Skip to content

When Does Male Hair Loss Start?

October 29, 2024
Book a Consultation

    Quick summary: When does male hair loss start?

    • Typical onset: Male hair loss often begins in the 20s or 30s, though timing can vary based on genetics and other factors.
    • Genetic influence: About 95% of male hair loss is caused by androgenetic alopecia, a hereditary condition that follows a pattern of thinning and receding hair.
    • Early signs: Approximately 25% of men with hereditary baldness start losing hair before the age of 21.
    • Progression over time:
      • By age 35, about 66% of men experience some hair loss.
      • By age 50, around 85% of men have significantly thinner hair.
    • Pattern: Hair typically starts thinning at the temples or crown, with variations based on individual health, lifestyle, and family history.
    • The seven stages of male pattern baldness: Male pattern baldness progresses in seven stages, from minimal thinning to severe balding. Hair loss typically starts at the temples or crown and advances to form a horseshoe pattern.
    • Factors that influence male hair loss: Genetics, age, health conditions, and stress are primary factors. Diet, lifestyle, and medications can also contribute to hair thinning or loss.
    • How can I prevent male hair loss? While prevention isn’t guaranteed, a balanced diet, stress management, and gentle hair care can help maintain hair health. Limiting heat styling and using mild products can also support stronger, healthier hair.
    • What can you do about male hair loss? Treatment options include medications like minoxidil and finasteride, which slow hair loss, hair transplants (FUE and FUT), low-level laser therapy, and PRP therapy.

    Male hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is an issue many men face as they age. Although it’s a natural process, understanding when it begins and what influences it can help you take proactive steps to maintain healthy hair or reclaim lost hair. Male hair loss usually starts gradually, but the onset and rate of progression can vary significantly from one person to another. Often, the first signs appear as early as the 20s or 30s, but for some, it might not become noticeable until later in life.

    At The Treatment Rooms in London, we specialise in treating male hair loss, providing a tailored, results-driven approach to restoration through procedures like FUE hair transplant surgery. In this article, we explore the timeline and causes of male hair loss, discuss factors and risks, and offer guidance on potential preventative measures and treatments.

    When does male hair loss start?

    Male hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness, is primarily genetic and follows a predictable pattern of recession and thinning. According to the American Hair Loss Association, about 95 percent of hair loss in men is caused by androgenetic alopecia.

    Approximately 25 percent of men with hereditary male pattern baldness begin losing their hair before age 21. By age 35, around 66 percent of men will have experienced some degree of hair loss, and by age 50, approximately 85 percent of men will have significantly thinner hair.

    For most, thinning often starts around the temples or crown, but the pattern and rate of progression can differ due to factors such as genetics, health conditions, and lifestyle.

    The seven stages of male pattern baldness

    Male pattern baldness typically progresses through a series of seven stages, often described using the Norwood Scale. This classification system helps identify the extent of hair loss and can guide treatment options.

    • Stage 1: Minimal or no hair loss: Hairline remains mostly intact with no noticeable hair loss or recession.
    • Stage 2: Slight recession at the temples: Early signs of a receding hairline, forming an “M” shape as hair recedes at the temples.
    • Stage 3: Deeper hairline recession: The “M” shape deepens, with more noticeable thinning at the temples, marking the onset of significant balding.
    • Stage 4: Thinning at the crown: Hairline recession continues, and noticeable thinning or a bald spot develops on the crown of the head.
    • Stage 5: Larger balding areas: The areas of thinning at the front and crown begin to merge, leaving a band of hair separating them, which becomes thinner.
    • Stage 6: Advanced balding: The hair connecting the front and crown balding areas disappears, leaving a horseshoe-shaped band of hair around the sides and back.
    • Stage 7: Severe balding: The horseshoe-shaped hair band thins further, leaving sparse or very thin hair around the sides and back of the head.
    norwood scale for hair loss

    Factors that influence male hair loss

    Genetics and family history

    One of the strongest predictors of male hair loss is your genetic makeup. If you have close relatives, especially on your mother’s side, who have experienced hair loss, the likelihood that you will develop similar hair loss patterns increases. This link is often tied to the sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shortens the hair growth cycle and leads to thinner, weaker hair strands over time. Family history largely determines when hair loss will start and the specific pattern and speed of progression.

