What are the causes and remedies for hair loss in men?
Hair loss is often seen as a sign of advancing age, but in reality it increasingly affects young people , even in their twenties. A change that can appear suddenly or slowly, but which in any case affects not only the aesthetic aspect, but also self-esteem.
In many cases the loss is progressive and cannot be stopped, in others it is possible to intervene in time and slow down the process.
It affects mostly men , in a very large percentage, yet it is not a written destiny. Understanding the mechanism by which it manifests itself and knowing how to act really makes the difference .
How to recognize progressive hair loss in men?
The most common form of hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia , a gradual process caused by a genetic predisposition and excessive sensitivity of the follicles to a derivative of testosterone. In Italy, over 70% of menis affected throughout life, often as early as 18 or 20 years of age .
The first visible changes are noted in the temple area and on the top of the head, where the hair begins to thin , becomes more fragile, less pigmented, until it detaches from the scalp. In the subsequent phases, thinning also involves other areas, while regrowth becomes slower or stops altogether.
It should not be confused with the physiological reduction in density that can occur with age; in the case of androgenetic alopecia the process is continuous and tends to progress, following a precise path.
Recognizing the early signs allows us to distinguish between a natural condition and an initial pathological loss, and this is the first step to take in order to be able to intervene more effectively.
What changes from seasonal hair loss
In spring and autumn it is common to notice greater hair loss , but in these cases the phenomenon is transitory and is part of a normal biological cycle. Seasonal hair loss, in fact, lasts on average a few weeks, involves a limited percentage of the hair and is accompanied by spontaneous regrowth that re-establishes the balance.
The situation is different with alopecia or chronic hair loss, which does not follow a seasonal pattern but progresses slowly, modifying the structure, density and appearance of the hair. In these cases, the follicles miniaturize, growth stops and the thinning becomes more and more evident.
It is precisely the duration and recurrence of the phenomenon that makes the difference: while in seasonal hair loss the hair returns, in alopecia it often does not.
What are the most common causes of hair loss in men?
Hair loss in men is a phenomenon often due to a genetic/hereditary component, but it can be aggravated or accelerated by numerous causes that have to do with daily habits, lifestyle, diet, occasional scalp anomalies and also the lack of adequate prevention strategies.
For this reason, analyzing the most common causes and recognizing the signals that compromise the health of the hair allows not only to understand the origin of the problem, but also to face it with greater awareness. In detail, here are the factors that most frequently influence the life cycle of the hair and make it weaker and subject to falling out.
Androgenetic alopecia
As mentioned, it is the most common cause among men. Androgenetic alopecia is a gradual process, linked to the sensitivity of the follicles to a hormone called DHT, a derivative of testosterone . When the follicles come into contact with this hormone, they react abnormally, become smaller and produce increasingly fine hair, until they stop altogether.
Genetic predisposition plays a decisive role : if other men in the family have had the same problem, it is more likely to recur. The process is not sudden, but slow and continuous, and without intervention it tends to worsen over time.
Stress
Psycho-physical stress acts directly on the hair growth cycle . In normal conditions each follicle goes through three phases, but when stress affects it, the shedding phase (telogen) is anticipated and prolonged : this means that the more hair falls out, the less it grows back harmoniously.
Traumatic events, prolonged periods of anxiety or chronic tension can weaken the root and give rise to widespread thinning, often visible within a few weeks.
Smoke
Smoking damages microcirculation and compromises the oxygenation of tissues , including those that nourish the follicles; nicotine narrows blood vessels, while the toxic substances contained in smoke promote the accumulation of free radicals, which accelerate cellular aging.
All this translates into more fragile , less nourished hair that falls out easily and grows back with greater difficulty .
Alcohol
Moderate and occasional consumption has no obvious effects, but excess alcohol can negatively affect the body's nutritional balance. In particular, it interferes with the absorption of vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair, such as zinc , iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid .
When the body is deficient in these elements, the follicle works inefficiently and the hair becomes dull, thin, and prone to falling out.
Drugs
Some drugs have side effects such as hair loss or weakening , such as chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, anticoagulants, beta-blockers and other medicines that affect hormonal balance or cellular metabolism.
This is not always a permanent effect , but it can compromise the density of the hair for even prolonged periods. In these cases, it is important to talk to your doctor to evaluate alternatives or compensation strategies.
Immunological pathologies
Some autoimmune diseases , such as alopecia areata , can directly interfere with the activity of hair follicles . The immune system , which normally protects the body from viruses and bacteria, in these cases activates against the follicles themselves, interrupting their natural cycle.
The consequence is a sudden , patchy hair loss , often without itching or pain, but with a clear impact on the density of the hair; in these contexts the hair is not weakened by external factors, but by an internal inflammation that requires the intervention of a specialist doctor .
