In order to understand hair loss in men, it’s first important to understand how healthy hair is supposed to function. Your hair follicles alternate between a growth phase, in which they produce new hairs, and a rest phase, in which old hairs are shed to make room for new growth. On any given day, up to 10 percent of your follicles should be in the rest phase, meaning a little bit of shedding is not only normal but perfectly healthy.
Hair loss in men tends to happen when this natural rhythm is thrown off balance. Sometimes, this might mean that the growth phase is made unproductive. In other cases, it might mean that the rest phase is prolonged, causing too much shedding and not enough new growth. Most of the common causes of male hair loss fit one or both of these descriptors.
Common Causes of Male Baldness
Of all the male hair loss reasons, the most common by far is a condition known as androgenetic alopecia. You may know it by its more familiar name: Male pattern baldness.
Pertaining to the men who experience hair loss, about 90 percent of them have androgenetic alopecia to blame for it. So what is androgenetic alopecia? Researchers mostly agree that this is a genetic condition and that it involves surplus production of DHT, a testosterone byproduct that interferes with the follicles and keeps them from working the way they are supposed to.
The bad news about male pattern baldness is that there’s no known cure for it. The good news is that there are plenty of options for hair restoration, meaning you can once again enjoy a full head of healthy hair, plus your full sense of self-confidence.
Other Male Hair Loss Reasons
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common of all the causes of male hair loss, but it’s not the only one. Consider some additional conditions that may impede healthy hair growth:
- Sometimes, the problem is simply an unhealthy scalp. If you neglect scalp care, your follicles can become clogged with oil, dirt, or debris, inhibiting the growth of new hairs.
- There are also autoimmune disorders, including alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis, in which the body attacks the hair follicles as though they are foreign invaders.
- Many medical treatments can cause male hair loss. Chemotherapy and radiation are the most obvious examples, but there are also prescription drugs that can interfere with your follicles.
- Though it’s not super common, some men do struggle with trichotillomania, a nervous condition that involves the pulling, twisting, or even chewing of the hair.
- Lifestyle may also be a factor. Inadequate nutrition and excessive stress may both contribute to hair loss.
- There’s also style. Do you tend to wear your hair in tight buns or similar styles? These styles can tug at your hairs, potentially scarring the follicles and resulting in long-term hair loss.
These are just some of the most well-documented causes of male hair loss. However, no matter what causes your hair loss, solutions are always available.
Discover the Solutions to Male Hair Loss
Hair loss is never exactly welcome... but thankfully, it never has to be permanent, either. At On Stage Hair Studio, we’re in the business of putting hair on people’s heads, whether through extensions, a custom hair system, or another solution altogether. And no matter what’s causing your hair loss, we’re here to find a solution that will work well for you.
The best way to begin is by joining us for a private consultation here in our Slidell, LA studio. We’ll answer your questions and talk more about options for hair restoration. Contact us to request a FREE consultation today.