Have you noticed that your hair is thinning lately? “I can’t be getting to that age already”, you might say.
Believe it or not, hair loss, also known as alopecia, is common in men of all ages. But no matter how old you are, it can still greatly affect your self-esteem.
In this blog post, break down how aging affects hair loss in men, what the average age of male hair loss is and what you can do about it.
How Does Aging Affect Hair Loss in Men?
Age plays a significant part in male hair loss, primarily because the most common cause—androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness)—is progressive and influenced by genetics and hormones over time.
As we age, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a byproduct of testosterone, continues to affect hair follicles, shrinking them and shortening the hair growth cycle. This leads to finer, shorter hair and, eventually, permanent hair loss in affected areas. While age increases the likelihood and extent of hair loss, the pattern and timing are mostly determined by genetics.
According to the American Hair Loss Association, Genetics are responsible for 95% of hair loss in men.
What Other Factors Hair Loss?
In addition to aging, there are other causes that can play a significant role in hair loss.
- Traction Alopecia: This type of hair loss is caused by wearing tight hairstyles for too long. Scarring on the scalp can lead to permanent hair loss
- Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition that causes sudden bald patches.
- Telogen Effluvium: A temporary condition often triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or illness, leading to hair thinning.
- Trichotillomania: A type of obsessive-compulsive disorder that causes people to pull their own hair out. Over time, this can damage the hair follicles and lead to permanent hair loss.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Your diet can affect hair loss. Vitamin deficiencies, particularly Vitamin D, can be linked to thinning hair.
- Certain Medications: Medications used for cancer, arthritis, heart problems, depression, and other diseases.
- Radiation Therapy: Once the hair starts to grow back, it may not grow the same as it did before.
- Stress: Chronic stress or a sudden stressful event that causes physical or emotional shock
- Hormones: Hormonal imbalances, particularly in women, can affect hair growth and loss.
- Weight Loss: Significant weight loss, either intentional or unintentional can trigger hair loss.
These factors often work in combination with the natural aging process, which slows down cell regeneration and hair follicle activity. Recognizing the root cause(s) of your hair loss is the first step toward addressing your hair loss.
What Is The Average Age Men Start Losing Their Hair
Hair loss varies from person to person, so there’s no single “normal” age when it begins. For many men, however, it starts in their 30s or 40s—sometimes even earlier—due to sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Thinning hair caused by male pattern baldness tends to be more common the older you get. However, men of all ages can experience hair loss, and can start as early as their 20s.
- 25% of men start losing hair before age 21
- 66% of men start losing hair by age 35
- 85% of men start losing hair by age 50
Source: American Hair Loss Association
The vast majority of men will experience hair loss at some point in their lives. Some only experience a small amount of balding, while others will have more. It depends on your genetics, environmental factors, and your age when the hair loss started.
Hair loss can happen to anyone, even without a family history of male pattern baldness. Other causes of hair loss can occur at any age.
How Fast Does Hair Loss Progress?
Hair loss typically progresses gradually over decades. For men, it typically takes 15-25 years to go completely bald after noticing the initial signs of hair loss. However, for some, it can take as little as five years. It just depends on your genetics and what is causing your hair loss.
Hair Loss Signs and Symptoms to Look For
Did you know that you can classify your level of hair loss? Hair loss experts use the Hamilton Norwood Scale (aka the Norwood Men’s Hair Loss Scale) to identify the progression of hair loss. This method applies to male pattern baldness and can help you understand what is happening to your hair.
For male pattern baldness, all men fall into one of 7 stages on the Norwood Men’s Hair Loss Scale.
| Norwood Stage | Signs of Hair Loss | Visual |
| Norwood 1 |
Little to no signs of hair loss
|
 |
| Norwood 2 |
Hair loss starts to become noticeable with a receding hairline
|
 |
| Norwood 3 |
Starting to lose hair on the crown of your head, deepening wedge-shaped pattern in temporal areas
|
 |
| Norwood 4 |
Temporal areas have thinned out, hair loss in the crown starts to form a bald spot, and a thick bridge divides the temporal areas
|
 |
| Norwood 5 |
More noticeable hair loss in frontal and temporal areas, hair density is reduced, front corners and crown narrowed
|
 |
| Norwood 6 |
Peach fuzz appearance on the crown, forefront join with the balding area at the crown
|
 |
| Norwood 7 |
The only hair left is on the back and sides, forming a horseshoe pattern with decreasing density
|
 |
Can You Prevent Hair Loss?
If your hair loss is genetic, there isn’t much you can do about that. However, you can take preventative steps as you age to minimize loss and keep the hair you do have healthy.
- Eat a healthy, nutritious diet. Make sure you aren’t deficient in any vitamins and that you are eating enough. Consuming very few calories can cause hair loss.
- Get regular exercise, and try to live a generally healthy life.
- Use a gentle shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner. Additionally, using a leave-in conditioner after you shower can help to prevent breakage.
- Quit smoking if you do.
- Find healthy ways to cope with stress.
- Avoid harsh treatments such as bleaching and chemical relaxers. If you really want one of these treatments, go to a salon and let the professionals do it. Don’t do it yourself at home.
- Avoid wearing tight hairstyles that pull on the hair.
- See your doctor if you believe you have an underlying condition that is causing your hair loss.
- Avoid applying heat to the hair, such as hair dryers or straighteners.
- Try doing regular scalp massages. They may stimulate hair growth.
What To Do If You Start Losing Hair
Even if you take preventative measures, sometimes hair loss is inevitable. That doesn’t mean you have to accept your hair loss at a young age, though. You still have options.
See Your Doctor
10 times, your hair loss is probably simply due to genetics. However, your doctor can determine if something else is going on. Understanding the type and degree of hair loss is crucial for choosing the right treatment.
They can also advise you on nutrition and switch up your medications if needed. Medications like Minoxidil and Finasteride are used to treat hair loss. However, you will lose the hair again once you stop taking the medication.
Your dermatologist can give you specific advice and offer treatments that slow hair loss.
Make Lifestyle Changes
A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals like biotin, zinc, and iron supports strong, resilient hair and can help slow the progression of hair thinning. Managing stress is equally important, as chronic stress can trigger hair shedding and disrupt the natural growth cycle. Additionally, practicing proper hair care—such as using gentle shampoos, avoiding excessive heat styling, and steering clear of harsh chemical treatments—can protect your scalp and hair follicles, promoting healthier hair over time.
Consult A Hair Restoration Specialist
Once you have permanent hair loss, there is only one real way to get it back – hair transplant surgery. Essentially, a hair surgeon will take hair from the back and sides of the scalp and implant the follicles into balding areas of the head. These implanted hair follicles are permanent.
Hair Loss Quiz
Discover the possible causes of your hair loss with our quick and insightful quiz.
- Understand hair loss and lifestyle, genetics, and health
- Get personalized insights into your hair loss
- Receive next steps for improving hair health
Conclusion: Aging and Hair Loss
No matter your age or the type of hair loss you’re experiencing, going bald doesn’t have to be your only option. Early treatment is key to achieving the best results.
If you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, or if it’s accompanied by scalp irritation or pain, it’s important to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions. Hair loss can deeply impact confidence and quality of life, so addressing the emotional side is just as crucial. Don’t hesitate to seek support or counseling if hair loss affects your self-esteem or body image—help is available to guide you through both the physical and psychological challenges.
If you are experiencing hair loss, we encourage you to contact the hair loss experts at Natural Transplants. Our staff works with men and women of all ages. Our patients travel from around the world to visit our hair loss clinics in Fort Lauderdale and Washington, DC.
