When guys first come in to see me, the question is almost always the same: “Is this going to get worse?” And the honest answer is — it depends on what’s causing it. Not all hair loss is the same, and the right treatment depends on the right diagnosis.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of male hair loss, so you can start to understand what’s happening on your head.
Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness)
This is the big one. Over 95% of pattern hair loss in men falls into this category. It’s genetic, progressive, and driven by DHT (dihydrotestosterone) slowly miniaturizing the follicles in the front, top, and crown while leaving the back and sides relatively untouched.
Signs: Receding hairline, thinning at the crown, eventual connection of the two.
What helps:
- Finasteride — reduces DHT, slows or stops progression for most men
- Minoxidil — improves blood flow to follicles, modest regrowth
- Laser therapy — stimulates dormant follicles
- Hair transplant — relocates your own DHT-resistant follicles for lasting, natural coverage
Alopecia Areata
This one is different. It’s an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing sudden patchy bald spots. It can affect the scalp, beard, or body hair. Sometimes it resolves on its own, sometimes it requires medical treatment.
Signs: Round bald patches that appear quickly, often in otherwise healthy hair.
What helps: Medical treatment from a dermatologist. This is not something a transplant fixes — we need to address the underlying condition first.
Traction Alopecia
Hair loss from mechanical tension. Tight braids, man buns worn too tight for too long, hair extensions, even constantly wearing tight hats. The follicles get damaged from the constant pull.
Signs: Thinning or balding at the stress points — hairline, temples, or wherever the tension is heaviest.
What helps: Stop the behavior. If the damage is recent, hair often recovers. If it’s been years of tension and the follicles are dead, a transplant can restore the area.
Telogen Effluvium
This is stress-related shedding. Something happens — major illness, surgery, psychological trauma, rapid weight loss, medication change — and 2-3 months later, you start shedding heavily across the whole scalp.
Signs: Diffuse thinning, clumps coming out in the shower, typically temporary.
What helps: Time and addressing the underlying stressor. Telogen effluvium almost always resolves on its own within 6-9 months. Don’t panic and don’t rush to a transplant — let the hair come back.
Anagen Effluvium
Sudden, severe hair loss caused by something interrupting the growth phase. Usually chemotherapy, radiation, or certain medications.
Signs: Rapid, dramatic loss.
What helps: Time. Hair typically regrows after the treatment ends.
Hair Shaft Breakage
The hair itself is breaking, not falling out from the root. Caused by over-styling, excessive heat, chemical treatments, chlorine exposure, or harsh brushing.
Signs: Short broken ends, frizz, thinning-looking hair that’s actually just shorter.
What helps: Stop the damage. Use gentler products. Hair will grow back from intact roots.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Rarely the primary cause, but can make hair more fragile or slow regrowth. Iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, and protein all matter for healthy hair.
What helps: Address the deficiency. Don’t expect miracles from supplements alone.
Chronic Illness & Hormonal Issues
Thyroid problems, lupus, diabetes, and other chronic conditions can trigger hair loss. So can hormonal shifts.
What helps: See your doctor first. Transplant planning comes after the underlying issue is managed.
How to Figure Out Which One You Have
Honestly? Send me a photo. That’s what I do every day. Text me at (702) 994-2133 or request a free consultation, and I’ll get your photos in front of Dr. Khorsandi for a straight read on what’s actually going on and what your options are — real information, straight from the surgeon who’d do the work.
The worst thing you can do is panic and chase the wrong solution. Let’s figure out what’s actually happening first.