Male Hair Loss: Causes, Stages and What You Can Do

Hair loss is very common in men, and for many it starts gradually in their twenties or thirties. This guide explains the types and causes, how it usually progresses, the options you have from medical treatment to daily care, and when to see a doctor.

Types of hair loss in men

Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia): gradual and hereditary, usually starting with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown. By far the most common type.
Temporary shedding (telogen effluvium): many hairs fall out at once after stress, illness, a crash diet or certain medicines. It usually recovers. Read about stress and hair loss.
Patchy hair loss (alopecia areata): round bald patches that appear quickly. This is an autoimmune condition, so see a doctor.

What causes male pattern hair loss

Male pattern hair loss comes from genetics and the hormone DHT, which the body makes from testosterone. In men who are genetically sensitive to it, DHT gradually shortens the growth phase of the hair follicles. Hairs get thinner and shorter until a follicle no longer produces visible hair. It is not caused by wearing a cap or by washing your hair.

Stress, poor sleep and a poor diet do not cause pattern hair loss, but they can make shedding worse.

How it progresses: the stages

Doctors often describe male pattern hair loss with the Norwood scale, which has seven stages. In short: in the first stages the hairline recedes at the temples, in the middle stages a thin or bald spot appears at the crown and the recession deepens, and in the last stage only a band of hair on the sides and back is left. Progression differs from man to man, and many stay at an early stage for years. The earlier you start, the more hair there is to protect. More about the receding hairline in men.

Your options

There is no single best option. It depends on your goals, the stage and your budget, and you should always discuss medical options with your GP. For a longer comparison, read all hair loss options for men, with pros and cons.

Minoxidil: a medicine you apply to the scalp. It can slow hair loss and help regrowth for some men, and it only works for as long as you keep using it. Scalp irritation is a possible side effect. Ask your doctor or pharmacist. Read minoxidil: does it work and what are the side effects.
Finasteride: a prescription tablet that lowers DHT. It can slow hair loss in many men. Side effects are possible, so discuss them with your doctor. Here is one man's experience with finasteride.
Hair transplant: hair from the back and sides of the head is moved to thinning areas. The transplanted hairs are usually permanent, but the hair around them can keep thinning, so some men need a second procedure. Good aftercare matters. See which shampoo to use after a hair transplant.
Scalp micropigmentation: cosmetic tattooing that gives the look of a denser or closely shaved head. It does not grow hair. Read our interview with a scalp micropigmentation specialist.
Daily care: a gentle routine that supports the scalp and the hair you have. It is not a medical treatment, and it works alongside any of the options above.
Accepting it: for many men a short cut or a shaved head is the best choice, and it is a fully valid one. The emotional side matters too: read the emotional aspect of hair loss in men.

Daily care for men

Daily care will not change your genes, but it can support the scalp and the hair you have. The ZENLUCA routine for men has four steps: the shampoo three times per week, the conditioner after the shampoo, the serum every day and the roller once per week. The men's routine explains each step.

The formulas contain plant ingredients such as Ecklonia cava, a brown seaweed, together with caffeine, rosemary and niacinamide. These ingredients are studied mostly in laboratory research, and human evidence is limited. Read more about Ecklonia cava and see every ingredient on our ingredients page.

After a hair transplant

If you have had a hair transplant, or are thinking about one, aftercare matters for healing and for the result. Always follow the instructions of your clinic. Our articles cover which shampoo to use after a hair transplant and when you can start training again.

When to see a doctor

See your GP if you notice:

hair loss that is sudden or fast
round or patchy bald spots
a red, painful, itchy or scaly scalp
hair loss together with tiredness, weight changes or other symptoms
hair loss after starting a new medicine or supplement

A doctor can confirm the cause and tell you which options fit you.

Frequently asked questions

Can you stop male hair loss?

Medical treatments such as minoxidil and finasteride can slow it down for many men, for as long as they are used. Daily care supports the scalp and the hair you have. Nothing takes away the underlying tendency.

At what age does male hair loss start?

It can start from the late teens onward. Many men notice the first signs in their twenties or thirties.

Does caffeine shampoo help?

Caffeine has been studied on hair follicles in the laboratory. A shampoo is rinsed off after a short time, so the effect on a person is less clear. Read what caffeine shampoo can and cannot do.

Is minoxidil safe?

Minoxidil is a medicine with possible side effects, such as scalp irritation. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it suits you.

Hair transplant or not?

That is a personal and medical decision. A transplant needs enough donor hair, and the result depends on the clinic and on aftercare. Talk to your doctor and compare clinics carefully.