Male hair loss affects self-esteem and confidence, and affects men of all ages. While some experience gradual thinning, others notice sudden bald spots or receding hairlines.
The key to finding the right treatment is understanding your hair loss type. Whether it’s male pattern baldness, stress-related shedding, or autoimmune conditions, early intervention is necessary to regrow lost hair.
This blog will help us learn about the different types of male hair loss, their causes and symptoms, and the best treatment options, including homeopathy.
Common Types of Hair Loss in Men
-
Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness)
- The most common cause of hair loss in men, that affects 50% of men over 50.
- Caused by genetics and sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
- Starts with receding hairline and crown thinning, progressing to partial or complete baldness.
-
Telogen Effluvium
- A temporary hair loss condition caused by stress, illness, or hormonal imbalances.
- Large amounts of hair shed at once, usually 2-3 months after a triggering event (like surgery, emotional trauma, or nutritional deficiencies).
- Hair regrows once the underlying cause is resolved.
-
Anagen Effluvium
- Rapid hair loss during the active growth phase (anagen phase).
- Commonly linked to radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or toxic exposure.
- Leads to sudden and widespread hair shedding.
-
Alopecia Areata
- Autoimmune disorder, where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing round bald patches.
- Can progress to total hair loss on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or body (alopecia universalis).
- Triggered by stress, infections, or genetic factors.
-
Cicatricial (Scarring) Alopecia
- Permanent hair loss caused by inflammation, burns, or scalp infections.
- Hair follicles are replaced by scar tissue that prevents regrowth.
- Common in autoimmune conditions like lupus and lichen planopilaris.
-
Alopecia Prematura
- Early-onset baldness in teenagers and young men (15-20 years old).
- Strongly linked to genetics and hormonal imbalances.
-
Traction Alopecia
- Caused by excessive pulling or tension on hair follicles.
- Common in men who wear tight hairstyles (braids, ponytails) or headgear.
- Early detection prevents permanent hair loss.
-
Trichotillomania
- Hair-pulling disorder, where people compulsively pull out their own hair.
- Often triggered by stress, anxiety, or OCD.
- Leads to scalp irritation and bald patches.
- Trichotillomania is seen more in young males.
-
Involution / Senile Alopecia
- Age-related hair thinning due to slower hair growth cycles.
- Hair follicles remain in the resting phase longer, reducing hair density.
Related Forms of Scarring Alopecia in Men
Folliculitis Decalvans
- Rare inflammatory scalp condition that leads to scalp redness, pustules, and permanent hair loss.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
- Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) is a progressive condition primarily affecting women, causing a receding hairline, scalp inflammation, and redness. It is a type of scarring alopecia that leads to permanent hair loss.
Lichen Planopilaris
- Marked by purplish, raised, itchy scalp lesions that lead to permanent hair loss.
DLE (Discoid Lupus Erythematosus)
- Autoimmune disorder causing irregular skin patches, redness, scaling, and scarring.
Kerion
- A fungal scalp infection leads to pus-filled lesions and hair loss.
Medically reviewed by
Avani Joshi
