Men’s Hair Loss
What is Hair Loss?
Hair loss (alopecia) occurs in both men and women. It also happens for a variety of reasons. Losing some hair is normal for healthy individuals. On average, about 100 strands of hair fall out while new hair grows every day.
When the rate of loss is higher than the replacement rate, thinning hair becomes noticeable. For example, you might see more hair on your hairbrush, pillow or in your shower drain. You might also notice unexpected bald patches. In these cases, you may have alopecia.
When alopecia areata develops, the body’s immune system targets your hair follicles. Also, alopecia is not contagious.
What causes hair loss?
In many cases, hair loss such as male- and female-pattern baldness comes from genetic factors. Hereditary baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Other possible causes include:
- Overuse or incorrect application of chemical-based hair products: These include dyes, gels, perms, relaxer and sprays.
- Hormonal changes: These include the use of birth control medication.
- Nutritional deficiencies: These can be related to a lack of vitamins, protein or iron.
- Medical conditions, medications and treatments: These can include chemotherapy.
- COVID-19: After a COVID-19 infection, some people may experience hair-loss symptoms that last weeks to months. This is sometimes called long COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 syndrome. If you’ve had COVID-19 and have new or ongoing symptoms weeks to months after your initial recovery, a MinuteClinic® provider can help.
What symptoms can occur with hair loss?
Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that targets the follicles (structures that contain the roots). When this happens, it makes hair fall out, often starting with round patches on the scalp. Hair loss can also occur elsewhere on the body. There are 3 categories of alopecia, according to the location and type of hair loss:
- Alopecia areata: Hair loss in patches
- Alopecia totalis: Complete loss of all hair on the scalp
- Alopecia universalis: Total hair loss all over the body
How is hair loss treated?
With some conditions like patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), the hair may reestablish on its own without treatment within a year. If the hair loss is due to an underlying health issue, that condition is treated first. Treatment may involve drugs that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, such as prednisone. The following medications may stop or slow the process. In some cases, they may even promote regeneration and reverse hair loss:
- Minoxidil: An over-the-counter medication that is approved for men and women. At least 6 months of treatment is required to take effect, and the product must be applied daily to maintain its benefits.
- Finasteride: An oral prescription drug approved for men. It may slow hair loss, and some men may experience new hair growth. The medication must be taken daily to keep its beneficial effects.
How can I avoid hair loss?
Although you cannot prevent hair loss from genetic causes, the following tips may help you eliminate avoidable factors that contribute to hair loss:
- Avoid hairstyles that put tension on the follicles and scalp: These include braids, buns or ponytails.
- Check your medications and supplements: These could cause hair loss.
- If you are undergoing chemotherapy, wear a cooling cap: It may reduce the risk of hair loss when receiving treatment.
- Minimize or avoid treatments that are tough on the follicles: These include curling irons, hot rollers, hot oil treatments and perms.
- Protect hair from the sun: Also protect hair from other sources of ultraviolet light.
- Treat hair gently: Do this while grooming and washing.
- Quit smoking: Some studies show cigarette smoke may accelerate hair loss and premature graying.
References used as sources for this page
- Hair loss – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926. (Accessed September 3, 2019)
- Alopecia Areata: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/alopecia-areata#natural-treatment. (Accessed September 3, 2019)
- Alopecia Areata & Hair Loss: Causes, Treatments, and Tips to Cope. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/alopecia-areata#1. (Accessed September 3, 2019)