12 Things Men Should Know About Thinning Hair

12 things men should know about thinning hair, according to a trichologist

Your male hair-loss questions, answered

IF YOU’RE ONE of the 25 per cent of men who start going bald by the time they turn 30, things can seem fairly hopeless. However, if you’ve noticed your hair is starting to look a bit thin up top, it may not be as bad as you think.

For a start, University of Manchester researchers, writing in PLOS Biology, claimed a drug originally intended to treat osteoporosis could eventually provide a cure for baldness.

While we’re all waiting for that, and before you go to the expense of paying for a hair transplant, take a look at our list of the ten things you need to know about losing your hair. Follow these rules and you just might keep your untamed locks for a while longer yet.

How to tell if your hair is thinning

This isn’t as silly a question as it sounds. Thinning hair isn’t the same as going bald. Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition, whereas hair loss, per se, can be caused by a variety of factors.

If you are losing patches of hair in an apparently random manner, you may have alopecia, a condition where a person (male or female) loses patches of hair from parts of their body. In extreme cases this may affect all the hair on the body. Alopecia is thought to have hereditary and autoimmune factors (where the body mistakenly attacks itself). It is not the same as male pattern baldness.

If your hair loss occurs in a more regular receding pattern, usually from the temples and crown of the head, then it is more likely you have male pattern baldness. But remember – most men go bald. It’s nothing to be afraid of or embarrassed about.

How quickly will I lose my hair?

Male hair loss starts at some point in the twenties, but it typically takes 15-25 years to go bald. Half of fifty-year-olds are quite bald.

However, some men go bald in less than five years. It is almost impossible to put a finger on how long the process will take.

What causes hair thinning in men?

The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern hair loss (MPHL). ‘It occurs when hair follicles on the scalp in genetically predisposed areas are overly sensitive to normal circulating levels of androgens (testosterone) – specifically to its more potent metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When you have this sensitivity, hair follicles gradually miniaturise and produce finer and shorter hairs. It can occur any time after puberty, and I see many men in their mid and late teens experiencing it,’ reveals Anabel Kingsley, Consultant Trichologist and Brand President at Philip Kingsley.

“While male pattern hair loss is genetic, it can be made worse by certain lifestyle factors, like stress, Vitamin D deficiency, and scalp conditions, like dandruff,” she adds.

“Men can also experience Telogen Effluvium (excessive daily hair shedding). While not as common as MPHL, this can be triggered by stress, poor eating habits, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, rapid weight loss, a flaky scalp, surgery, the flu and high fevers. TE is usually transient and stops once the underlying cause is found and treated. However, for men, TE is often self-limiting and no treatment is needed,” continues Kingsley.

Does stress make your hair thin?

“Stress can cause hair loss but hair loss caused by stress is rarely permanent. Whether stress speeds up the process of hereditary baldness is unknown,” says Kingsley.

“There is a form of hair loss that can be caused by severe stress called telogen effluvium, which interrupts the growth cycle of your hair follicles causing hair to shed. But in the long term this process should correct itself,” she adds.

If you find your hair is falling out in clumps or at unpredictable times, it is most likely to be the symptom of something else. This could be stress related but is unlikely to be caused by sexual frustration. The best thing to do is to see your GP for a check up.

Natural hair loss remedies

Everyone loses hair naturally and it is normal for hair to thin somewhat when you get older. But the truth is that male pattern hair loss is a genetic condition that cannot be stopped entirely.

There is a condition called Traction Alopecia, which is caused by constant pulling or tension of your hairs over a long period. You don’t have to be dragged around the floor by your head to suffer from this either – if you often wear tight braids, particularly cornrows, or tight ponytails, you are more likely to get Traction Alopecia. So try not to pull your hair tight excessively. Some experts also recommend exercise as a good way to maintain a healthy head of hair.

How do men fix thinning hair?

“For active hair thinning you must always address the hormonal sensitivity that is present in your hair follicles.” Kingsley reveals this can involve one or a combination of any of the following:

  • ‘Hair follicle stimulants such as minoxidil in the form of daily topical scalp drops
    Anti-androgenic medications, such as Spirolonactone.
  • ‘Stress management (stress can raise DHT levels in your body).
  • ‘The two treatments medically approved for pattern hair loss are minoxidil and finasteride.’

