Why Do Some Men Lose Their Hair?

If you’re a guy losing hair, you’re certainly not alone. Hair loss affects the majority of men at some point in their lives. And while it can be frustrating, understanding why it happens can help you decide what to do next.

“Hair loss isn’t dangerous or life-threatening, but it can be life-changing,” says dermatologist Chey Ranasinghe, MD. “Our hair is tied to our identity, confidence and how we see ourselves. It can make a difference.”

We asked Dr. Ranasinghe to explain why men start balding and what you can do to protect your hair.

What causes men to go bald?

For most men, hair loss comes down to a combination of genetics and hormones. In fact, many of the common explanations people blame — like wearing hats, washing their hair too often or having unusually high testosterone levels — usually aren’t the real reason.

Causes of hair loss in men include:

• Genetics: Hair loss tends to run in families. But despite the popular myth, you don’t inherit it only from your mother’s side. “Hair loss is polygenetic, meaning multiple genes contribute to it,” explains Dr. Ranasinghe. “You can’t blame one side of the family.”
• Hormones: A hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), made from testosterone, plays a major role in balding. But the issue isn’t that you have too much of it. Instead, some hair follicles wither because they’re genetically more sensitive to DHT.
• Aging: Hair follicles become more affected by DHT over time. As the years pass, hair may grow thinner, shorter and less visible as it responds to DHT. The process typically starts near your temples.
• Stress: Stress isn’t usually the primary cause of male pattern baldness. But it can contribute to hair loss by disrupting your normal hair-growth cycle to thin out lush locks.
• Underlying medical conditions: In rare cases, thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances or other health issues can contribute to hair loss. But Dr. Ranasinghe says these situations are the exception rather than the rule.

Why do men go bald more than women?

The short answer: testosterone.

“Women have estrogen that helps protect against the effects of testosterone and DHT,” explains Dr. Ranasinghe. “That’s why women usually experience hair loss later than men, after their estrogen levels drop during menopause.”

Men and women also tend to lose hair differently. Men often develop a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, while women are more likely to notice overall thinning along their part line.

At what age do men start losing hair?

Hair loss can start surprisingly early. You may begin noticing thinning in your late teens or early 20s. But for most, the changes become more noticeable around the mid-30s.

“About two-thirds of men will notice some degree of hair loss by age 35,” says Dr. Ranasinghe. “The process often starts earlier, but that’s when many men begin to realize they’re seeing more scalp or a receding hairline.”

By age 50, about half of men have significant thinning. Overall, approximately 85% of men experience some degree of male pattern hair loss during their lifetime.

What treatments are available to men for hair loss?

Hair loss is a chronic condition with no permanent cure. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless to stop the gradual retreat of your hairline. There are treatments available to protect and even regrow hair.

Results typically appear within a few months. Consistency is essential. Expect hair loss to begin again if you stop treatment.

Here are the most common steps you can try to maintain your hair.

• Minoxidil (Rogaine®): Available over the counter, topical minoxidil helps improve blood flow to the scalp and may help hair stay thicker and remain in its growth phase longer. “This is the first line of treatment I recommend,” says Dr. Ranasinghe.
• Oral minoxidil: Some dermatologists prescribe oral minoxidil for hair loss. It may be an option for people who don’t tolerate the topical version or find it difficult to use consistently.
• Finasteride (Propecia^®): This prescription medication reduces the production of DHT, which helps slow the process that causes hair follicles to shrink. Finasteride is often used in tandem with minoxidil.
• Red light therapy: These at-home devices use specific wavelengths of red light to stimulate hair follicles and support hair growth. Red light therapy is typically used as an add-on treatment to medication.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): This in-office injection uses components from your own blood to encourage hair growth and follicle activity. PRP is also considered an add-on therapy.

Starting treatment when hair loss first begins is key: “Hair loss treatment is about preservation first and regrowth second,” emphasizes Dr. Ranasinghe. “It'’ much easier to save the hair you have than to resurrect what’s gone.”

Can men prevent hair loss from starting?

You can’t change your genetics, but there are steps you can take to support healthy hair and potentially slow hair loss. Dr. Ranasinghe recommends:

• Eating a balanced diet with adequate protein
• Getting important vitamins and nutrients (like iron and zinc) from your diet
• Managing stress
• Practicing good hair and scalp hygiene

Perhaps most importantly, don’t brush off signs of hair loss when they first appear. Balding in men is extremely treatable when started early. Talk to a doctor or a dermatologist to get a true hair care plan in place.

“Don’t wait and assume it’s too early to do anything about your hair loss,” encourages Dr. Ranasinghe. “If it’s important to you, reach out to someone. The biggest mistake men make is waiting too long to do something.”