Male hair loss—what really causes it and can it be treated?
Trunk Archive | Bjarne Jonasson
From the moment we're born, hair becomes intricately entwined with our identity. As the first feature we can shape and mould according to our whims, changes to its cut, colour and length often come to represent various passages of time and iterations of the self. Simply put, our manes grow with us as we grow up. But what about when we grow older?
From greying to thinning, evolving hair conditions and what may feel like a diminishing of youth affect both men and women. But there's no denying that hair loss can resonate uniquely for men. In a beauty market emphasising the female audience, popular discourse tends to stop short of, say, lip colours and extensive facial regimens for men.
The result? Ultimately, more attention is directed towards men's manes. More than just strands, hair can come to symbolise one's youth, virility and vitality, treasured and tended to over decades. After all, it's not for nothing that the moniker 'crowning glory' is earned. But when it starts to fall, the impacts can be felt deeply. Quiet beginnings
Male hair loss typically starts subtly—the first signs of thinning at the temples or receding at the hairline. Hardly a sudden, dramatic change, androgenetic alopecia—or, less intimidatingly, male pattern baldness—affects a significant number of men as they age.
Dr Sean Lim, a medical practitioner at IDS Clinic, explains: 'Most male pattern hair loss starts at the frontal hairline, slowly progressing to thinning and miniaturisation of the individual hairs at the vertex, or crown (essentially, the highest point), of your head.'
But where do its causes lie? Lim points to the key role of—brace yourself—dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a derivative of testosterone. 'Genetic predisposition influences the sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT,' Lim shares. 'The likelihood of male hair loss increases with age, also becoming more pronounced over time due to the cumulative effects of genetic predisposition and ongoing DHT influence.'
Leonica Kei, a trichologist and founder of Leonica K Trichology, points to other aspects of one's lifestyle and diet that can play a contributing role. 'Chronic stress can trigger telogen effluvium, or sudden shedding,' she advises. 'Then, there's also nutritional deficiencies—especially low iron, zinc and vitamin D levels—and lifestyle factors such as a lack of sleep, smoking and harsh hair styling practices.' Inflammation or scalp disorders may also be culprits, as can certain medications and other health conditions. A path forward
Not every individual experiencing male hair loss will feel the need to address it. An entirely natural process, it's a shift that can be embraced and taken in stride much like any other sign of maturation. However, for those feeling a hit on their confidence, measures can be taken.
'Hair loss often impacts self-image and self-esteem, especially in younger men or those in client-facing roles,' shares Kei. 'In our clinic, we notice that men who catch the issue early feel more hopeful and proactive, and their confidence typically gets a boost after visible improvement or even simply from having a personalised treatment plan.'
To this end, both Lim and Kei advise consulting a reputable expert or clinic as a first call of action. Over-the-counter remedies and 'miracle' treatments may sound promising, but can ultimately lead to more frustration down the line. 'Accurately identifying the condition causing hair loss, and having personalised treatment recommendations, are important,' affirms Lim.
Nowadays, an abundant bevy of treatments is available, from oral medications to laser therapy and topical serums.
Hair growth stimulants and DHT blockers are often a first line of defence, respectively prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle and targeting the follicle-shrinking hormone. 'Other emerging therapeutic options include low-level laser therapy and microneedling—including radiofrequency microneedling—to improve scalp health and promote healthy hair growth,' Lim elaborates.
Often, a combination of treatments will be prescribed. 'We combine treatments for optimal results, based on scalp condition and severity,' asserts Kei. These can extend to nourishing the roots with detoxifying, inflammation-reducing scalp treatments and home care products. Not just any will do, however.
'Our shampoos and scalp serums are trichologist- formulated with multiple forms of antioxidants to rebalance the scalp, reduce inflammation, block DHT and support growth,' shares Kei. 'Clinical studies have shown that applying antioxidants to the scalp can help reduce hair shedding.' Surgical methods of hair transplantation may also be discussed, as well as products to aid with cosmetic camouflage, from keratin fibres to semi-permanent hair extensions.
Ultimately, though, it starts with expert care and targeted treatment. 'Male pattern hair loss can be partially reversed with the right care,' insists Kei, reiterating the importance of early intervention if losing hair is a concern. A crowning glory it may be, but for many who have spent the better part of their lives investing in their hair, an inevitable arc of lesser tresses can carry a certain freedom. And no matter the state of your strands, that is a confidence worth hanging on to.
Pre-order your copy of the Vogue Man 'Gold' issue online or pick it up on newsstands from 13 June 2025.
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