A man showing signs of hair loss having his scalp inspected

A Definitive Guide to Hair Thinning in Men

For many men, hair thinning and hair loss are common concerns, with up to 80% of men experiencing some degree of hair loss in their lifetime. In this guide, we explore what causes hair thinning in men, offering insights to help you better understand hair fall and how to care for your hair.

What causes hair thinning in men
The early signs to look out for
Stages of hair loss
How to prevent hair thinning in men
Haircare routines and treatment for stronger, healthier hair

Meet the Expert

Kerastase Care Coach Jeffrey Wan Tsz Chung standing in front of K sign.

Jeff is an award-winning stylist and Kérastase Care Coach passionate about creating healthy and natural-looking hair that helps clients find the confidence they deserve. He regularly sees clients in the salon experiencing hair loss and provides expert advice and guidance on mitigating hair loss and styling thinning hair.

On hair loss, Jeff says, “It’s not talked about enough, but hair loss can cause a confidence or identity loss in men. However, I think more and more people are open to seeking help and talking about it, regardless of age.”

What Causes Hair Thinning in Men?

There are many factors that contribute to hair fall in men, many of which are linked to lifestyle, health and environmental stressors.

Genetics & Hormones

Genetics and hormones play a key role in hair health, with research showing that men are 5-6 times more likely to lose their hair if their fathers experienced balding. While male pattern baldness is one of the most common hereditary conditions in men, sensitivity to hormones (like DHT) can also cause hair loss, as hair follicles weaken over time, leading to a reduced hairline and thinning at the crown.

Chronic Stress

Stress can have a significant impact on your body, including both skin and hair. Work, or even exam stress in younger adults, can trigger hair fall, as can tiredness from late nights or burning the candle at both ends. Ongoing stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing hair follicles into a resting phase known as Telogen Effluvium, which leads to increased shedding.

Jeff says, “With stress, the impact on hair can sometimes be delayed. Someone might have experienced a stressful period four to six months ago, but the hair fall doesn't start immediately.”

Nutrition Deficiencies

Diet plays a crucial role in hair health, as insufficient vitamins and minerals can create nutritional deficiencies that weaken hair follicles and reduce growth. When we're stressed and tired, our diets can suffer, which can leave our hair lacking in the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and strong.

Key nutrients include:

Vitamin D - Supports the signalling pathway that promotes hair growth.
Biotin (B7) - A key nutrient for keratin production, essential to hair structure.
Iron - Plays a central role in red blood cell production and delivering oxygen to hair follicles.

Poor Scalp Health

A healthy scalp is the foundation for strong, resilient hair. When the scalp experiences product build-up, inflammation or fungal imbalances, it can affect the hair follicles and leave it feeling dull, weak and thin.

Everyday factors like pollution, styling products and washing routines can all impact your scalp health, which is why a daily, gentle cleansing routine can support follicle health and keep your scalp looking and feeling its best.

Medication or Medical Conditions

Certain medications and medical conditions can have a noticeable impact on hair health, too. For example, common blood thinners and NSAIDs, as well as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and antidepressant medication, may alter the hair growth cycle and lead to shedding.

Autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata and Lupus can also interfere with hair follicles, leading to patchy spots on the scalp and overall hair thinning.

Lifestyle Habits

Everyday lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and irregular sleep patterns can all subtly affect hair growth. By reducing blood flow and oxygen to the scalp, these habits can weaken hair follicles and contribute to hair fall, whether that manifests as a receding hairline or thinning at the crown.

Major Lifestyle Changes

When you experience significant life events, like surgery, illness or emotional stress, temporary hair shedding can be a common side effect. While often short-lived, it can still feel unsettling when life changes affect your hair. Supporting your hair with gentle care, a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle changes that promote your overall wellbeing can help it recover quickly and regain its strength.

Early Signs of Hair Thinning in Men

Male model with a receding hairline having his hair washed in a basin

Spotting the signs of hair thinning can help you take quick action to support your hair health and prevent further loss. It’s often easiest to notice changes while washing your hair, but it’s important to take a closer look at your scalp to check its condition and overall health.

Jeff says: "The earliest sign my clients often spot is the thickness of the hair. When it starts to thin, you can see more of the scalp. You might also notice the hairline is receding a little bit in the corners, especially with shorter hairstyles.”

Signs of Early Hair Thinning Include:

A receding hairline
Thinning on top of the head
Widening part - where your part line widens and splits on the top of your head
Hair falling out in clumps
Losing hair on other parts of your body
Increased hair fall when showering and washing hair
Hair feeling weak, brittle or finer than usual

Pro tip: How much hair loss is normal? Jeff advises, “I always tell clients it’s normal to lose around 50 to 100 strands of hair a day. If you’re losing more than that, it could be an early sign of hair loss. It’s particularly noticeable in the shower, especially if there’s a significant amount of hair clogging the drain.”

Stages of Hair Loss

According to the NHS, it’s normal to lose a small amount of hair each day, around 50–100 strands. While it might sound like a lot, hair loss only becomes a concern when you notice much larger amounts falling out, or your hair starts thinning at an alarmingly fast rate.

Before we look at the stages of hair loss, it’s important to understand the life cycle of hair growth and how it changes over time.

