Hair loss men: Effective methods to reduce hair loss

What is androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia is also known as hereditary hair loss, male pattern baldness or common baldness in men.

The condition typically develops gradually.

In some people, the hairline begins to recede at the temples. In others, the hair first becomes less dense on the crown or at the back of the head.

Genetics and sensitivity to androgenic hormones play a key role.

Over time, the affected hair follicles may produce shorter and finer strands of hair, and as a result, the hair may gradually appear less dense.

The rate at which hair loss progresses varies from person to person.

Why do men go bald?

There is no single cause for all cases of hair loss in men.

In the case of classic male-pattern hair loss, genetics and hormonal factors typically play a major role.

However, other types of hair loss may have different causes.

It is therefore important to distinguish between, for example:

Androgenetic alopecia

Hereditary hair loss, which typically develops gradually.

Telogen effluvium

A type of diffuse hair shedding which can occur, amongst other things, following significant physical or psychological stress.

Alopecia areata

An autoimmune condition that often manifests as clearly defined areas of patchy hair loss.

Other causes

Illness, medication and various scalp conditions can also be linked to hair loss.

It is therefore not a good idea to automatically assume that all hair loss is due to genetics, stress or a lack of certain vitamins.

Read more in our guide to the causes of hair loss.

Thinning hair in men

Thinning hair and hair loss are not necessarily the same thing.

Some men naturally have:

• fine hair strands
• lower hair density
• a high hairline
• less volume than others

This does not necessarily mean that you are actively losing hair.

If, on the other hand, your hair used to be significantly thicker and is gradually becoming less dense, this may indicate a genuine change in hair density.

It is therefore often more relevant to compare your hair with how your own hair used to look than with other men’s hair.

When are you losing too much hair?

It is natural to shed hair every day as part of the hair growth cycle.

Finding hair in the bath, on your pillow or in your hairbrush is therefore not automatically a sign of hair loss.

It may be worth paying extra attention if you notice:

• a noticeable increase in hair shedding
• gradually receding temples
• a hairline that is moving backwards
• a more visible scalp
• significant thinning
• patchy areas without hair
• a rapid change in hair density

If the change is noticeable, sudden or continues over a longer period, you should speak to your doctor.

High temples in men

High temples are one of the most well-known signs of male pattern hair loss.

However, it is important to remember that some men naturally have a high or M-shaped hairline.

What is interesting, therefore, is not just what the hairline looks like, but whether it changes over time.

In androgenetic alopecia, the hairline may gradually recede at the temples.

If you are unsure about the progression, you can take photos at intervals of a few months.

Try to use:

• the same angle
• the same distance
• the same lighting
• the same hairstyle

This makes the comparison more accurate.

Read more in our guide on high temples.

Can men regrow lost hair?

It depends on the cause of the hair loss.

Some forms of increased shedding may be temporary and gradually return to normal.

Androgenetic alopecia, on the other hand, is a different type of process, and it is therefore important to distinguish between different forms of hair loss.

There are medical treatment options available for certain types of hair loss.

If you’d like to explore the options for treating hair loss, you should speak to your GP or a dermatologist.

Cosmetic products and dietary supplements should not be regarded as medical treatments for androgenetic alopecia.

Can hair loss in men be prevented?

Again, this depends on the cause.

You cannot alter your genetic predisposition through:

• shampoo
• hair vitamins
• scalp massage
• a specific type of hairbrush
• ordinary cosmetic serums

If you are experiencing early signs of androgenetic alopecia and wish to explore medical treatment options, an early consultation with your doctor may be advisable.

At the same time, you can take good care of your existing hair and minimise unnecessary hair breakage through a gentle hair care routine.

Treatment of hair loss in men

The right treatment depends on the type of hair loss.

Therefore, the first step is to find out what is actually causing the change in your hair.

For androgenetic alopecia, there are medical treatment options which a doctor or chemist can advise you on.

Some men also choose to explore the possibility of a hair transplant.

Effectiveness, suitability and potential risks vary from person to person.

If you are experiencing actual hair loss, you should therefore not base your approach solely on cosmetic products or dietary supplements.

Hair vitamins for men – what can they do?

Dietary supplements are often marketed as hair vitamins for both men and women.

