Hair Loss in Men

How can hair loss in men be stopped?

A few hairs in your brush or on your pillow are normal – but what if there are suddenly more? If your receding hairline deepens, your part becomes thinner, or your hair thins out overall? Hair loss affects many men, but the good news is: there are solutions! In this article, you'll learn about the causes of hair loss, which treatment options really help, and how and with what you can strengthen your hair long-term.

What to expect:

What is hair loss? 5 common causes of hair loss Stopping hair loss: what you can do Powerful active ingredients Types of hair loss FAQ

What is hair loss and when does it become a problem?

Losing hair is completely normal – but when does it actually count as hair loss? Medical professionals distinguish between natural hair shedding and pathological hair loss (alopecia). While losing up to 100 hairs daily is completely harmless, excessive or uneven hair loss can indicate a deeper underlying 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) - Approximately 85% of hair is in this active growth phase, which lasts between 2 and 6 years. During this time, hair grows about 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 back.

In a healthy hair cycle, new growth follows every hair that falls out. However, for many men, this balance is disturbed, causing hair to thin or stop growing altogether.

When does hair loss begin in men?

Hair loss can begin as early as age 20. Early signs often include:

➔Receding hairline that slowly deepens

➔A receding hairline (high forehead)

➔Hair thinning on the top of the head or part

By age 30, 25% of men already notice significant hair loss. By age 50, this figure 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). According to studies, it affects up to 80% of all men in their lifetime. The reason? An excess of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a breakdown product of the male hormone testosterone. This hormone causes hair follicles to shrink, making hair thinner and eventually stopping regrowth.

The 5 most common causes of hair loss in men

Not all hair loss is the same – and not all is permanent!

1. Hereditary Hair Loss: The Main Reason for Hair Loss

The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, which is hereditary hair loss. In androgenetic alopecia, hair follicles react sensitively to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This causes the hair roots to shrink over time, making the hair thinner and shorter until it eventually stops growing back. This process often begins at the receding hairline or on the top of the head and progresses with age.

2. Hormonal Changes: How DHT Influences Hair Growth (h3)

The hormone DHT is a byproduct of testosterone and plays a central role in male hair loss. An excess of DHT shortens the hair's growth phase. However, DHT is not the only problem; other hormonal fluctuations can also trigger hair loss, for example:

➔Thyroid diseases (over- or underactive thyroid)

➔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 reducers or antidepressants

3. Diet & Lifestyle Promote Hair Loss

An unbalanced diet can directly impact your hair growth. A deficiency in iron, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and biotin, in particular, is often associated with hair loss. However, smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, and insufficient exercise can also worsen scalp circulation and promote hair loss.

4. Stress & Psychological Strain

Chronic stress is not only bad for your nerves but also for your hair. Chronic stress leads to an increased release of the hormone cortisol, which can inhibit hair growth. In addition, stress often leads to tension in the scalp, which impairs blood circulation – and fewer nutrients reach the hair roots.

5. Scalp Health & Incorrect Hair Care

The right hair care can make a big difference. Harsh shampoos or daily hair washing can dry out the scalp and weaken hair roots. Also, dandruff and inflammation can clog hair follicles or lead to hair loss. Furthermore, poor scalp circulation can result in hair roots not receiving sufficient nutrients.

Stopping hair loss & accelerating hair growth: What can men do about hair loss?

Good News: Hair loss is not always permanent!

Whether hair loss can be stopped depends on its cause. While hereditary hair loss can be slowed down, 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 illnesses, can often be completely reversed if the underlying 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 show you which methods truly help to strengthen your hair long-term and get hair loss under control!

1. Anti-Hair Loss Shampoos with Caffeine & Biotin

Special anti-hair loss shampoos can play a supportive role. Ingredients like caffeine, biotin, and niacinamide are believed to stimulate hair growth, improve scalp circulation, and strengthen hair roots.

Please 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 hair roots and promotes natural growth. The innovative formula with caffeine, Capilia Longa™, and a vitamin complex provides stronger, denser hair daily.

Our Activator Hair Tonic is the perfect complement to the 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 fullness and strength.

2. Hair Growth Products for Men – Minoxidil, Finasteride & Co.

There are various prescription and over-the-counter medications that can slow down or stop hair loss:

Minoxidil stimulates blood and nutrient supply to the hair, strengthens your hair, and thus promotes the growth of new hair. While it doesn't bring back hair that has already been lost, it can stop or slow down the progression of hair loss. Even if you can get Minoxidil without a prescription at any pharmacy, you should clarify beforehand whether this is the right approach for you.

Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme reacts with testosterone to produce dihydrotestosterone, which is responsible for androgenetic alopecia. When the enzyme is inhibited, less DHT is produced, which in turn slows down hair loss. Since Finasteride interferes with your hormone balance, it is prescription-only.