Minoxidil lotion: (Regaine regular strength or Regaine extra strength) is applied twice daily to the scalp. Can be purchased over-the-counter. About 60 per cent of patients benefit from it to varying degrees. Its effects start to wear off as soon as it is stopped.

Finasteride: (Propecia) is a medicine taken in tablet form that partially blocks the effects of the male hormones (an ‘anti-androgen’). Propecia has been shown to halt further hair loss and promote re-growth of scalp hair in approximately 80 per cent of patients after three to six months. The treatment benefits also stop when you stop taking the medication. Only available on prescription and is available on some NHS primary care trust lists for certain conditions.

You might also consider cosmetic surgery, which is a reliable way to replace lost hair. Methods include transplants, scalp reductions and flap surgery – although all are expensive long-term solutions.

Potential side effects of hair loss treatments

  1. Minoxidil lotion: Common side effects are scalp and skin irritation. More rarely it can cause changes in hair colour and texture.
  2. Finasteride: Noticeable side effects are uncommon, but sometimes the medicine can cause a rash, and a small proportion of users may experience reduced libido, erection problems or breast and/or nipple tenderness.

Psychological impacts of thinning hair

Some men have a genuine fear of going bald and it can cause high stress levels, low self-esteem, reduced sex drive and even depression. But if you understand the causes and accept them you are much more likely to conquer these fears. Most men feel a momentary loss of confidence when they realise they are losing hair but this is often overcome quickly. The only way to ensure you won’t suffer psychological problems is to face up to the realities of baldness and either accept it or seek treatment that works for you.

How to prevent hair thinning in men

“Look after your scalp. Hair growth is reliant on scalp health – any type of flaking of the scalp can increase daily hair fall and also impact the strength and integrity of strands. To help keep your scalp in good condition shampoo daily, spending approx 1 minute gently but firmly massaging your scalp. If you have dandruff, use an antimicrobial shampoo.”

Take a Vitamin D supplement, especially in winter and eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in proteins, complex carbohydrates, Vitamin B12 and iron. Hair is non-essential tissue so it is the first part of you to suffer when your diet is lacking and the last part of you to receive nutrients.

Lastly, keep stress levels to a minimum. Try yoga, Pilates, brisk walks, mindfulness, swimming, meditation – or any exercise/activity you enjoy and find relaxing.

How to style thin hair

When styling thin hair, the goal is to enhance volume, create texture, and minimize the appearance of thinning areas. Here, Ryan Forsythe, Artistic Education Director at Trevor Sorbie, explains how:

1/ Start with the right cut

Your haircut is the foundation for styling thin hair. Opt for shorter, layered styles that add structure and create the illusion of thickness. A classic crop, textured quiff, or a crew cut works well for most men with thinning hair. Avoid overly long styles, as they can make thinning more noticeable.

2/ Focus on pre-styling care

Use a lightweight, volumising shampoo to lift roots without weighing your hair down. Avoid conditioners or heavy, oil-based products that can flatten the hair and draw attention to sparse areas.

3/ Blow-drying

This is one of the best tools for adding volume to thin hair. Use your fingers or a vented brush to lift the roots as you dry

Best styling products for thin hair

  • Volumising spray or mousse: to prep before blowdrying, will give substance and volume to the hair.
  • Matte Paste or Clay: Adds texture and volume without shine, which can highlight thin areas.
  • Sea Salt Spray: Perfect for a tousled, fuller look with a lightweight finish.
  • Powder or texture sprays: Ideal for creating lift at the roots.

“Avoid greasy pomades or gels, as these can clump hair together and emphasize thinning,” says Forsythe.

“Well-placed partings can disguise thinning areas. Experiment with a side part or brush your hair forward for a fuller appearance. Avoid sharp centre parts, which can expose the scalp. If thinning is advanced, consider grooming techniques. A well-trimmed beard or stubble can draw attention away from the scalp and add balance to your overall look,” he adds.

This article originally appeared on Men’s Health UK.

Related:

5 Common Myths About Baldness You Need to Stop Believing

7 of the best head shavers for men in 2024

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