Why Men Lose Hair: Main Causes, Symptoms & Best Hair Fall Treatments

December 6, 2025

Dr. Shraddha Pitalia

3 min read

36

A men with hair fall

Hair fall in men is far more common than most people realize. While noticeable thinning usually begins after the age of 50, a growing number of men in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are now experiencing early thinning, receding hairlines, reduced density, and sudden shedding. If you are a man who recently spotted extra hair strands on your pillow, in the shower drain, or on your work desk; noticed a widening hairline; or felt like your scalp is becoming more visible under the light, this comprehensive guide is for you. The experience can feel sudden, confusing, and honestly scary. Many men feel that, “Am I going bald?” or “Is this normal shedding or something serious?” With today’s lifestyle stress, nutrient deficiencies, and hormonal fluctuations, male hair fall is beginning much earlier than before men hair fall causes are becoming more complex. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn what are the causes of hair fall in males, the real reasons behind early hair loss, effective treatment options, and how to prevent hair fall in men naturally and medically.

Why Does Hair Fall Increase in Men Suddenly?

Men often assume baldness is “genetic,” but that’s only one part of the story. Sudden hair fall usually happens when internal factors (like hormones) combine with external triggers (like stress and lifestyle).

Most dermatologists categorize men hair fall causes into three broad mechanisms:

  • Altered Hair Growth Cycle (Anagen → Catagen → Telogen shift): When stress, illness, or deficiency occurs, the hair prematurely enters the “telogen” or shedding phase. This leads to telogen effluvium, a common reason for sudden hair fall in males.
  • Hormonal Miniaturization: DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) shortens the lifespan of hair follicles, causing them to shrink. This results in male pattern baldness, the most common cause of hair fall in males.
  • Inflammatory & Environmental Damage: Pollution, heat styling, smoking, and dandruff create micro-inflammation around follicles, weakening them over time.

Knowing these mechanisms helps you differentiate normal shedding from actual loss.

What are the causes of hair fall in males?

What are the causes of hair fall in males

Below is the breakdown of all 10 reasons for hair fall in males:

Hormonal Fluctuation & DHT Sensitivity

One of the primary reasons for hair fall in males. Men genetically sensitive to DHT experience follicle miniaturization.
Symptoms include:

  • Widening forehead
  • Thinning at the crown
  • Visible scalp under bright light

If your father, uncle, or grandfather has balding, this may be inherited by you.

Chronic Stress & Cortisol Imbalance

Stress triggers telogen effluvium. High cortisol reduces the nutrient supply to follicles, forcing them into the shedding phase.

Signs include:

  • Sudden heavy hair fall
  • Increased shedding in showers
  • Rapid thinning
  • Onset within 6–12 weeks of a stressful event

This factor alone significantly increases the need for treatments aimed at how to prevent hair fall in men.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Many men skip meals, overtrain at the gym, or follow poor diets. This results in deficiencies of iron, vitamin D, B12, zinc, biotin, and protein. These deficiencies are the major causes of hair fall in men.

Lifestyle Habits Most Men Ignore

Some everyday habits may also contribute silently to the hair fall in men, such as:

  • Smoking reduces blood flow to the scalp.
  • Excess alcohol disrupts absorption of nutrients
  • Wearing helmets for long hours
  • Sweat accumulation
  • Sleeping late

These triggers create chronic inflammation, making you search for how to reduce hair fall in men much earlier than expected.

Autoimmune Conditions (Alopecia Areata)

This condition attacks hair follicles mistakenly, causing round bald patches, sudden loss in beards, and eyebrow thinning. This condition requires immediate dermatologist help.

Environmental Triggers in Cities Like Bangalore

Urban men are more exposed to:

  • Hard water
  • Humidity
  • Pollution
  • Airborne allergens

These increase oxidative stress, contributing to common men hair fall causes.

Scalp Conditions (Seborrheic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Dandruff)

A flaky, itchy scalp weakens roots. Excess oil and yeast overgrowth lead to inflammation, disrupting hair growth.

Overuse of Hair Products & Chemical Damage

Gels, waxes, colors, and harsh shampoos block follicles and break hair shafts – common causes of hair fall in men. Repeated salon procedures accelerate thinning.

Medical Conditions

Hair fall can also signal underlying issues.

  • Thyroid imbalance
  • Diabetes
  • Insulin resistance in some men
  • Telogen Effluvium

These conditions demand medical testing.

Early Symptoms Men Should Never Ignore

Most men wait too long before seeking help. Early detection increases treatment success. Watch out for:

  • Hairline slowly moving back
  • Gradual thinning on crown
  • Visible scalp through hair
  • Increased hair breakage
  • Shedding more than 100 strands/day
  • Reduced hair density when styling

If you are reading this, you might already be in the early stages of pattern hair loss.

How to Reduce Hair Fall in Men: Practical Daily Changes

Before moving to treatments, let’s discuss lifestyle changes. These steps alone can reduce 20–40% shedding over time.

