Approximately 50 million men experience hair loss in the United States, with two-thirds noticing thinning by age 35.
Fortunately, two notable medications, minoxidil and finasteride, can help slow or even reverse hair loss. Combined with scalp-supportive lifestyle habits, these medications offer an effective approach to reducing hair loss in men.
Androgenetic alopecia, or male-pattern baldness, accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men. Cases of this condition follow a familiar pattern: thinning at the temples and crown that progresses over years or decades.
The process of hair loss occurs when hair follicles become sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the most significant hormonal factor associated with male pattern hair loss. As DHT receptors increase in the hair follicles, the follicles gradually shrink until they produce only fine, colorless hairs before stopping growth altogether.
Androgenetic alopecia, or male-pattern baldness, accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men. Cases of this condition follow a familiar pattern: thinning at the temples and crown that progresses over years or decades.
The process of hair loss occurs when hair follicles become sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the most significant hormonal factor associated with male pattern hair loss. As DHT receptors increase in the hair follicles, the follicles gradually shrink until they produce only fine, colorless hairs before stopping growth altogether.
While the process of hair loss is fixed, its progression varies between individuals. Some men thin in their twenties, while others maintain full hair until middle age. Your family history on both sides influences the timing and severity of hair loss, though having a genetic predisposition doesn’t guarantee you’ll follow the same pattern.
Beyond genetics, several factors can accelerate hair loss:
When it comes to treating hair loss in men, two FDA-approved medications have shown consistent results: minoxidil and finasteride.
Minoxidil is applied topically to areas of hair loss to increase blood flow to the follicles and extend the growth phase. A 4-month surveillance study showed that 5% concentrated minoxidil produced regrowth in around 93.8% of men after four months of twice-daily use. Hair density also improved in 74.2% of the participants.
Finasteride is taken orally. It’s used to block the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. By reducing DHT levels in the scalp by up to 60%, finasteride can slow hair loss and, in some cases, promote new hair growth.
While lifestyle changes alone are not enough to prevent genetic hair loss, learning how to reduce hair loss in men can include incorporating habits to support scalp health.
Hair follicles require amino acids for keratin production, making adequate protein intake key for guarding against hair loss. Iron and zinc deficiencies can also impair follicle function.
Stress management is another way to reduce hair loss. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and practices like meditation may help minimize high cortisol levels that lead to stress-related hair loss.
Scalp care is often overlooked when considering hair care and hair retention, but clogged follicles, loss of natural oils, and damaged hair can exacerbate hair loss.
Wash your hair regularly to remove scalp buildup, avoid harsh shampoos, and incorporate gentle massaging during washing to increase circulation. Some evidence also supports the use of 1% and 2% ketaconazole shampoo for hair loss, as it has mild anti-inflammatory properties.
If you have longer hair, avoid tight hairstyles that constantly pull on follicles to reduce shedding. Excessive heat styling, wet brushing, and chemical treatments also weaken the hair shafts and increase breakage.
Now that you know what helps with hair loss in men, it’s time to consider your options.
Early intervention can significantly improve your outlook for hair loss, but traditional models, such as in-person or consumer telehealth, often require long wait times for appointments, explaining your health history multiple times, or transactional care interactions.
Counsel changes that.
Counsel offers a streamlined approach to hair loss treatment that starts with a chat with our medical AI. The AI reviews your hair loss pattern, relevant health history, and current symptoms to provide personalized insights and determine eligibility. This initial assessment helps clarify which treatment options may be most suitable for your situation.
A board-certified doctor then joins the same conversation to further review your case, answer questions, and discuss your treatment plan, including the prescription medication. This approach removes traditional barriers such as long wait times, multiple appointments, and repeated explanations, allowing you to start treatment faster and with confidence.
Counsel supports members beyond just hair loss in one unified place. When other health concerns arise, such as new symptoms, or members are curious about optimizing their health by taking action on their latest blood tests, Counsel provides actionable guidance and care.
Try Counsel to get personalized answers about your hair loss today.
The Counsel Health editorial team is a multidisciplinary group of writers and editors dedicated to delivering clinically grounded, evidence-based health information. Their work is informed by real-world care delivery and guided by physician expertise, ensuring content is accurate, accessible, and trustworthy. By translating complex medical topics into clear, practical guidance, the team helps readers understand their health, explore care options, and make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Dr. Rishi Khakhkhar is CMO at Counsel Health. A practicing emergency physician and founding team member, he leads the clinical team in building best-in-class asynchronous care models. Previously, he served as Medical Director of Mount Sinai’s Virtual Urgent Care, the health system’s largest telemedicine service, and led emergency department operations for Hospital-at-Home while supporting mobile integrated health initiatives across the care continuum.
Our content is created for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical care. For personalized guidance, talk to a licensed physician. Learn more about our editorial standards and review process.