3. Home Remedies for Hair Loss: Scalp Massage with Aloe Vera & Coconut Oil

In addition to medical treatments, there are also some natural alternatives. Regular scalp massage can improve blood circulation to the scalp and stimulate hair growth, especially in combination with aloe vera or coconut oil. Aloe vera contains enzymes and coconut oil contains certain fatty acids that can promote hair growth.

How to: Leave the oil or aloe vera gel on the scalp for a while after the head massage, then wash it out with warm water and a mild shampoo. If you have less time, you can also massage your scalp while shampooing. Careful and natural care of your scalp is essential for good hair growth.

Note: Home remedies often work more slowly and are not equally effective for everyone – but they can be a good addition to hair care.

4. Nutrition for Healthy Hair

A balanced diet can prevent hair loss and support your hair growth.

➔Iron and zinc strengthen hair roots and prevent brittle hair.
➔Biotin and Vitamin B12 strengthen hair growth and prevent hair loss.
➔Vitamin B3 and Omega-3 fatty acids promote blood circulation to the scalp
➔Vitamin C & D support nutrient absorption and strengthen the immune system.
➔Vitamin B3 promotes blood circulation to the scalp, which better supplies hair roots with oxygen and nutrients.
➔Vitamin B6 supports protein metabolism and keratin production, which are essential for hair growth.

This means: Eat plenty of vegetables, fish, and fruit. Dietary supplements can also help you with this.

5. Hair Transplant – The Last Resort?

If hair loss is already advanced, a hair transplant can be a permanent solution. Healthy hair follicles (usually from the back of the head) are transplanted into bald spots. The success rate is high, but the treatment is costly and requires a certain healing time. Alternatively, there is also Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), which is supposed to stimulate hair growth with light waves – however, the scientific evidence for this is still limited.

Which method is best for you depends on the cause and progression of your hair loss. You should definitely discuss your approach with a doctor beforehand.

And don't forget: A bald head can also be a statement! After all, you still have your beard to style.

Full Hair with the Right Combination of Active Ingredients

While new hair doesn't sprout overnight, targeted hair care can make hair stronger, more resilient, and healthier.

Types of Hair Loss in Men

Hair loss is not all the same. To find the right treatment and remedies, you should make sure you know exactly what type of hair loss you are suffering from and thus narrow down possible causes. We will go over the three most common types so you can get a good overview:

#1: Hereditary Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia):

Hereditary hair loss is the most common form of hair loss in men – it affects about 70-80% of men during their lifetime. The first signs are often receding hairline and a thinning crown. Over time, hair loss can spread to the entire head and eventually lead to baldness. Hereditary hair loss is caused by an oversensitivity of hair follicles to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The hormone DHT causes a shortening of the hair's growth phase, which leads to the hair becoming thinner and weaker until it eventually falls out.

#2: Diffuse hair loss (diffuse alopecia):

With diffuse hair loss, your hair gradually thins out all over your head. At the same time, your hair becomes more brittle and loses its shine. There are many different causes of diffuse hair loss. One of the most common reasons is hormonal changes, such as thyroid problems or severe stress. A good diet that contains sufficient vitamins and minerals is not only important for healthy hair growth. Therefore, it doesn't hurt to pay more attention to this. Certain medications and intolerances can also lead to hair loss.

#3: Alopecia areata (circular hair loss):

As the name suggests, this type of hair loss is characterized by isolated, round, bald patches on the scalp. A possible reason for this can be an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the hair follicles. The exact causes of this disease are not yet fully understood, but it is suspected to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

FAQ

How much hair loss is normal?

When is hair loss actually considered hair loss? A certain amount of hair loss is part of the natural hair cycle and can be influenced by various factors such as stress, hormonal fluctuations, or the use of certain hair products. So, it's quite normal for hair to thin out a bit with age and for some hair follicles to stop producing new hair. However, if you notice excessive hair loss, such as a significant thinning of your hair or even bald spots on your scalp, you should consider possible causes. Besides a hereditary predisposition, hormonal disorders, autoimmune diseases, certain medications, and a poor diet can also be reasons for this. In case of severe hair loss, we advise you to first consult a doctor to ensure that there is no autoimmune disease or fungal infection, for example, and that you are tolerating your medications well. Once you know the cause of your hair loss, you can stop or at least slow down your hair loss.

When should men with hair loss see a doctor?

If you are very young and notice hair loss, hair loss in an unusual pattern, such as circular hair loss, pain, itching, or redness on the scalp, or in conjunction with other symptoms, such as weight loss, fatigue, or changes in skin appearance, you should definitely see a doctor! But also, as soon as you notice increased hair loss over several days or bald spots, please consult your doctor to rule out serious causes for your hair loss in the best case. This will also help you take better action against it.

At what age do men lose their hair?

For some men, hair loss begins in their late 20s and increasingly affects them from then on. Approximately half of all men have a receding hairline or are bald by age 50.