Metabolic disorders and hormonal nature
When the metabolism goes out of balance, the hair also suffers. Thyroid dysfunction , insulin resistance or alterations in the production of androgens can modify the structure of the hair, reduce its vitality and accelerate its fall.
The thyroid , for example, regulates energy consumption and therefore also the growth rate of tissues, including those of the scalp, and in the presence of imbalances the follicles slow down, become dormant and the hair becomes progressively thinner.
Eating disorders
A diet that is too poor , disordered or lacking in specific nutrients compromises the strength and vitality of the hair . Hair needs proteins, B vitamins, iron, zinc and other trace elements to grow regularly.
When the body does not receive what it needs, it tends to divert energy towards vital functions , penalizing those considered secondary such as the production of keratin. The result is a weak, dull hair shaft that breaks easily and tends to fall.
Depressive disorders
Depression affects general well-being and therefore also the health of your hair : your mood affects your appetite, your sleep-wake rhythm, your stress level and the quality of your diet.
Those who go through difficult times often neglect their diet, sleep little, move less and live in a state of constant tension, conditions that reduce the supply of nutrients to the follicles and increase the risk of premature hair loss; it is no coincidence that hair loss is one of the signs that often accompany or follow a depressive phase.
Hair product abuse
Too aggressive treatments , shampoos rich in silicones, frequent use of dyes or high-temperature straighteners alter the balance of the scalp and can damage the follicles. When the skin becomes irritated or inflamed, the hair root also works worse.
Occlusive products prevent proper oxygenation, while strong chemicals stress the stem and cause it to break. In these cases, hair loss may seem sudden, but it is caused by an accumulation of mechanical and chemical stress that continues over time.
Are there any natural remedies to stop hair loss in men?
Among the best natural remedies to combat hair loss in men is undoubtedly Moringa , which stands out for its nourishing, toning and antioxidant power.
Rich in B vitamins, zinc, iron, copper and sulphur amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, Moringa helps strengthen the bulb , stimulates microcirculation and supports the activity of the follicles .
Its properties counteract oxidative stress , improve oxygenation of the scalp and contribute to rebalancing the inflammatory processes that often accompany hair loss.
For this reason, integrating it into your routine through a complete natural treatment represents a first concrete step towards hair well-being.
Alongside Moringa, there are other useful and complementary remedies:
UV protection : solar rays, if too intense or prolonged, dehydrate the hair fibre and alter the balance of the scalp; using breathable hats or sprays with sun filter helps prevent structural damage and keep the hair more resistant;
Specific shampoos : delicate formulas, free from silicones and with nourishing active ingredients, help cleanse without irritating, rebalance sebum and strengthen the hair structure right from the root;
Nourishing oils : argan oil, coconut oil or olive oil have an emollient and protective action, repair the hair shaft, nourish the scalp and promote healthier growth;
Functional plants and fruits : avocado (in the form of blended pulp and juice to mix with shampoo), aloe vera (as a gel to massage onto the scalp), amla and ginger provide minerals, enzymes and vitamins that support the hair's life cycle;
Traditional herbal remedies : millet strengthens the bulbs, horsetail improves microcirculation and regulates sebum, nettle reduces inflammation and promotes hair resistance;
Blue algae : precious source of sulphur amino acids, they nourish the follicle in depth;
Carotenes and omega-3 : help keep the scalp hydrated and the follicle well nourished;
Vitamins and minerals : vitamin B12 (mainly found in seafood such as clams, salmon, beef and sheep liver, meat, fish, eggs and dairy products), iron, copper, magnesium, folic acid, proteins, arginine and cysteine contribute to growth, strengthen the fiber and fight oxidative stress. Turmeric, green tea and vitamin E amplify the protective action;
Drugs prescribed by the trichologist : in some cases the trichologist may indicate targeted pharmacological treatments, such as DHT inhibitors or minoxidil-based lotions, to be used under medical supervision;
Essential Oils and Pumpkin Seed Oil : In comparative studies, pumpkin seed oil has shown similar effects to minoxidil (a vasodilator drug that has a real effect on hair regrowth) in promoting growth;
Hydroalcoholic extract of rosemary : in synergy with minoxidil it enhances its effect, stimulates circulation and rebalances the scalp.
How to prevent male pattern baldness?
Genetic predisposition remains a decisive factor in hair loss, and there are no miracle remedies capable of stopping it in every case, however acting consciously and continuously can make the difference.
We have seen it: some natural remedies , if included in a coherent routine , improve hair health and slow hair loss. Precisely for this reason, the natural anti-hair loss supplement RedMoringa based on Moringa, millet and horsetail represents a balanced and complete formula for those who want to act in a preventive perspective.
The combined action of essential nutrients , antioxidants and vasoprotective substances improves the condition of the scalp and promotes a fertile environment for the hair, minimising negative interference.
An integrated approach that focuses on Moringa together with a healthy routine, transforms prevention into a daily gesture of well-being and personal care, because healthy hair always starts from a body in harmony.