Hair loss in men
How to stop hair loss in men?
A few hairs in your brush or on your pillow are perfectly normal – but what if there are suddenly more? What if your receding hairline deepens, your parting thins, or your hair is thinning overall? Hair loss affects many men, but the good news is: There are solutions! In this article, you'll learn what causes hair loss, which treatment options really help, and how and with what you can strengthen your hair in the long term.
What is hair loss and when does it become a problem?
Losing hair is completely normal – but when does it actually start to be considered hair loss? Doctors distinguish between natural hair loss and pathological hair loss (alopecia). While losing up to 100 hairs a day is completely harmless, excessive or uneven hair loss can indicate a deeper problem.
The hair growth cycle: The 3 phases of hair growth
Every hair on your head goes through a life cycle consisting of three phases:
1. Anagen phase (growth phase) - Around 85% of hair is in this active growth phase, which lasts between 2 and 6 years. During this time, hair grows approximately 1 to 1.5 cm per month.
2. Catagen phase (transition phase) – This phase lasts only two to three weeks, during which hair growth stops and the hair slowly detaches from the root.
3. Telogen phase (resting phase & hair loss) – Approximately 10–15% of hair is in this phase. After two to four months, the old hair falls out while new hair grows in.
In a healthy hair cycle, every hair loss is followed by new growth. But for many men, this balance gets disrupted, causing hair to thin or disappear altogether.
When does hair loss begin in men?
Hair loss can begin as early as age 20. The first signs are often:
➔Receding hairline that slowly deepens
➔A receding hairline (high forehead)
➔Increasingly thinning hair on the top of the head or parting
By age 30, 25% of men experience significant hair loss. By age 50, the number rises to 50%.
Why are so many men affected by hair loss?
The most common form of hair loss in men is hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Studies show that it affects up to 80% of all men at some point in their lives. The cause? An excess of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a breakdown product of the male hormone testosterone. This hormone causes hair follicles to shrink, causing hair to become thinner and eventually stop growing.
The 5 most common causes of hair loss in men
Not all hair loss is the same – and not all hair loss is permanent!
1. Hereditary hair loss: The main reason for hair loss
The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, or hereditary hair loss. In androgenetic alopecia, the hair follicles are sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This causes the hair roots to shrink over time, causing the hair to become thinner and shorter until it eventually stops growing. This process often begins at the receding hairline or on the crown and progresses over time.
2. Hormonal changes: How DHT affects hair growth (h3)
The hormone DHT is a breakdown product of testosterone and plays a key role in male pattern baldness. Excessive DHT levels cause the hair growth phase to be shortened. However, DHT isn't the only problem; other hormonal fluctuations can also trigger hair loss, for example:
➔Thyroid diseases (hyper- or hypothyroidism)
➔Hormonal hypersensitivity to androgens
➔Metabolic disorders or nutrient deficiencies that disrupt hair growth
➔Autoimmune diseases, e.g. alopecia areata (circular hair loss)
➔Medications such as blood pressure lowering drugs or antidepressants
3. Diet & lifestyle promote hair loss
An unbalanced diet can directly impact your hair growth. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and biotin are often associated with hair loss. Smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, and lack of exercise can also impair scalp circulation and promote hair loss.
4. Stress & psychological strain
Constant stress isn't just bad for your nerves, it's also bad for your hair. Chronic stress causes increased release of the hormone cortisol, which can inhibit hair growth. Stress also often leads to tension in the scalp, which impairs blood circulation and reduces the amount of nutrients reaching the hair roots.
5. Scalp health & incorrect hair care
Proper hair care can make a big difference. Harsh shampoos or daily washing can dry out the scalp and weaken the hair roots. Dandruff and inflammation can also clog hair follicles or lead to hair loss. Poor circulation to the scalp can also prevent the hair roots from receiving sufficient nutrients.
Stop hair loss & accelerate hair growth: What can men do against hair loss?
Good news: Hair loss is not always permanent!
Whether hair loss can be stopped depends on the cause. Hereditary hair loss can be slowed, but it cannot be reversed – once lost, hair won't grow back on its own. Diffuse or temporary hair loss caused by stress, nutrient deficiencies, or illness, on the other hand, can often be completely reversed if the cause is treated. Many products promise faster hair growth, but the natural cycle can only be influenced to a limited extent. Nevertheless, diet, active ingredients, scalp care, and medical treatments can stop hair loss and support hair growth . From shampoos and hair growth products to scalp massages and hair transplants – we'll show you which methods really help strengthen your hair in the long term and get hair loss under control!
1. Shampoos against hair loss with caffeine & biotin
Special anti-hair loss shampoos can play a supporting role. Ingredients such as caffeine, biotin, and niacinamide are said to stimulate hair growth, increase blood flow to the scalp, and strengthen the hair roots.
Note: Shampoos alone are not enough to stop genetic hair loss, but they can help keep hair stronger and healthier.
Our Activator Hair Shampoo for thinning hair strengthens the hair roots and promotes natural growth. The innovative formula with caffeine, Capilia Longa™, and a vitamin complex ensures stronger, thicker hair every day.
Our Activator Hair Tonic is the perfect complement to Activator Hair Shampoo. The formula with caffeine, Capilia™ Longa, and a vitamin complex promotes hair growth, strengthens the roots, and ensures visibly thicker, healthier hair—the ideal daily care for more body and strength.