The Four Stages of Hair Growth Include:

Anagen - The Growing Phase: This is when new hair is actively growing from the follicle. It typically accounts for 85-90% of hair on your head.
Catagen - The Transition Phase: Hair growth slows and hair follicles start to shrink.
Telegen - The Resting Phase: Lasting around 2-3 months, hair doesn’t grow during this phase, but it doesn’t fall out either.
Exogen - The Shedding Phase: Hair is shed from the scalp, often encouraged by washing and brushing. Hair is released from the follicle, making way for new growth.

Now you know the stages of natural hair growth, it may help you spot the early signs of hair fall. There are 7 stages of hair thinning to look out for, as classified by the Norwood scale, and you may experience all or just some of the following stages:

STAGE	SYMPTOM
1	No hair thinning or hair loss.
2	Slight recession of the hairline at the temples.
3	First signs of significant balding. The hairline deeply recedes at the temple, forming an "M," "U," OR "V" shape.
3 Vertex	The hairline stays at stage 2 but there is significant hair loss on the top of the head "vertex".
4	Hairline recession is more severe: little to no hair on the top of the head.
5	Balding areas at the temple and vertex are larger and the connecting band of hair is narrower.
6	Temple and vertex bald areas merge, the connecting band of hair across the top is gone.
7	The most severe stage of hair loss. Typically, only fine and thin hair remains around the sides of the head in a narrow band.

On the stages of hair loss, Jeff says, “Hair loss usually begins at the hairline, then works from the crown, where you might experience thinning. When hair loss is advanced, the bottom half of hair can remain while the top is gone.”

How to Prevent Hair Thinning in Men

Ingredients creatine, ginger root extract and aminexil used for preventing hair loss

Now you’ve seen the 7 stages of hair loss, the next step is focusing on prevention and care. While some causes of thinning can’t be changed, there are ways to protect your hair, strengthen follicles and maintain a healthy, fuller appearance.

Jeff says, “Prevention is always better than cure. If you have a family history of male pattern baldness, you might want to start taking measures to prevent hair loss, or when you notice the early signs. First, I’d seek advice from a pro, then invest in hair products like the Genesis Homme serum and start by using it two to three times a week. I use this myself as a preventative.”

“I’d also recommend lifestyle changes like not sleeping with wet hair, as this is when your hair is most vulnerable, making sure you get enough nutrients and vitamins, and avoiding tight headgear where possible.”

Diet & Lifestyle

As we’ve seen, diet and lifestyle can play a crucial role in the hair thinning of men. Maintaining a balanced and nutrient-rich diet and staying active can support hair strength, scalp health and overall vitality.

Medical Treatment

When experiencing significant hair fall or early-stage hair loss, it can be worth consulting a healthcare professional to see what medical options are available.

You might meet the criteria for topical treatments, like minoxidil, prescription medications like finasteride, or general professional support from dermatologists who can provide tailored hair support, depending on the type of hair loss and progression.

Hair Care Routine

A consistent, gentle hair care routine using the best products for hair thinning is essential to help prevent further hair fall. The Kérastase Genesis Homme range features shampoos, conditioners and styling products that are designed to strengthen hair fibres, with key ingredients like Arginine, an amino acid that helps reinforce hair strength, supports scalp circulation, and reduces breakage for healthier, more resilient hair.

Products in the Kérastase Genesis Homme Range:

Genesis Homme Bain de Masse Épaississant - a thickness boosting shampoo that gently cleanses the scalp and provides a thickening effect for a fuller-looking head of hair.

Genesis Homme Bain De Force Quotidien - a daily purifying shampoo that gently re-energises the scalp with a cooling sensation.

After washing, using styling products that add texture and volume can help hair appear thicker and fuller. Try products like:

Genesis Homme Cire D'Épaisseur Texturisante - an instant thickening, moulding clay for weakened hair, prone to thinning.

Genesis Homme Spray de Force Épaississant - instantly thickens the hair fibre for fuller, stronger-feeling hair.

Tips for an Effective Routine:

1. Gently massage the scalp whilst shampooing to stimulate and increase circulation.
2. Apply a conditioner to mid-lengths and ends to prevent weighing down the hair.
3. Incorporate a daily serum to target areas of thinning and support follicle health.
4. Limit harsh chemical treatments and excessive heat styling to protect hair integrity.

A gentle haircare routine, combined with the Kérastase Genesis Homme range, can help maintain resilience, volume, and overall hair vitality to make your hair feel and appear thicker.

Discover Genesis Homme Anti-Hairfall Range for Men

Taking a proactive approach to haircare can make all the difference if you’re worried about how to manage hair fall.

Discover the Kérastase Genesis Homme range and learn how to incorporate a variety of products into your daily routine to strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and support a healthy scalp.

FAQs

What's the best shampoo for thinning hair?

Look for shampoos that strengthen hair fibres, reduce breakage, and support scalp health, such as the Densifique Bain Densité Homme Shampoo.

Can you prevent hair thinning in men?

While genetics and hormones can't be changed, there are things you can do to prevent hair thinning. For example, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress and following a tailored haircare routine can support hair health.

Does stress cause hair thinning?

Yes. Chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to temporary shedding (Telogen Effluvium).

What age does hair thinning in men typically start?

Hair thinning can begin in the late teens to early 20s, but it's most common from mid-20s to 30s onwards.

Kérastase, At Your Service

Looking for truly personalised hair care solutions? Find a Kérastase salon near you and consult with one of our rofessionals to discover expert advice tailored for your unique needs. Elevate your experience by booking a K-Scan scalp diagnosis – filter our salon locator by "K-Scan" to receive a precise, personalised product recommendation and begin your journey to healthier hair today.