  • A nutrient-rich diet loaded with protein and iron
  • Stress management (yoga, sleep hygiene)
  • Scalp hygiene using mild shampoos
  • Switching from hot showers to lukewarm water
  • Avoiding hair gels, straightening, and hard brushing
  • Limit smoking and alcohol intake
  • Give your scalp a gentle exfoliation every week

These steps help significantly in how to prevent hair fall in men.

Advanced Treatments for Hair Fall in Men

This section explains to you all the treatments recommended by Evenly dermatologists to address the hair fall in men. All the treatments are customized based on the severity and blood tests if necessary.

Topical Medications

  • Minoxidil: Promotes blood flow and pushes follicles into the growth phase. Works best with consistency.
  • Finasteride: Controls DHT levels, preventing the follicles from shrinking over time.. Clinically proven for male pattern baldness.

Oral Supplements

Dermatologists may also recommend supplements rich in biotin, iron, omega-3, vitamin D, and B12. These strengthen roots and promote new growth.

PRP Hair Treatment

A middle aged men taking PRP treatment

A concentrated form of your blood plasma is injected into the scalp.

Benefits include:

  • Stronger follicles
  • Reduced shedding
  • Faster regrowth
  • Improved hair density

This is one of the fastest-growing treatments for men in Bangalore.

Must Read: What is PRP Hair Treatment and how does it help hair loss?

GFC Hair Treatment

More advanced than PRP hair treatment. Contains highly active growth factors that accelerate follicle repair and boost density.

Must Read: What is GFC Hair Treatment: An ultimate solution for hair loss

How to Prevent Hair Fall in Men (Long-Term Strategy)

Here is a dermatologist-approved prevention routine:

Daily Routine

  • Gentle shampoo, sulfate-free
  • Scalp massage to increase blood circulation
  • Avoid heat tools

Weekly Routine

  • Anti-dandruff shampoo (if oily scalp)
  • Scalp cleanup
  • Deep conditioning

Monthly Routine

  • Dermatologist scalp health check
  • PRP / GFC Treatments
  • Hair strengthening treatments

When Should You Visit a Dermatologist?

Seek dermatology help if:

  • Hair fall lasts more than 3 months
  • Visible bald patches form
  • Hair density reduces rapidly
  • A family history of baldness exists.
  • Stress/illness triggered sudden shedding

Early treatment always gives better results.

Why Men in Bangalore Prefer Evenly Skin & Hair Clinic?

At Evenly Clinic, our dermatologists combine medical expertise with personalized hair fall treatment plans. Every treatment plan is tailored using:

  • Scalp analysis
  • Hormonal assessment
  • Nutritional profiling

We design scientific, result-oriented treatment plans for each male hair loss pattern.

Hair Fall Is Treatable—But Only If You Act Early

Hair fall in men is one of the most common yet most misunderstood concerns. Now you understand what are the causes of of hair fall in males, the early symptoms to watch for, and how to reduce hair fall in men.

Whether your concern is hormonal, stress-related, nutritional, or genetic—there is a solution.
You don’t need to wait until your scalp starts showing. The earlier you take action, the stronger and thicker your hair can remain.

If you’re ready to understand your hair fall better and get a personalized plan, the dermatology team at Evenly Skin & Hair Clinic, Bangalore, is here to guide you.

Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic – HSR Layout

Third Floor, 815, 27th Main Rd, above Bluestone, 1st Sector, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102

Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic – Jayanagar

35, Ground Floor, Vinyas Arcade, 11th Main Rd, Vishya Bank Colony, 5th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560041

Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic – Indira Nagar

1st Floor, 134, Above Namdhari’s Fresh, 1st Main Rd, 2nd Stage, Domlur, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560071

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Frequently Asked Questions

Mild shedding is normal at any age, but visible thinning, a receding hairline, or sudden clumps of hair loss in your 20s are not normal.

Your hair fall may be serious if you notice:

  • ·         A widening or M-shaped hairline
  • ·         Reduced density on the crown
  • ·         Unexpected round patches of missing hair
  • ·         Hair thinning that lasts longer than 3 months
  • ·         Visible scalp under normal light

If these symptoms appear, consult a dermatologist for evaluation.

If the cause is hereditary (genetic balding), it cannot be “cured,” but it can be controlled, slowed down, and improved with consistent medical treatment. Non-genetic causes (like nutrition or dandruff) can be fully resolved once the underlying trigger is treated.

Men can reduce hair fall by improving diet, managing stress, avoiding harsh shampoos, using gentle scalp care, and maintaining consistent sleep.

Losing 50–100 strands per day is normal. Anything above that, especially visible thinning or widening of the hairline, should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

No. Shaving does not affect the hair root or follicle. It may create an illusion of thickness when hair grows back, but it cannot stop or reduce hair fall in men.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any skin and hair-related questions or would like to discuss personalized solutions, please reach out to us at 7337899030. Our team of specialists is committed to delivering personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you by scheduling a consultation with us today. Your journey to vibrant skin and stronger hair begins here.

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