Hair Loss in Men

Hair loss in men can appear as a receding hairline, thinning at the crown, reduced density through the top of the scalp, increased shedding, patchy hair loss, or changes linked with scalp irritation. At Carmen Du Preez Trichology in Perth, male hair loss is assessed by looking at the pattern of loss, the scalp, the follicles, and the history behind the change.

Many men assume all hair loss is male pattern hair loss, but that is not always the case. Hair shedding, scalp inflammation, alopecia areata, traction, stress, illness, medication changes, nutritional factors, and other health concerns can also contribute.

A proper assessment can help you understand whether the pattern looks progressive, sudden, diffuse, patchy, inflammatory, or linked with another possible trigger.

Male Pattern Hair Loss

Male pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, is one of the most common forms of hair loss in men. It often develops gradually and follows a recognisable pattern, with thinning around the temples, a receding hairline, or reduced density at the crown.

From a trichology perspective, I would look at the pattern of thinning, the degree of density change, whether the hair shafts vary in thickness, and whether miniaturisation is visible through trichoscopy. I would also ask about family history, when the change started, and whether the loss has been slow or more sudden.

Male pattern hair loss is often progressive, so early assessment can be useful. The aim is not to guess from appearance alone, but to understand the pattern and whether other factors may be contributing.

Receding Hairline and Crown Thinning

A receding hairline often starts around the temples and gradually moves backward. Crown thinning may appear as a small area of reduced density that slowly becomes more visible under bright light or in photos.

These changes can happen separately or together. Some men first notice the hairline changing, while others notice the crown before they realise the front has also thinned.

When I assess this, I would compare the frontal hairline, temples, crown, and mid-scalp, and I would look for miniaturised hairs, scalp inflammation, and whether the follicles are still intact.

Diffuse Hair Thinning

Diffuse thinning is a more general reduction in hair density across the scalp rather than a clear hairline or crown pattern. It can be harder to notice early because the change may be spread evenly.

Some men describe their hair as feeling less full, harder to style, or thinner after washing. Diffuse thinning can overlap with male pattern hair loss, but it can also be linked with shedding triggers such as illness, stress, nutritional issues, thyroid imbalance, medication changes, or inflammatory scalp concerns.

This is why the history matters. I would want to understand whether the change started suddenly or gradually, whether shedding increased, and whether there were body or lifestyle changes in the months before the thinning became noticeable.

Telogen Effluvium and Stress-Related Shedding in Men

Telogen effluvium can happen in men after the body has been under physical or emotional strain. Triggers may include illness, surgery, rapid weight loss, stress, medication changes, nutritional deficiency, or other health events.

The shedding may appear two to three months after the trigger, which can make the cause less obvious. Many people only become concerned when they see more hair in the shower, on the pillow, or when brushing.

The good news is that shedding does not always mean permanent hair loss. However, if the shedding is ongoing or the hair density has changed, it is worth investigating rather than guessing.

Patchy Hair Loss

Patchy hair loss may appear as round, oval, or irregular areas of reduced hair. Alopecia areata can cause sudden patches where the scalp may look otherwise normal, but other causes of patchy loss also need to be considered.

When I assess patchy hair loss, I would look for defined margins, short broken hairs, black dots, redness, scaling, pustules, tenderness, or signs of scarring. This helps determine whether the pattern looks like alopecia areata or whether medical assessment is needed for another condition.

Sudden patchy hair loss should not be ignored. Carmen can guide you toward the appropriate next step if GP or dermatologist input is required.

Traction and Grooming-Related Hair Loss

Traction-related hair loss occurs when repeated tension is placed on the hair follicles. In men, this may be linked with tight hairstyles, long hair pulled tightly, certain cultural or grooming practices, extensions, or repeated pressure in the same area.

It may affect the hairline, temples, beard area, or other areas depending on the source of tension. Early traction-related loss may improve when the tension is removed, but long-standing traction can damage follicles.

I would look at the location of the loss, broken hairs, scalp irritation, and whether the hair care routine is placing ongoing strain on the follicles.

Scalp Inflammation and Hair Loss

Scalp inflammation, dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, folliculitis, psoriasis-related scalp concerns, itching, redness, scaling, or tenderness can occur alongside hair shedding or thinning.

The scalp can give useful clues, but it does not always tell the whole story. I would check for redness, scale, pustules, tenderness, follicle openings, and whether the scalp condition may be aggravating the hair concern.

If there are signs of infection, significant inflammation, scarring, or a condition that needs medical diagnosis, Carmen may recommend that you speak with your GP or a dermatologist.

What a Male Hair Loss Assessment May Include

At Carmen Du Preez Trichology, an assessment may include:

when the hair loss or shedding started
whether the change is gradual, sudden, patchy, or diffuse
assessment of the hairline, temples, crown, and scalp density
scalp symptoms such as itching, flaking, oiliness, redness, tenderness, or inflammation
family history of hair loss
stress, illness, surgery, weight loss, or recent health changes
medications, supplements, diet, and lifestyle factors
hair care and grooming habits
visual scalp and hair assessment
trichoscopy where appropriate
discussion of relevant blood test results, if available
guidance on suitable next steps

The first step is to understand what type of hair loss appears to be present and what may be contributing to it.

When to See a Trichologist for Male Hair Loss

It is worth booking an assessment if you notice:

a receding hairline
crown thinning
reduced hair density through the top of the scalp
increased shedding
patchy hair loss
scalp itching, flaking, redness, tenderness, or pustules
sudden changes after illness, stress, medication changes, or weight loss
uncertainty about products, supplements, or treatment options

Rather than starting treatments without understanding the cause, it is better to look at the pattern, scalp health, and history first.

Book a Male Hair Loss Consultation in Perth

If you are concerned about male hair loss, a receding hairline, crown thinning, or ongoing shedding, you can contact Carmen Du Preez Trichology to arrange an assessment.

Book an initial trichology consultation to better understand your hair and scalp concern and take the next step with more confidence.