This is the next blog in our Hair Myths Debunked series. In the first blog, we tackled some of the most common misconceptions about baldness—like whether hats make you bald or if stress is the main culprit. Now, we’re diving deeper into the real causes of hair loss so you can understand why it happens and what might be contributing to your situation.
Hair loss isn’t just about genetics—it’s a combination of factors, from hormones and lifestyle to medical conditions and even environmental exposure. Let’s break it all down.
Genetics: Blame It on the Family Tree
If baldness runs in your family, chances are you’ve inherited the same fate. Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss, affecting two-thirds of men by age 35.
At the root of it all is a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a byproduct of testosterone. For men with a genetic sensitivity, DHT shrinks hair follicles over time, leading to thinner, weaker strands that eventually stop growing.
And no, it’s not just your mom’s side to blame. Baldness genes can come from both sides of the family. While the “mother’s side” myth is popular, research shows that baldness genes come from both sides of your family.
Male pattern baldness usually follows a predictable path:
- Receding hairline, starting at the temples.
- Thinning on the crown.
- Over time, the hairline and crown thinning may connect, leaving a horseshoe-shaped pattern.
Hormones: The DHT Effect
DHT is the main hormonal player in male pattern baldness. For men who are genetically predisposed, DHT acts like a slow, relentless force on hair follicles. Over time, it binds to the follicles, which causes them to shrink. This process is called miniaturization
What does this mean for your hair? Growth cycles become shorter, hair strands grow thinner and weaker, and eventually, the follicles stop producing hair altogether. This is why thinning often begins at the crown and along the hairline.
But DHT isn’t the only hormone that can disrupt your hair’s growth. Conditions like thyroid disorders, whether it’s an underactive or overactive thyroid, can throw your hair’s natural cycles into chaos. This imbalance often leads to excessive shedding or diffuse thinning across the scalp. While these conditions are less common than DHT-related hair loss, they highlight how hormones play a significant role in your hair’s health.
Understanding how DHT and other hormonal factors affect your hair is crucial in identifying the right treatments or lifestyle changes to slow the process and keep your hair looking its best.
Lifestyle Factors: The Habits That Hurt Your Hair
Even if you’re genetically predisposed to baldness, your lifestyle can accelerate hair loss:
- Stress: Chronic stress can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, where more hairs than usual enter the shedding phase. While telogen effluvium is temporary, it can worsen existing baldness.
- Diet: Your hair relies on key nutrients to stay strong. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, and vitamins like biotin or D can weaken hair and make it more prone to falling out.
- Poor Hair Care: Harsh shampoos, excessive heat styling, or overusing chemical treatments can damage hair, making it brittle and more likely to break.
Medical Conditions: When Hair Loss Is More Than Just Hair
Baldness isn’t always about genetics or lifestyle—it can sometimes signal an underlying medical issue. Here are a few conditions that can affect your hair:
- Alopecia Areata: This autoimmune disorder causes your immune system to mistakenly attack healthy hair follicles, resulting in sudden, patchy bald spots. While it’s unpredictable, treatments like corticosteroids or immunotherapy can help manage the condition.
- Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can throw your hair’s natural growth cycle into chaos. This disruption often leads to excessive shedding or thinning that’s spread evenly across the scalp.
- Scalp Infections: Fungal infections, such as ringworm, can damage hair follicles and cause localized hair loss. The good news? These infections are treatable, and once resolved, hair often regrows.
If you’re experiencing sudden, unusual, or widespread hair loss, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Identifying and treating the root cause early can make a big difference in managing hair loss and preventing further damage.
Environmental Damage: How Your Surroundings Affect Your Hair
Your hair doesn’t just face challenges from within—external factors can have a big impact too.
- UV Rays: Spending hours in the sun might feel great, but prolonged exposure can weaken the hair shaft, leading to dryness, breakage, and a dull appearance. It’s like sun damage for your skin, except your hair can’t heal itself.
- Pollution: Airborne pollutants can settle on your scalp, clogging follicles and contributing to irritation or inflammation. Over time, this can weaken hair and even slow growth.
- Harsh Products: Chemical-laden shampoos, gels, and dyes might offer short-term results but can strip your scalp of natural oils, leaving hair brittle and prone to damage.
For men with thinning hair, these environmental factors can make existing issues even more noticeable. Dry or damaged hair looks finer and less voluminous, which can draw attention to areas of hair loss.
Rendezvous Barber’s Tip: Treat your hair with the same care you’d give your skin. Shield it from strong sunlight with a stylish hat, switch to sulfate-free products to keep your scalp healthy, and always rinse your hair after exposure to pollution or sweat. These simple habits go a long way in keeping your hair strong, shiny, and less prone to damage.
What’s Next?
Now that you understand why baldness happens, the next step is learning how to deal with it. In the next blog in this series, we’ll explore treatment options, from proven medical solutions to lifestyle changes and styling tips that can help you manage hair loss with confidence.
Missed the first blog? Read Hair Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction for a fresh perspective on common hair care myths.
Looking for personalized advice on styling thinning hair or embracing baldness? Visit Rendezvous Barbers in Toronto. Our team of experts can help you look sharp no matter where you are in your hair journey.
