Men’s Hair Loss Guide

Hair Loss in Men: 13 Causes, DHT Explained & What Actually Works

Most men experience some degree of hair loss during their lifetime. While male pattern baldness is the leading cause, it isn’t the only one. This guide explains why men lose hair, how to recognise early warning signs, and the most effective strategies to protect density.

Quick summary: male hair loss is usually driven by male pattern baldness and DHT sensitivity, but stress, illness, thyroid issues, scalp inflammation, nutritional gaps, medications, smoking, steroids, sleep deprivation and breakage can all play a role. The right treatment depends on the cause.

Quick Comparison: What Type of Hair Loss Is It?

The first step is working out the type of hair loss you may be dealing with. Different causes create different patterns, and the best first step changes depending on the cause.

Cause	Pattern	Temporary?	First Step
Male Pattern Baldness	Temple recession and/or crown thinning	Progressive	Start a consistent DHT + growth routine early
Telogen Effluvium	Diffuse shedding across the scalp	Usually, yes	Identify the trigger, often 6–12 weeks earlier
Alopecia Areata	Round or patchy bald spots	Variable	Medical evaluation
Nutritional Deficiency	Diffuse thinning, slow regrowth	Often, yes	Blood work + diet review, including protein, ferritin and vitamin D

Male Pattern Baldness: The Primary Driver

The most common reason men lose hair is androgenetic alopecia, often called male pattern baldness. It typically shows up as temple recession, a thinning crown, or both. Some men progress slowly, while others move through stages quickly.

The difference is partly genetics, partly timing, and partly whether you start a consistent routine early.

Male pattern baldness is strongly linked to genetic sensitivity in follicles to DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, a hormone derived from testosterone. In susceptible follicles, DHT contributes to a gradual process called miniaturisation.

What DHT Actually Does

DHT binds to receptors in genetically sensitive follicles, typically on the hairline and crown. Over time, those follicles produce hairs that are thinner, shorter and less pigmented. Eventually, the follicle can become so weakened that it stops producing a visible hair.

Miniaturisation means:

Each growth cycle produces a thinner strand
The growth phase shortens, so hair cannot reach the same length
Hair diameter shrinks, giving less coverage even with “the same number” of hairs
Terminal hairs convert into fine, vellus-like hairs

Early warning signs men often miss:

A subtle change in temple shape, creating an early “M” pattern
More scalp visible under harsh lighting
Hair feels harder to style or “doesn’t sit” like it used to
Fine, wispy regrowth in thinning areas instead of thick strands

Key principle: once follicles miniaturise for long enough, reversal becomes harder. That is why early action matters so much.

How Male Pattern Baldness Progresses

Male pattern baldness usually progresses in stages, often mapped by the Norwood scale. The crown and hairline are commonly affected first because those follicles are more genetically sensitive in many men.

Year 1–2

Subtle miniaturisation begins. Styling starts to feel different.

Year 3–5

Visible recession or a developing crown spot becomes noticeable in photos.

Advanced stage

Larger areas of scalp show. Donor hair planning becomes important for transplant candidates.

Important

Not all men progress at the same rate. Many stabilise significantly with early, consistent treatment.

The 13 Causes of Hair Loss in Men

Male pattern baldness is the number one cause, but it is not the only one. Below are the 13 most common causes of hair loss in men, with what each one looks like and what the smartest first move tends to be.

Cause 1

Male Pattern Baldness

Also known as androgenetic alopecia. This usually appears as temple recession, crown thinning and gradual miniaturisation.

First step: start an evidence-based routine early, combining growth support, a DHT strategy and scalp care.

Cause 2

DHT Sensitivity / Androgen Sensitivity

This looks like male pattern baldness, but progression speed can vary depending on genetics and individual androgen response.

First step: discuss options with a clinician and support the scalp environment consistently.

Cause 3

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is stress or illness-related shedding. It often appears as diffuse shedding across the scalp around 6–12 weeks after illness, fever, surgery, grief or sustained stress.

First step: identify the trigger, stabilise sleep and protein intake, and avoid panic-switching treatments.