It is important to distinguish between the authorised health claims for specific nutrients and claims regarding the treatment of hair loss.

Biotin and zinc, for example, have authorised health claims relating to normal hair:

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

This does not mean that biotin or zinc can:

• stop genetic hair loss
• treat androgenetic alopecia
• restore a receding hairline
• create new hair follicles
• treat baldness
• make lost hair grow back

Hair vitamins should therefore not be regarded as a treatment for hair loss in men.

Yuaia Hair Vitamins for Men

Yuaia Hair Vitamins is a dietary supplement containing, amongst other things, biotin and zinc.

Biotin and zinc help to maintain normal hair.

Hair Vitamins can be incorporated as a dietary supplement into the daily routine of both men and women.

However, the product should not be marketed as a treatment for:

• baldness
• androgenetic alopecia
• receding hairline
• patchy baldness
• hormonal hair loss
• other medical causes of hair loss

Dietary supplements should not replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Always follow the recommended daily dose.

Does biotin help with hair loss in men?

Biotin is a B vitamin and is often used in dietary supplements for hair.

The relevant authorised health claim is:

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

This is not the same as a claim that biotin stops hair loss.

Therefore, you should not rephrase the claim to, for example:

“Biotin brings your hair back.”

“Biotin stops baldness.”

or:

“Biotin makes hair grow faster.”

If you are experiencing actual hair loss, the cause should be assessed separately.

What about zinc and hair?

Zinc is a mineral with several functions in the body.

The relevant authorised health claim for hair is:

Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

This does not mean that zinc can be described as a treatment for genetic or hormonal hair loss.

Should you take dietary supplements if you are losing your hair?

Not necessarily.

Hair loss does not automatically mean that you are deficient in a vitamin or mineral.

If you are experiencing hair loss, the cause could, for example, be genetic, hormonal or medical.

It is therefore better to have the cause investigated than to try to diagnose a vitamin deficiency yourself based on the condition of your hair.

If you have specific concerns about a deficiency in a particular nutrient, your doctor can help assess whether further investigation is needed.

Diet and hair in men

A varied and balanced diet is part of a healthy lifestyle.

For example, you can include various sources of:

• vegetables
• fruit
• wholemeal grains
• protein
• fish
• nuts and seeds
• pulses

However, it is too simplistic to say that certain foods can prevent common, genetically-related hair loss.

When vitamins and minerals are marketed specifically in relation to hair, one should stick to their approved health claims.

For example:

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

Rosemary oil for men with hair loss

Rosemary oil is used in various cosmetic products for the hair and scalp.

Rosemary oil can, for example, be used as part of a regular scalp care routine, following the product’s instructions for use.

However, a cosmetic oil product should not automatically be described as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia or as a substitute for medical treatment.

The same applies to other plant oils and natural ingredients.

The fact that an ingredient is natural does not automatically mean that it treats hair loss.

Scalp massage and hair loss

Scalp massage can be a pleasant part of your hair care routine.

For example, you can massage your scalp with your fingertips or use a scalp brush whilst washing your hair.

A scalp brush can, amongst other things, help to:

• distribute shampoo
• massage the scalp
• make washing your hair more comfortable

However, scalp massage should not be regarded as a proven treatment for androgenetic alopecia or as a method that guarantees new hair growth.

Grow & Glow Serum Formula+

Grow & Glow Serum Formula+ is a cosmetic serum developed for application directly to the scalp.

The serum can be used as part of a regular scalp care routine, following the product’s instructions for use.

If you are experiencing significant hair loss, cosmetic products should not replace an assessment of the cause.

Medical hair loss and general cosmetic hair care should be kept separate.

Hair transplants for men

A hair transplant is an option that some men experiencing permanent hair loss choose to explore.

In a hair transplant, hair follicles are moved from a donor area with preserved hair to areas with less hair.

Two well-known methods are FUE and FUT.

FUE

With FUE, hair follicles are extracted individually from the donor area and transplanted to the desired area.

FUT

With FUT, a small strip of skin is removed from the donor area, after which the hair follicles are separated and transplanted.

Which solution may be appropriate depends, amongst other things, on:

• the type of hair loss
• the donor area
• hair density
• individual preferences
• professional assessment

If you are considering a hair transplant, you should arrange a personalised consultation with a qualified practitioner.

