What Sets Hair Loss In Men and Women Apart? Let's Find Out

Did you know that 80% of men will experience hair loss by the age of 50, while 40% of women will experience hair thinning/loss in their lifetime?

Hair loss is a shared concern for both Men and Women. The pattern of loss may be different, yet the emotional impact it takes is profound and is very similar between both sexes. Hormones, genetics, and age all play out uniquely across the genders.

We’re here to tell you what’s, the why’s, and the how’s. Together, let's dive into the underlying causes that set the stage for these differing paths.

What is Male Pattern Baldness? (Androgenic Alopecia)

The most common form of hair loss in men, typically presents as a receding hairline, temples, and thinning of hair in the crown. As this progresses, the balding patterns meet in the middle resulting in complete hair loss. 

Female Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)

Unlike men who have a specific balding pattern, women who experience androgenic alopecia present in a diffuse pattern. This is seen as a sparse hairline, decreasing volume, and temple hair thinning. Interestingly enough, women rarely respond to the words “hair loss” but instead will respond to terms like ‘hair thinning’ or a ‘loss of volume’.

Fascinating Fact: Hair loss often goes unnoticed until around 50% of hair is lost. So if you're spotting thinning or a bald area, chances are more than half the hair is already gone in that spot.

So, Why Do Men And Women Lose Hair Differently?

Men lose hair because of DHT (an androgen/by-product of Testosterone) which starves the follicles from receiving nutrition and eventually results in shrinkage of the hair follicle. Stress also enhances DHT production which is why you see more advanced stages of hair loss in young men and women who have stressful jobs or demanding lives.

Women, on the other hand, have less DHT hair loss and instead have menopause-related hair loss. As women age, they experience hormonal fluctuations, specifically a decrease in progesterone and estrogen which results in hair shedding, a change in the thickness, and quality of hair. A decrease in progesterone and estrogen also sparks an increase in androgens. These are male hormones that can be found in small amounts in women, rather than larger amounts in men. Androgens can cause the hair follicles on the head to shrink, resulting in a type of hair loss known as androgenic alopecia. 

Shop This: HairSmart DHT Blocker

The primary reason for hair loss in both men and women is hormonal or more specifically, androgenic, which is why hair loss is also called ANDROGENIC Alopecia. It shows up in men earlier due to high testosterone and high DHT, then later in women due to the decrease of estrogen and the increase of androgens. 

Other factors such as lifestyle choices, severe hairstyles, chemical processing, nutrition, stress, illnesses, and pollution can contribute to hair loss in both men and women. The effects of different hairstyles and chemical treatments on hair can vary significantly based on the type of style or treatment, how often they are used, and an individual's hair characteristics.

For instance, protective styles like braids and twists can help prevent breakage and promote hair growth, but if done too tightly or left in for an extended period, they can cause tension leading to potential breakage and hair loss. Tight ponytails and updos can stress the hair shaft and scalp, resulting in breakage. Frequent use of heated styling tools can lead to dryness and split ends, weakening the hair structure. Chemical processes such as hair coloring, perming, relaxing, and even keratin treatments can change hair’s texture and appearance but may also cause damage if not applied carefully or excessively, ranging from dryness and breakage to scalp irritation and thinning. To prevent damaged hair, understanding your hair type and adopting a suitable hair care routine are vital.