For a lot of men, a receding hairline is an inevitable part of life. In most cases, hair loss is hereditary but dietary, and lifestyle factors can also contribute to balding. Let’s take a look at the nine most common factors that cause men’s hair loss.

Heredity

Male-pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is one of the leading causes of hair loss in men. It is a genetically determined disorder where hair is lost in a well-defined manner, and the hairline recedes in a characteristic M-shape. Approximately 70 percent of men have hair loss by the time they are in their 60s. Androgens are the hormones responsible for initiating hair thinning, and while there are treatments, the results may be unsatisfactory.

Tight Hairstyles

Excessive styling or shampooing can damage your hair. A lot of men are into the combed-back look, man buns, ponytails, and tight braids, particularly cornrows and dreadlocks. Any hairstyle that puts stress on your scalp can result in hair thinning and, eventually, balding. Hair treatments and styling aids such as keratin and blow drying can also cause damage. Men should be cautious when it comes to styling their hair — some style trends come with a price.

Lifestyle

Men who drink excessively may experience hair loss. The major contributors are poor diet, dehydration, blood sugar spikes, and increased estrogen associated with excessive drinking.

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is a major contributor to metabolic functions in your body. Thyroid hormones are a prime factor for the growth of hair and nails, hypothyroidism — an underactive thyroid — can result in hair loss. Men suffering from the condition may notice signs such as their nails becoming brittle and having difficulty concentrating.

Stress

Stress, whether physical or psychological, can have a weird effect on your body. In men, it can lead to hair loss. Depending on the severity of an event, a person may start noticing the loss of hair within three to six months. Short-term stress isn’t going to make you bald, but long-term stress can definitely cause you to lose hair.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency

Mineral and vitamin deficiency can wreak havoc on hair. Men who don’t have a well-balanced, nutritious diet or who crash diet may experience hair loss. The major culprit that contributes to hair loss is iron. Its deficiency means not enough red blood cells in the body, which in turn hampers hair growth. A diet rich in protein, iron, vitamins A, C and E, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and selenium can definitely improve the condition of your hair.

Infections

Many infections cause hair loss in men. One of the most common is ringworm. Ringworm is a fungus that grows in the scalp or areas surrounding the head. Another common infection that may lead to male hair loss is dermatitis, which simply means inflammation of the skin. It can cause hair loss if present on the scalp. Less common, folliculitis, or inflamed hair follicles, and syphilis can result in hair thinning in men. Each condition calls for a doctor’s prescription.

Medications and Drug Use

Hair loss is one of the distressing downsides of any long-term medical treatment. Where most medications and drugs are successful in meeting the intended purpose, they may also have a bad impact on your hair. This side effect is particularly common with prescription blood thinners, beta-blockers, antithyroid medications, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, anticoagulants and hormonal therapies. And, of course, everyone has heard of how chemotherapy drugs cause hair to fall out.

Smoking

Despite all the varied causes of hair loss, the leading cause is smoking. When puffing a cigarette, smokers not just disturb their respiratory health, but also damage their hair. Smoking affects the circulation of blood. Two of the most hazardous substances in cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide, and nicotine, trigger the male hormone androgen, resulting in hair follicle damage.