Hair loss in men: receding hairline, crown and what helps

Hair loss in men is hereditary in most cases. Receding temples and a thinning crown are typical. The good news: there's quite a lot you can do for your hair, and the earlier you inform yourself, the more room you have to act.

The most common cause: hereditary hair loss

With hereditary hair loss, the hair roots at the forehead and crown are sensitive to the hormone DHT. From cycle to cycle, the hairs become finer and shorter until thinning areas appear. The hair at the back of the head is usually not affected. You can read exactly how this works in Hereditary hair loss.

How hair loss progresses in men

• Onset: often between 20 and 40, sometimes earlier.
• Receding temples: The hairline at the temples recedes.
• Crown: The hair at the crown becomes thinner.
• Later: Both areas can merge.

The stage is often classified using the Hamilton-Norwood scale. How quickly it happens varies greatly. For some it takes decades, for others just a few years.

Other causes you should know about

• Diffuse hair loss: evenly spread across the head, often two to three months after stress, an infection or significant weight loss.
• Alopecia areata: round, smooth bald patches, which can also appear in the beard.
• Medication and illnesses: for example a thyroid condition.

Myths that aren't true

• "Hats and caps make you go bald." No, wearing headwear doesn't cause hereditary hair loss.
• "Washing your hair often makes it fall out." No. Washing only loosens hairs that would have fallen out anyway.
• "You only inherit it from your mother's father." No, the predisposition can come from either side of the family.

What you can do

• Scalp care from the outside: Our Hairforte Spray for men with 3% Procapil cares for the scalp right at the roots, absorbs quickly and gives your hair more grip. Add a mild shampoo that cleanses gently.
• Nutrients from the inside: Xpecia tablets for men contain biotin and zinc, which contribute to the maintenance of normal hair, plus saw palmetto extract and keratin.
• Routine and patience: Spray and tablets daily, for several months. You can get both together in the hair routine set for men.
• Hair transplant: Your own hair roots are moved from the back of the head to thinning areas. More in FUE hair transplant; you'll find aftercare products under Care after a hair transplant.

You'll find more sprays and shampoos in our Hair loss category.

When should you see a doctor?

If your hair loss looks different from the typical pattern, for example with round bald patches, or if your hair suddenly falls out heavily, have it checked. For medical treatments, your dermatologist is the right place to go.

Frequently asked questions

When is hair loss in men normal?

A slightly receding hairline after puberty is common. If the hair at the temples or crown becomes noticeably thinner, hereditary hair loss is usually behind it.

When should I start my routine?

Ideally as soon as you notice receding temples or a thinning crown. The earlier you start with scalp care and nutrients, the more room you have to act.

Which hairstyle works with thinning areas?

Shorter cuts make thinning areas less noticeable. Ask your hairdresser for a cut that suits your hairline.

Summary

Hair loss in men is usually hereditary and no reason to hide. With scalp care from the outside, nutrients from the inside and a little patience, you're actively looking after your hair – and for thinning areas, a hair transplant is a real option. You'll find an overview of all types in Hair loss: causes and types.