How to look after your hair

A good hair care routine cannot change your genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia.

However, it can help you look after the hair you already have.

Wash your hair as needed

There is no single ‘correct’ frequency for washing.

Choose a shampoo that suits your scalp and hair type.

Be careful with wet hair

Wet hair can be more sensitive to mechanical stress.

Therefore, detangle your hair gently.

Limit very high heat

Frequent heat styling at high temperatures can damage the hair shaft.

Consider using a heat protectant.

Avoid constant pulling on your hair

Very tight hairstyles can cause mechanical stress.

Vary your hairstyle if you often wear your hair tight.

Brush your hair gently

Avoid unnecessarily forcing the brush through tangles.

If your hair is longer, you can start at the ends and work your way up gradually.

Shampoo for hair loss in men

It is common to search for ‘shampoo for hair loss’, but a standard cosmetic shampoo should not be regarded as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia.

Shampoo is primarily used to cleanse the hair and scalp.

If your scalp is dry or sensitive, a mild formula may be suitable.

If you use a lot of styling products, you may need a more effective cleanser.

You should therefore choose a shampoo based on your hair and scalp type rather than on the expectation that the shampoo can stop genetic hair loss.

Should shampoo be sulphate-free?

Not necessarily.

Sulphates are cleansing ingredients used in many shampoos.

Some people prefer sulphate-free formulations, whilst others find shampoos containing sulphates work well for them.

This depends, amongst other things, on hair type, scalp condition and the specific formulation.

Sulphates should therefore not generally be described as a cause of hair loss.

Nor should a sulphate-free shampoo be marketed as a treatment for baldness.

Exercise and hair loss in men

Regular physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle.

Exercise can have many benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing.

However, it should not be described as a method that directly prevents androgenetic alopecia or causes lost hair to grow back.

If exercise helps you manage stress and improves your general well-being, that is still a good reason to be physically active.

Stress and hair loss in men

Significant physical or psychological stress can, in some people, be associated with telogen effluvium.

This is a different type of hair loss from androgenetic alopecia.

If you experience increased diffuse shedding following a stressful period, stress may therefore be one possible factor.

However, this does not mean that stress is the cause of all hair loss in men.

Read more in our guide on hair loss following stress.

Alcohol, smoking and hair

Smoking and high alcohol consumption can have various negative consequences for general health.

However, it is important not to draw an overly simplistic link such as:

smoking → poor blood circulation → hair follicles lack nourishment → baldness.

Androgenetic alopecia is primarily linked to genetic and hormonal factors.

There are therefore many good general health reasons to avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, but this should not be marketed as a guaranteed method of stopping hair loss.

Hair loss and self-esteem

For some men, hair loss is a cosmetic change that does not bother them much.

For others, it can significantly affect their self-confidence.

There is no single ‘right’ way to react.

If your hair loss is a major concern, you could, for example:

• talk to someone about it
• seek professional advice on hair loss
• try out a new hairstyle
• cut your hair shorter
• look into relevant treatment options

The most important thing is to find a solution that you personally feel comfortable with.

Hairstyles for men with thinning hair

A change of hairstyle can make a big visual difference, even if it doesn’t alter the hair loss itself.

Popular options for thinning hair or receding hairlines include:

Buzz cut

A very short cut can make the difference between dense and less dense areas less noticeable.

Crew cut

Short at the sides and slightly longer on top can create a balanced look.

Short, textured hair

Texture can create the illusion of greater volume.

Clean shave

Some people choose to shave their hair off completely, making the hairline less prominent.

A hairdresser can help you find a haircut that suits your hair and face shape.

When should you contact your doctor?

Contact your doctor if you experience:

• sudden hair loss
• very heavy shedding
• patchy areas without hair
• rapidly progressing thinning
• pain or sores on the scalp
• severe irritation
• other new symptoms occurring at the same time
• hair loss that is causing you significant concern

A doctor can help assess the type of hair loss you are experiencing and whether further investigations or treatment are necessary.

Products for a gentle hair care routine

If you are experiencing thinning hair or hair loss, you can still use standard cosmetic products for your hair and scalp.

It is important to distinguish between general hair care and the treatment of medical hair loss.