Cause 4

Thyroid Disorders

Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can cause diffuse thinning, slower regrowth and sometimes dry or brittle hair.

First step: medical evaluation and blood work.

Cause 5

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune form of hair loss that often appears as round or patchy bald spots. It may come and go.

First step: dermatology assessment. Early management matters.

Cause 6

Scalp Inflammation

Seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic irritation and inflammation can cause itching, burning, flaking, tenderness and increased shedding.

First step: treat the scalp first. Inflammation can cap progress.

Cause 7

Nutritional Deficiencies

Low ferritin, vitamin D, zinc or low protein intake can lead to diffuse shedding, weak regrowth and brittle hair quality.

First step: diet review and blood markers, especially ferritin and vitamin D.

Cause 8

Rapid Weight Loss / Crash Dieting

Significant calorie restriction can trigger shedding 6–12 weeks later. Hair growth is energy-demanding, so the body may reduce hair output during a deficit.

First step: stabilise intake, prioritise protein and restore recovery.

Cause 9

Medications

Some medications can cause increased shedding after starting or changing a prescription.

First step: never stop a prescription without advice. Discuss alternatives with a clinician.

Cause 10

Smoking

Smoking can contribute to slower growth, poorer hair quality and accelerated thinning over time.

First step: smoking cessation and a supportive scalp routine.

Cause 11

Anabolic Steroids / Androgen Use

Anabolic steroids or androgen use can accelerate pattern thinning in men who are genetically predisposed.

First step: discontinue and seek medical guidance; stabilise follicles.

Cause 12

Chronic Sleep Deprivation

Poor sleep can impair recovery and disrupt hormones. It may worsen existing thinning or reactive shedding.

First step: aim for 7–9 hours and a consistent sleep schedule.

Cause 13

Traction / Breakage

Tight styles, harsh grooming, heat and chemical damage can cause broken hairs, thinning at tension points and hairline fragility.

First step: reduce tension, heat and harsh chemicals. Focus on shaft protection.

What Actually Works: Evidence-Based Treatments

Treatment only works when it matches the cause — and when it is used long enough to judge. Most plans need 3–6 months before you assess results, and combination routines tend to outperform single tools.

Medical Treatments

Topical minoxidil: supports the growth phase for many users.
Oral finasteride: a prescription option that reduces DHT via 5-alpha-reductase inhibition. Suitability and risks should be discussed with a clinician.
Ketoconazole shampoo: supports scalp health and can be a useful adjunct 2–3 times weekly.

Adjunct Therapies

Microneedling: often paired with topical routines.
Low-Level Laser Therapy: devices may support follicles in some users.
PRP therapy: in-clinic protocols vary, and consistency matters.
Hair transplant: best for stable pattern loss with adequate donor hair.

Foundational Support

High protein intake and stable calories
Optimised vitamin D and ferritin
7–9 hours sleep and stress reduction

Starter Routine for Early Stage Thinning

Morning

Apply minoxidil, if suitable for you.

2–3 Times Weekly

Use ketoconazole shampoo as part of a scalp-support routine.

Weekly

Microneedling may be used as part of a broader plan, where appropriate.

Daily

Nutritional support, a protein-rich diet and consistent sleep.

Assess changes after 3–6 months using consistent photos and lighting.

When to See a Doctor

Sudden round bald patches
Itchy, painful, inflamed or scaly scalp
Rapid shedding with systemic symptoms
Hair loss before age 18

References

NHS – Hair loss overview
American Academy of Dermatology – Male pattern hair loss
British Association of Dermatologists – Alopecia guidance

Support Your Hair Routine From the Inside Out

Understanding why you are losing hair is the first step. Supporting healthier hair growth consistently is the next.

HR23+® combines vitamins, minerals and botanical extracts in one advanced daily supplement designed to support healthier hair growth and reduce excessive shedding as part of a long-term routine.

Supports men experiencing early-stage thinning
Works alongside topical treatments and scalp care
Drug-free daily nutritional support
Designed for long-term hair cycle support

Shop HR23+ Hair Growth Capsules