By age 50, approximately 50% of men experience significant androgenic alopecia — male pattern baldness. It’s not dangerous, but it can profoundly affect confidence and self-image. The good news: effective treatments exist, and starting early makes a significant difference.

Why Men Lose Their Hair

Androgenic alopecia is driven by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. DHT binds to receptors in genetically susceptible hair follicles, causing them to miniaturise over time — producing progressively finer, shorter hairs until eventually the follicle stops producing visible hair. The Norwood scale classifies the pattern from Type I (minimal recession) to Type VII (only a horseshoe of hair remaining).

Other Causes of Hair Loss in Men

Alopecia areata: autoimmune attack on hair follicles causing patchy hair loss. Telogen effluvium: diffuse shedding triggered by physical or emotional stress, illness, significant weight loss, or surgery — typically 3–6 months after the trigger. Nutritional deficiency: iron, zinc, protein and Vitamin D deficiency can all contribute. Traction alopecia: caused by prolonged tension on hair from tight styles.

Treatments That Work

Minoxidil (topical) — the only OTC treatment with strong clinical evidence. Available as a 5% solution or foam (Regaine for Men). Mechanism not fully understood, but it increases blood supply to follicles and extends the anagen (growth) phase. Typical response: slows further loss in 90% of users; partial regrowth in 30–50%. Requires continuous use — stopping leads to loss of retained hair within months. Apply twice daily to dry scalp. Allow 6 months before judging effectiveness.

Finasteride (oral, prescription only) — inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, reducing DHT. The most effective medical treatment for male pattern baldness. 90%+ of users see slowing of loss; 65%+ see some regrowth. Requires prescription. Side effects (sexual dysfunction) occur in <2% and typically resolve on stopping.

Hair transplant surgery — FUE (follicular unit extraction) and FUT (strip) techniques. Permanent results but expensive and not suitable until hair loss has stabilised.

What Doesn’t Work

Most “hair growth” shampoos have no clinical evidence for androgenic alopecia. Biotin supplements only help if you are actually deficient (rare). Rosemary oil has limited preliminary evidence but is far weaker than minoxidil.

Shop Men’s Hair Loss products including minoxidil at Chemist 2 Customer. Related: Men’s Health Guide.