Grow & Glow Serum Formula+

Grow & Glow Serum Formula+ is a cosmetic scalp serum.

Follow the product’s instructions for use.

Grow & Glow Shampoo

Grow & Glow Shampoo is used for general cleansing of the hair and scalp.

Grow & Glow Conditioner

Grow & Glow Conditioner is used after washing your hair to nourish the lengths and make your hair more manageable.

Yuaia Hair Vitamins

Yuaia Hair Vitamins is a dietary supplement containing, amongst other things, biotin and zinc.

Biotin and zinc help to maintain normal hair.

Hair Vitamins should not be regarded as a treatment for genetic or medical hair loss.

Myths about hair loss and male pattern baldness

Myth: Only older men go bald

Hair loss can begin at various ages.

Androgenetic alopecia can begin relatively early in some people.

Myth: Hair loss is only inherited from your mother’s side

The genetics behind androgenetic alopecia are complex.

Hereditary factors from both sides of the family can play a role.

Myth: Washing your hair causes hair loss

Regular hair washing does not cause androgenetic alopecia.

However, you may notice hair in the bath that was already on its way to falling out as part of the hair’s natural cycle.

Myth: Wearing a cap causes baldness

Regular use of a hat or cap is not a typical cause of androgenetic alopecia.

Myth: Stress is the primary cause of baldness

Stress may be associated with other forms of increased hair shedding, such as telogen effluvium.

Androgenetic alopecia, on the other hand, is primarily linked to genetic and hormonal factors.

Myth: Hair vitamins stop genetic hair loss

Dietary supplements should not be regarded as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia.

Biotin and zinc help to maintain normal hair.

This is not the same as stopping hair loss.

Myth: Scalp massage can regrow lost hair

Scalp massage can be a pleasant part of a hair care routine, but should not be regarded as a proven treatment for genetic hair loss.

FAQ on male hair loss

What is the most common cause of hair loss in men?

Androgenetic alopecia is a very common form of hair loss in men and is linked to genetic and hormonal factors.

Why do men develop receding hairlines?

If the hairline gradually recedes at the temples, this may, amongst other things, be linked to androgenetic alopecia.

However, some men naturally have high temples without active hair loss.

Are high temples a sign of baldness?

Not always.

It is particularly relevant whether the hairline changes over time.

Can hair loss in men regrow?

It depends on the type and cause of the hair loss.

Some forms of increased shedding may return to normal, whilst androgenetic alopecia follows a different course.

Can Hair Vitamins help with baldness?

Hair Vitamins should not be regarded as a treatment for baldness or androgenetic alopecia.

The product contains, amongst other things, biotin and zinc.

Biotin and zinc help to maintain normal hair.

Which vitamins are good for men’s hair?

Biotin and zinc have authorised health claims relating to normal hair.

Selenium also has an authorised claim regarding the maintenance of normal hair.

This does not mean that these nutrients treat genetic hair loss.

Can biotin stop hair loss in men?

Biotin’s authorised claim is:

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

This should not be rephrased to suggest that biotin stops androgenetic alopecia.

Can shampoo stop hair loss in men?

An ordinary cosmetic shampoo should not be regarded as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia.

Shampoo is primarily used to cleanse the hair and scalp.

Can scalp massage help hair regrowth?

Scalp massage can be pleasant and form part of a regular hair care routine.

It should not be regarded as a proven treatment for androgenetic alopecia.

What can be done about genetic hair loss?

If you wish to seek treatment for androgenetic alopecia, you should speak to your GP or dermatologist about the relevant medical options.

When should you see a doctor about hair loss?

See a doctor if you experience sudden, very severe, patchy or unexplained hair loss, as well as if you have other symptoms affecting the scalp.

Brief summary

Hair loss in men can have various causes.

A very common form is androgenetic alopecia, which is linked to genetic and hormonal factors.

Receding hairline and gradual thinning on the crown of the head may be signs of this type of hair loss.

If your hair changes significantly, it is important to have the cause assessed.

Cosmetic hair care can help you look after your existing hair and scalp, but shampoos, serums, scalp massages and dietary supplements should not be regarded as a treatment for baldness.

When referring to Hair Vitamins, the relevant authorised claims are:

Biotin helps maintain normal hair.

Zinc helps maintain normal hair.