The process of male hair loss

Every man is unique, so it’s not possible to say definitively when hair loss typically occurs. What’s more, there are lots of factors that contribute to hair loss in men, ranging from lifestyle to genetics. Therefore, to help you understand the ins and outs of hair loss, we take a closer look at when hair loss can occur and what you can do to prevent it.

What causes hair loss? 

Male pattern hair loss occurs for a multitude of reasons. The most common factors that cause your hair to fall out include hormones, diet, genetics, illness, and stress. Your hair loss could be triggered by one or several of these factors. To highlight just how variable hair loss can be, studies have found as many as 287 genetic variations associated with male pattern hair loss. Essentially, this highlights why it’s so difficult to attribute hair loss to one factor above another. 

It’s also important to consider the role that hormones play in hair loss. Dihydrotestosterone – DHT – attaches itself to the hair follicles on your scalp. If you don’t treat your levels of DHT, it can lead to a condition called androgenic alopecia, which is the main cause of hair loss. In fact, it affects more than half of men by the time they reach fifty years of age. Fortunately, you can treat androgenic alopecia, as we explain a little later in this article. 

We also know that chronic stress can result in hair loss in men. Three conditions are known to occur due to stress – telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, and alopecia areata. It’s also true that men who lead unhealthy lifestyles are more susceptible to hair loss, with smoking and excess drinking also contributing to hair loss. Another thing to be mindful of is that men who have poor diets are also more likely to lose their hair, so you need to make sure you eat foods that are wholesome and rich in nutrients. 

As you can see, there are so many factors that can lead to hair loss in men. But what age is it likely to occur? 

Age and hair loss 

While men don’t often lose their hair in their teens, boys from fifteen years and up have been known to lose their hair. Research indicates that 25% of men who have hereditary male pattern hair loss show signs of losing their hair by their 21st birthday. By 35, two in three men will experience hair loss to some degree. By 50, approximately 80% of men will have some form of hair loss or thinning. So, it’s reasonable to say that men can start showing signs of hair loss from their teens until middle age, and it really just depends on the person. Still, whenever you notice your hair thinning, it’s important to do something about it. 

Treating hair loss 

The great news is that there are a number of ways to treat hair loss. If you look in the mirror and notice that your hair is thinning, be sure not to panic and focus on what you can do to put things right. The best way to treat hair loss is a combination of Finasteride and Minoxidil, as these two medications have been clinically proven to treat hair loss. When used consistently over a sustained period of time, Finasteride and Minoxidil can lead to a thicker and fuller head of hair, so it’s a good idea to start your treatment as soon as you notice that your hair is thinning. A great way to combine finasteride and minoxidil is through the topical spray that we also offer.