Hair Loss in Men

What are the triggers of hair loss? How can you identify it? Discover more about the symptoms and reasons behind hair loss in men.

In most cases, male hair loss and baldness follow a distinct pattern. For instance, the Hamilton-Norwood scale categorizes different types and stages of hair loss. Typically, hair loss in men starts at the temples and forehead. As it progresses, thinning appears first at the back of the head and then eventually across the entire scalp.

The next phase, the transition phase -katagen- lasts for a few weeks. During this phase, the hair follicles detach and eventually shed. Then, the follicles go through the resting phase -telogen- where the follicles renew themselves over two to six months. Once this phase ends, the cycle restarts and the hair follicles produce new hair. However, this cycle is not endless- on average, a single hair strand regenerates about 14 times before a follicle stops functioning. Various types of hair loss can break the cycle and cause premature hair shedding

In men, excess testosterone production begins in puberty, which, while contributing to beard growth, can also negatively impact hair follicles. These individuals are overly sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. Due to related genetic predispositions, the formation of cAMP, a secondary messenger crucial for hair follicles metabolism, is inhibited. This results in shorter growth phases and hair loss.

A receding hairline is often the first sign of hereditary hair loss that may gradually progress over time. Thinning hair at the back of the head is another sign of androgenetic alopecia. Reviewing family photos can provide insight into genetic predisposition as it can be inherited from both sides of the family. To evaluate your personal risk, you can use our baldness calculator.

Due to stress, heavy physical effort, excessive fitness training and competitive sports, the energy your body demands increases. As the body prioritizes other essential functions, energy is no longer adequately supplied to the hair follicles. Consequently, hair follicles may not be adequately nourished.

Genetic or stress-induced hair loss may be prevented. Two other types of hair loss that require medical treatment are explained below:

This type of hair loss is common and unlike hereditary hair loss, in diffuse hair loss, hair becomes generally thinner without following a specific pattern. Hair loss is not limited to specific areas such as the back of the head or forehead; instead, hair loss occurs across the scalp.

Several factors may lead to diffuse hair loss: physical and mental stress, medicine or illnesses. In any case, as the energy in the body is used for other functions, adequate nutrition and energy cannot be supplied to the hair follicles. Due to a lack of energy, hair loss may be experienced and hair can become thinner.

Circular hair loss, also known as alopecia areata, is a relatively rare type of hair loss. It causes sudden, round or oval bald spots on the scalp, eyebrows and beard. The size of the spots may vary. A distinguishing feature of circular hair loss is “exclamation point hair”, the hairs at the edge of the bald area, thinner towards the tips and can be pulled out easily.

The exact cause of circular hair loss remains unclear. Scientists suspect it may be triggered by an illness. Yet, genetic factors should not be forgotten. In most cases, bald spots, without any treatment, disappear but there is a possibility that they may regenerate later.