss is more advanced, a hair transplant may be the best option. It’s typically recommended for men with stable hair loss and enough healthy donor hair (usually from the back or sides of the scalp).

A hair transplant is most effective for treating receding hairlines, crown thinning, and restoring temporal peaks or visible scalp that hasn’t responded to other treatments. The results are natural and permanent when done by an experienced surgeon like the Ziering Doctors. 

Led by celebrity surgeon Dr. Craig Ziering, the Ziering hair transplant doctors bring 75+ years of combined surgical experience and have successfully transplanted over 100 million hair grafts. Call us or visit a Ziering Medical clinic near you to book a hair restoration consultation. 

We serve patients all over the greater Tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as the greater Southern California area from Los Angeles and Beverly Hills to Newport Beach and San Diego and Northern California area from San Francisco to San Jose and Palo Alto.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes sudden hair loss in males​? 

Sudden hair loss is usually often triggered by stress, illness, medication, or rapid weight loss. If you’re losing a lot of hair all of a sudden, we recommend seeing your doctor as soon as possible to help pinpoint the cause and get treatment.

At what age do men typically start losing hair?

Hair loss can start as early as the late teens or early 20s, but it’s most common after age 30. Over 50% of men experience some degree of hair loss by age 50.

Can hair loss from stress grow back?

Yes. Hair loss caused by stress is usually temporary. Once the stressor is resolved, hair typically begins regrowing 6 months. You may want to consider some nonsurgical treatments or therapies to get your hair health back on track and to encourage hair regrowth 

Does low testosterone cause hair loss?

Low testosterone can reduce body and facial hair growth, but scalp hair loss is mostly driven by sensitivity to DHT, a hormone created when the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which attacks the hair follicle causing the hair to shrink and ultimately stop growing over time.  Hormonal blood tests will determine if low testosterone is what’s causing your hair loss.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for a hair transplant?

You’re a good candidate if you have stable hair loss, enough healthy donor hair on the back or sides of your scalp, and realistic expectations. Want to know if you’re a good hair restoration candidate? Call Ziering Medical to book a consultation and learn more from one of our expert hair loss doctors.