What Causes Hair Loss in Men: 6 Common Causes & What You Can Do About It

Hair loss affects around 6.5 million men in the UK alone, so it's natural that many of us have questions about why it happens and whether we can do anything to prevent or reverse it.

Here at Salt Grooming, it's one area we're passionate about. Our team of experts have spent years researching and developing the most advanced haircare formulas to help combat hair loss in men, particularly male pattern hair loss.

We're always inundated with questions from our customers about the topic, so we've answered some of the most common ones below, including what causes hair loss in men and what you can do about it.

Hair loss can actually be broken down into various categories, but the most common type in men is male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).

Other types of hair loss that can affect men include stress-related hair loss (telogen effluvium), autoimmune disorders such as alopecia areata, and scarring alopecia.

The causes of these different types of hair loss can vary, but male pattern hair loss is the most common and affects around 16% of 18-29 year-olds and 53% of men by the time they reach 40-49.

The Signs of Hair Loss in Men So, how do you know if you're experiencing hair loss? Well, the most obvious sign is a noticeable thinning of hair on the scalp, particularly around the crown or receding hairline. You may also notice an increase in hair shedding in your shower or on your pillow, or a widening of your parting. These are all common signs of male pattern hair loss. Some men may also experience itching, irritation or inflammation of the scalp, which can be a sign of conditions such as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.

As we've mentioned, hair loss can be down to many things depending on the type. However, there are some common causes that can lead to male pattern hair loss in particular.

The biggest factor behind male pattern hair loss is genetics.

Male pattern baldness occurs due to the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) binding to hair follicles and causing them to shrink, resulting in thinner and shorter hair.

"Studies have estimated that approximately 80% of male pattern baldness cases are caused by genetics. The genes that make someone more susceptible to hair loss are passed on from both sides of the family." - Lloyds Pharmacy

If someone in your family has experienced hair loss, it's likely that you have the genes for it too, putting you at a greater risk. So you have your parents' and grandparents' to thank for your receding hairline.

As mentioned earlier, DHT is a hormone that binds to hair follicles and can cause them to shrink. But why do some men have higher levels of DHT?

One reason is genetics, since some people's bodies produce more DHT than others due to their genetic makeup.

Another reason could be certain medications or supplements that increase the body's production of DHT, such as anabolic steroids.

But essentially, if you have a higher level of DHT in your body, it's more likely that you’ll experience male pattern hair loss.

Stress can have a huge impact on our bodies, and hair loss is no exception. This isn't linked to male pattern baldness, but it is linked to stress-related hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium.

When we're under chronic or high levels of stress, our bodies can go into a state of shock and stop producing new hair, leading to shedding and thinning of the hair.

This type of hair loss can be temporary, as once stress levels decrease, the hair follicles can start producing new hairs again. However, if stress continues for a prolonged period, it can lead to long-term hair loss.

Our diet and nutrition play a significant role in our overall health and well-being, including the health of our hair.

If we don't consume enough essential vitamins and minerals, it can lead to hair loss. For example, a lack of iron or protein can cause the hair to become weak and brittle, leading to breakage and thinning.

"Just like garden plants need proper sunlight and rich soil, your hair relies on getting enough proteins, vitamins like A and C, essential minerals including iron and zinc, and even healthy fats to hold moisture." – Oxford Online Pharmacy

Additionally, crash diets or restrictive eating can also cause hair loss as our bodies may not be getting enough nutrients to support healthy hair growth.

In some cases, hair loss can be a symptom of an underlying health condition. This could include thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, or scalp conditions like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.

It's essential to consult a doctor if you experience sudden or excessive hair loss, as it could be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.

Such is life, as we age, our bodies go through numerous changes, and hair loss can be one of them. As we get older, our hair follicles become more sensitive to DHT and can shrink, leading to hair thinning and loss.

It's just one of the many things we get to look forward to as we approach our golden years.

There isn't a straight answer to this question, as it's a bit of a yes and a no. It really depends on the cause of the hair loss as to whether you can prevent it.

If we're looking at genetic triggers, there's not much we can do about it. However, there are preventative measures we can take to slow down the process or to make our hair appear thicker and fuller.

While you can't fully put a stop to male pattern baldness, there are steps you can take to prevent it from progressing. The key, though, is to get on top of it early. If you start taking measures to prevent it way before you even notice any hair loss, it's more likely to be effective.

Since DHT is one of the main culprits behind male pattern hair loss, using DHT-blocking products can help slow down its effects.

These products typically contain ingredients like saw palmetto or caffeine, which work to inhibit the production of DHT and prevent it from binding to hair follicles.

We’ve developed a powerful shampoo and conditioner duo that contains a blend of natural DHT-blockers, as well as other hair-strengthening ingredients to promote healthy hair growth and reduce the effects of male pattern hair loss. Both our advanced shampoo and conditioner formulas contain Saw Palmetto, which directly blocks the production of DHT, Red Clover Leaf, which inhibits 5-alpha reductase enzymes, and Ginkgo Biloba, which helps stimulate healthy hair regrowth by improving scalp blood circulation. Together, these ingredients work in synergy to prevent further hair loss and promote thicker, fuller hair.

Making sure your body has what it needs to produce healthy hair is crucial. Without the proper nutrients available, your scalp and hair follicles won't be able to function at their best.

This means maintaining a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and D. Incorporating foods like lean meats, eggs, leafy greens, nuts, and fruits can help ensure you're getting the essential nutrients for healthy hair growth.

Alternatively, if you struggle to consume enough of these foods in your diet, you can consider taking hair growth supplements that contain these vitamins and minerals. But you shouldn't use these as a replacement; rather, as a complement to a nutritious diet.

In some cases, medical treatments may be recommended to help prevent hair loss. These can include topical or oral medications that work to block DHT or stimulate hair growth.

However, it's essential to consult with a doctor before starting any medical treatment for hair loss, as they can assess your specific situation and recommend the best course of action.

Reversing hair loss is a tricky topic. In most cases, once hair follicles have shrunk and died off, they can't be revived. But – depending on the severity and cause of hair loss – there are some cases where hair can grow back.

For example, if stress or an underlying health condition is the root cause of hair loss, addressing and treating these factors can help restore healthy hair growth.

Additionally, with the right products and lifestyle changes, you may be able to slow down or stop further hair loss in its tracks, making it appear as if you have "reversed" the process.

Hair care products, like shampoo and conditioner, that contain stimulating and nourishing ingredients can help promote healthy hair regrowth and make your existing hair appear thicker and fuller. They help to boost the growth of new hair, strengthening and thickening existing ones.

Hair regrowth and thickening products aren't a quick fix. They require consistency, patience, and time before you start seeing results. This is because our hair has its own growth cycle, which can take a few months to see the full effects.

However, using a thickening shampoo and conditioner like ours will help to increase the volume in the hair strands, giving the appearance of thicker hair immediately.

Over time, with consistent use and a healthy lifestyle, you can expect to see new hair growth and an overall improvement in the thickness and quality of your hair.

Hair loss is a common concern for many men, and it's important to understand the different types, causes, and prevention methods to help combat it.

While we can't control our genetics or age, there are steps we can take to slow down or prevent male pattern hair loss. These include using DHT-blocking products, maintaining a nutritious diet, and addressing any underlying health conditions or high-stress levels.

With consistency and patience, it is possible to maintain healthy hair and potentially even "reverse" the appearance of hair loss.

Explore our collection of men's hair care products today and elevate your grooming routine to help prevent and combat hair loss.