    Age

    As previously mentioned, age is a natural risk factor for hair loss. While hair loss can start as early as in the 20s, the risk increases as men reach their 40s and 50s. By this age, it becomes more likely that hair thinning and balding will become noticeable.

    Health conditions and medications

    Certain health conditions, like diabetes, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and alopecia areata, which occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles can all cause hair loss. Medications, particularly those used for treating high blood pressure, depression, and cancer (chemotherapy), may cause hair loss as a side effect.

    Stress and lifestyle factors

    Chronic stress can lead to conditions like telogen effluvium, where hair follicles are pushed into the resting phase prematurely, causing hair to shed. High-stress lifestyles, poor diet, and lack of exercise can all contribute to hair health decline, leading to potential hair thinning or loss.

    How can I prevent male hair loss?

    While there is no definitive way to prevent male hair loss, several approaches can help maintain hair health and slow down hair thinning:

    • Follow a balanced diet: Nutrient deficiencies, particularly of vitamins like B12, iron, and zinc, can contribute to hair loss. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in these vitamins, proteins, and healthy fats can support hair growth.
    • Manage stress levels: Chronic stress can disrupt your hair’s growth cycle, leading to increased shedding. Practicing stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or regular physical exercise can promote hair health.
    • Avoid excessive heat and harsh treatments: Frequent heat styling or use of chemical products can damage hair and weaken follicles. Minimising exposure to these can help maintain hair strength and texture.
    • Use mild hair care products: Opt for shampoos and conditioners that are gentle on your scalp, free from sulfates, and designed for hair health. Avoid products with harsh chemicals that may strip natural oils from your hair.

    What can you do about male hair loss?

    Medication

    Medications like minoxidil and finasteride have shown effectiveness in slowing hair loss and, in some cases, promoting regrowth. Minoxidil is a topical solution that stimulates hair follicles, while finasteride works by inhibiting DHT production. These medications require consistent use and are more effective in the early stages of hair loss.

    Hair transplant

    Hair transplant surgery is a reliable solution for restoring hair in areas experiencing thinning or balding, and it comes in two main techniques: FUE and FUT.

    • FUE (Follicular Unit Excision): In FUE, individual hair follicles are carefully harvested from the back or sides of the scalp and transplanted to areas of hair loss. This leaves minimal scarring, as it doesn’t involve a linear incision and offers a natural look.
    • FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation): Also known as the “strip method,” FUT involves removing a small strip of scalp from the donor area. The strip is divided into individual follicle units, which are then transplanted. However, it results in a linear scar in the donor area.

    Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)

    LLLT is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow and cellular energy in hair follicles. It’s often used as an adjunct treatment for those in the early stages of hair loss. LLLT devices are available in various forms, including laser caps and combs, and have shown positive results in supporting hair health.

    Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

    PRP therapy uses your body’s platelets, which contain growth factors, to stimulate hair follicles and promote regrowth. During PRP, a small amount of your blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp. PRP has been shown to increase vascular structures around hair follicles and promote hair growth, particularly for individuals in the early stages of hair loss.

    Conclusion

    Understanding male hair loss and its contributing factors can help you make informed decisions about treatment and prevention. Although hair loss may be a natural part of aging, you don’t have to let it impact your confidence. The Treatment Rooms in London offers a range of cutting-edge solutions, including FUE and FUT hair transplants, to help you reclaim dense, luscious hair. If you’re ready to take control of your hair health, book a consultation with The Treatment Rooms, our award-winning hair transplant clinic in London, to explore your personalized treatment options.

    References

    Book A Consultation

      Norwood 2 Norwood 3 Norwood 4 Norwood 5 Norwood 6 Norwood 7 Ludwig i 1 Ludwig i 2 Ludwig i 3 Ludwig i 4 Ludwig ii 1 Ludwig ii 2 Ludwig iii

      Make an enquiry online using this form and one of our team will be in touch. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data as per our privacy policy by our team.

      020 8706 0076 Enquire