The Truth About Hair Loss – What’s Really Happening?

If you’re starting to notice your hairline creeping back or your crown thinning, you’re not alone. Male hair loss affects the majority of men at some point — but what many don’t realise is why it happens, and that it’s a perfectly natural, treatable process.

As a hair transplant surgeon, I speak to men every week who are frustrated or embarrassed about losing their hair. Understanding what’s actually happening is the first step to taking control.

What Causes Male Hair Loss?

For most men, hair loss is caused by androgenetic alopecia, better known as male pattern baldness. It’s driven by a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) — a derivative of testosterone.

Some men are genetically more sensitive to DHT. Over time, this hormone causes hair follicles (especially around the temples and crown) to shrink — a process known as miniaturisation. As follicles shrink, hairs become thinner and shorter until they eventually stop growing.

This explains why hair loss can seem gradual and patchy, even when you’re otherwise healthy.

Why Some Men Lose Hair and Others Don’t

It comes down to genetics and hormone sensitivity. You can inherit the tendency from either parent, and it’s often a mix of several genes.

Interestingly, the hair at the back and sides of your head is resistant to DHT. That’s why these areas stay thick — and why we can use those hairs in FUE hair transplants. Once transplanted, they keep their DHT resistance permanently.

Other Causes of Hair Loss

Although DHT is the main culprit, there are other potential triggers:

• Stress or illness (causing temporary shedding, known as telogen effluvium)

• Nutritional deficiencies (especially iron, vitamin D, or protein)

• Medical conditions like thyroid disorders or autoimmune conditions

• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor sleep, or heavy alcohol use

• Certain medications

  
  

That’s why a detailed medical consultation is essential before any treatment or surgery.

Effective Hair Loss Treatments

Several proven medical options can help slow or even reverse male pattern baldness:

• Finasteride (1mg tablet daily / or topical spray): blocks DHT and prevents further follicle shrinkage.

• Minoxidil (5% topical solution or 2.5mg tablet daily): improves scalp blood flow and stimulates regrowth.

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or Polynucleotides: repair and rejuvenate weak follicles.

• Microneedling with exosomes: stimulates regrowth and repair

  
  

These can be used alone or alongside a FUE hair transplant for optimal, long-term results.

Understanding Your Stage of Hair Loss

Before recommending treatment, I assess where a patient sits on the Norwood Scale — the global standard for classifying male hair loss.

Knowing your stage helps determine:

• Whether medical management is enough, or

• Whether you’d benefit from surgical hair restoration.

  
  

At The Rejuvenation Doctors, every treatment plan is tailored to you — because no two patients (or hairlines) are the same.

Final Thoughts

Hair loss is common, natural, and highly treatable. Understanding the science behind it empowers you to make confident, informed choices.

If you’ve noticed thinning or a receding hairline, now is the time to act. Book a confidential consultation to discuss your goals, examine your scalp, and explore your best options — from medication to PRP to FUE hair transplantation.

You don’t have to accept hair loss. With the right treatment plan, you can restore both your hair and your confidence.