Hair Loss 101: Sons Explained

Hair Loss 101: Sons Explained
07 September 2020
4-minute read

Hair loss in males is normally caused by a genetic condition called androgenic alopecia - this condition causes sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a male sex hormone. It is inherited from your parents, although this is not an absolute deciding factor in experiencing male pattern baldness. 


Why do men lose their hair? 

Men that go bald are sensitive to a hormone called DHT. 


DHT binds to and shrinks the hair follicles in your scalp which pushes out old hairs and causes new ones to become shorter and thinner with each growth cycle - this is a process called miniaturisation. If this process is allowed to happen without treatment, the hair follicle eventually shrinks to the extent that hair stops growing altogether and the follicle dies off.


Am I going bald?

Determining whether you are balding requires close attention to where and how your hair is thinning. A loss or thinning of hair around the temples and crown means that you will probably go bald to some extent.


Sudden hair loss or localised patches of hair loss, is more likely a temporary condition caused by stress or illness. You can keep track of balding by taking pictures of your hair periodically and using freckles, moles or other physical references to note your hair recession.


Is my hairline receding?

Almost every single man on the planet recedes into a more mature hairline as they get older - imagine keeping the same hairline from your teens into your 40s and you’ll clearly see how silly it would look otherwise.


However, experiencing a recession in your hairline in your late teens, early twenties (or earlier) is almost definitely the first sign of male pattern baldness. This process will usually begin with a thinning or loss of hair around the temples that form into a subtle or severe M-shape. Treating this condition as soon as possible helps to reduce hair loss or may even stop it altogether. 


Can scalp massage prevent hair loss?

Scalp massages aren’t proven to prevent you from having hair loss but they can help.


Scalp massages stimulate blood flow in the scalp which can help to invigorate hair follicles - when administered in conjunction with Finasteride and Minoxidil, this might help.


Do essential oils really work for hair loss?                                                     

No, no, no - there is zero evidence that essential oils can effectively treat hair loss. To be frank,  if they were proven to treat hair loss, there would be no reason for anyone to go bald. 


Having said that, essential oils can be used to improve the quality and appearance of hair -  helping to bring softness, moisturisation and shine. Our Sons shampoo, for example, contains five essential oils: argan oil, cedarwood oil, amla oil, sage oil and rosemary leaf oil.


Does showering every day cause hair loss?

No, showering daily does not cause hair loss directly. You might find various reports of hair falling out because of everyday showering but these are normally cases where the hair is ready to fall out anyway.


However, showering with hot water and/or harsh shampoo every day can be damaging to the quality and appearance of your hair.


How can I treat my hair loss?

Taking action as soon as possible is the best way to fight against hair loss. Unlike other hair loss brands we recommend two options: getting a Sons consultation and treatment plan in place asap or shaving it all off.


Feel free to start your consultation with us now.


What’s the best shampoo for hair loss?

When it comes to shampoo the essential rule is to choose quality over quantity. It’s also important to remember that there aren’t any shampoos on the market that are proven to treat hair loss. 


Obviously, we recommend our own shampoo, as well as any like it, containing natural ingredients that are nourishing for your hair. Also, any shampoos that contain a DHT blocker, such as saw palmetto are also favourable.


What’s the best product for hair loss?

Without a doubt, the two best products for male hair loss are Finasteride and Minoxidil.


These were two of the first medications to be approved by the FDA for treating male hair loss and are still recognised as the most effective products for treating this genetic condition.


Do haircuts help hair loss?

Haircuts won’t have an impact on the process of hair loss. However, the type of haircut makes a big difference to the appearance of your hair.


We recommend finding a barber that you trust and openly talk about your hair loss with. Picking an experienced barber means that you can confidently ask for advice on the best ways to help your hair appear thicker too.


Does malnutrition cause hair loss? 

Yes, in some cases, malnutrition can cause hair loss.


Your hair is made of a protein called keratin which is naturally produced by your body. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet helps your body to promote this protein and also provides you with the vitamins and minerals you need to maintain overall health.



All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.