5 Common Causes of Male Hair Loss & Best Treatments

Did you know that by the age of 35, two-thirds of men will experience some form of hair loss?

Furthermore, by the age of 50, an estimated 85% of men will notice a significant thinning of their hair. This can come as a surprise to many men but there is no need to worry, as there are several different treatments out there to both help prevent hair loss, as well as restore it if it does happen.

If you are one of these statistics or you are worried about male hair loss, it can help to find out a little bit more about this incredibly common occurrence in men of a certain age.

Read on to discover all the most common causes of hair loss in men. Plus, all the best treatments that are currently available.  

What Are the Main Causes of Male Hair Loss?

As mentioned briefly above, hair loss in men is extremely common, especially in middle-aged and older males.

Hair loss can affect the entire body but it is much more commonplace for men to experience hair loss on the scalp.

Some of the most common causes of male hair loss are:

1. A Family History of Hair Loss

If hair loss runs in your family, especially on your father’s side, then you are much more likely to experience hair loss than someone who does not have a family history of hair loss.

When you experience hereditary hair loss, this is referred to as androgenic alopecia or male-patterned baldness. This can also affect women and is known as female-patterned baldness.

Unfortunately, there is very little that you can do to prevent hereditary hair loss and this condition typically occurs gradually over time. Most commonly, men will notice either a receding hairline or bald spots. Of course, some receding is common in most men, but others will notice that it continues to get worse over time, and these are cases where treatments may be necessary if you’re not happy with how things are. However, there are plenty of men who are more than happy to rock the bald look, and that’s perfect fine too.

2. Too Much Stress

Although a little bit of stress can be good for you, too much, either over a prolonged period or following a specific event, can have a detrimental effect on both your physical and mental health.

In extreme cases of stress, you may notice that your hair starts to fall out. This cause of hair loss is usually temporary and, when you stop feeling stressed and overwhelmed, your hair should start to grow back to normal.

To avoid this type of hair loss, it is a good idea to try to destress as much as possible.

3. Excessive Hairstyling

Did you use to style your hair a lot in your younger days? Perhaps you still do now.

Either way, excessive hairstyling and hairstyles that pull your hair tight, such as ponytails or cornrows, can cause a condition referred to as traction alopecia.

Hot oil hair treatments which promise to nourish and hydrate the hair can also lead to hair loss, especially if the oil used was too hot and scarring occurred.

4. A Lack of Nutrients

If your body is not getting the nutrients it needs, this can stop your hair from growing and even cause hair loss.

In particular, if you are deficient in certain vitamins and minerals such as biotin, zinc, and iron, you are more likely to experience some form of hair loss.

People who struggle with eating disorders are often lacking in vitamins and minerals, which is why hair loss is common in these individuals. Vegans and vegetarians are also more likely to be anemic than meat-eaters, which means that you are lacking in iron which can lead to hair loss.

If you think that you are deficient in a specific vitamin or mineral, it can be a good idea to book a blood test with your doctor. Once you get your results, you can choose to either take a supplement or adjust your diet accordingly.

5. Certain Medications and Medical Conditions

Some medications and medical conditions can cause hair loss, such as chemotherapy, which is a cancer treatment. People with diabetes and lupus are also more likely to experience hair loss and also those with fungal infections such as ringworm.

If you have an autoimmune disease, the medication that you take for this may cause your hair to fall out.

If you think that one of the medications you are taking is causing your hair loss, you may want to speak to your doctor to see if there is an alternative medicine that you can try.

What Are the Best Treatments for Hair Loss in Men?

The good news is that if you are experiencing hereditary hair loss or hair loss that is caused by old age, there are lots of treatments that you can try.

PRP Injections

PRP injections are a relatively new advancement in modern medicine that can be highly effective in treating conditions such as male pattern baldness and androgenic alopecia. Widely considered to be safe and effective, PRP injections work by preventing hair loss and hair thinning and promoting thicker and healthier hair growth.

Although this hair loss treatment is not permanent, the effects can last for up to one year and then it is perfectly safe to have the treatment carried out again.

There are several reputable PRP hair treatment Chicago clinics that offer this type of hair loss treatment, with impressive results for men and women.

Topical Treatments

There are several topical treatments that you can try for hair loss, some of which you can buy over the counter and others that need to be prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist.

Some of the most popular topical treatments for hair loss are:

• Minoxidil/Regaine
• Finasteride/Propecia
• Alpecin shampoo
• Viviscal

Natural Remedies

If you would prefer to go down a more natural route, there are several natural treatments that you can use to help your hair grow and stop hair loss.

Some of the most popular natural remedies for hair loss are:

• Aloe vera
• Coconut oil
• Rosemary oil
• Scalp massage
• Fish oil

It is worth noting that none of the above have been scientifically proven to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss but they do show promising signs of being able to help with these issues in some people.  

Hair Transplant

If you are happy to undergo a surgical procedure, then you may want to investigate the possibility of a hair transplant. This procedure involves removing hair follicles from one part of the body and moving them to a bald or balding area.

Primarily used as a treatment for male patterned baldness, hair transplants can be highly effective but they are also expensive. Some people also experience some scarring.

If you do want to try hair transplant surgery, make sure that you use a certified clinic and always ask to see before and after results before committing.

Final Thoughts

It can be upsetting when you first start to notice your hair begin to thin or bald patches appear. However, it is worth remembering that this is very common in men and that there is a wide range of treatments available for you to try.

Whether you prefer more natural remedies or want to take advantage of the latest in technological innovation, don’t give up on your quest for a fuller head of hair.