Hair loss happens in both men and women. However, men are more prone to hair loss earlier than women. By the time men reached their 30's, their hairline starts to recede. Hair loss among men is caused by several factors including heredity, age and hormones. Lifestyle also plays a big part in early hair loss in men.



1. Androgenic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss that can be experienced by men. This usually starts in men aging 20 to 30 years old. This so-called male pattern hair loss happens when male sex hormones or androgen increases its sensitivity to the certain areas of the scalp. The specific type of male hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) gradually shrinks the sensitive hair follicles causing the affected follicles to stop producing healthy strands of hair. Although the follicles were still alive, it may no longer perform properly leading to a typical pattern of hair loss. It starts with a receding hairline and reaches into a more apparent hair loss in the entire area of the scalp. Unfortunately, androgenic alopecia can be passed from one generation to another.

2. Stress and traumatic events may also lead to hair loss among men. This falls under the type of hair loss called Telogen Effluvium that is only a temporary phase. When a man is stressed out, he releases certain chemicals and stress hormones which distresses the body to function properly specifically the production of acceptable hair. First visible signs of hair loss due to stress are hair dullness and waxy strands or scalp brought by the overproduction of the sebaceous glands. Accidents or injuries on the head that involves scarring may also result to permanent damage in the follicles making it unable to grow even a single hair strand. Illnesses like cancer, hormonal imbalance and thyroid problems may also induce hair loss not only in men but with the opposite gender as well.

3. Nowadays, not only women wear hairstyles such as tightly pulled braids or ponytails. Oblivious to men, such hairstyles are devious causes of hair loss. When there is a tension between the scalp and the hair follicles made by the tightly pulled hairdo may cause irritation leading to a destroyed follicle which eventually decreases hair growth in men.

4. When one is living a healthy lifestyle, it reflects on the skin's natural glow as well as the quality of hair produced. A healthy crowning glory means a healthy body. Alcohol and cigarettes are the main culprits on a man's healthy living and healthy hair production. When one eats a well-balanced meal, the body is nourished, so as the scalp and hair strands from root to tip, producing lively and shiny locks. Medications with active ingredients such as isotretinoin, diet pills with amphetamine, and chemotherapy drugs may lead from mild to severe hair loss depending on taken dosage.

If you find your hair is rapidly decreasing, seek professional help immediately. Losing hair may not only be a sign of aging or malnutrition, but it may also be an early warning of a health disorder such as thyroid problems or cancer.