Hair loss in men: Prevention, care and styling tips

What causes hair loss in men?

What causes hair loss in men is, most of the time, male pattern baldness, which starts with thinning and then starts to cause visible hair loss on the scalp.¹ This tends to run in families,² so if you have relatives with male pattern baldness, there’s a good chance that’s the answer to your ‘Why is my hair thinning?’ question.

Baldness is often associated with age, and thinning hair in men does become more likely as you get older. By the age of 80, around 80% of men are showing the effects of male pattern baldness.³ Hair loss affects the young as well, though, and you might notice it as early as your late teens.¹

Male pattern baldness is common, natural and permanent. Other causes of hair loss in men include:²

• Some illnesses may make your hair thin or fall out.
• If you’ve changed your diet recently, that might be responsible. Having low iron levels or losing weight can cause you to lose your hair.
• Stress can make you lose your hair, even if you’re not physically pulling it out.
• Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can cause hair loss. Once you’ve finished your treatment, your hair will usually start to grow back.⁴
• Regularly wearing your hair in a style that’s a little too tight, whether it’s a ponytail or a set of cornrows, can cause damage and eventually hair loss over time.⁵
  

Care for thinning hair

If you’re worried about hair loss, please see your GP before you attempt any treatments. They’re the most qualified person to answer the eternal ‘Why is my hairline receding?’ question, and they’ll be able to advise you on how to care for your thinning hair.

Although male pattern baldness is a permanent condition, treatments do exist, such as finasteride and minoxidil. These aren’t available on the NHS, and you’ll need to keep using them to maintain the effects, so this can be a pricey course of action.² There’s also a growing body of evidence that suggests treatments like finasteride can cause serious mental health problems.⁶ Minoxidil has been reported to have similar side effects.⁷ So these kinds of treatments need to be actioned with caution!

It is imperative that you speak to your healthcare provider before attempting these treatments.

For other causes of hair loss, such as stress and diet, sometimes the best course of action is to be patient and look after yourself. Eating a balanced diet and quitting smoking can help your hair recover.⁵ On top of that, improving your general health can have benefits for your whole body, your hair included. Get some exercise, aim for a full night’s sleep, find time to relax, and maybe cut down on alcohol. 

High heat can also damage your hair, so try turning your shower temperature down a little, and avoid curling tongs or straighteners. If you have to use a hairdryer, you can minimise any damage by using it on the lowest setting.⁵