Baldness in Men

Manage baldness in men and hair loss with ease. Get expert medical advice from our AHPRA-accredited online doctors and health practitioners, available 24/7.

This guide does not replace professional care. In emergencies, call 000 or visit a hospital immediately.

About baldness in men

Baldness, particularly male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), is a common condition affecting many men in Australia. It can start as early as the late teens or early 20s and progresses with age. By the age of 50, about 50% of Australian men experience some degree of baldness. The condition is largely genetic but can also be influenced by lifestyle, diet, and health factors. Hair loss can impact self-esteem and mental health, making it important to understand the available treatments and support options.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC

A doctor can help determine the cause of hair loss and recommend suitable treatment options. Telehealth services allow you to consult an online GP from anywhere, making it easy to seek medical advice. You should consider seeing a doctor if:

  • Hair loss is rapid or starts suddenly.
  • You notice patchy hair loss (this could indicate an underlying condition like alopecia areata).
  • There is itching, redness, or irritation of the scalp.
  • Hair loss is causing emotional distress or affecting your confidence and self-esteem.
  • You want to explore treatment options like medications or hair restoration procedures.

Baldness in men is most often due to male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), but other factors can contribute:

  • Genetics: Family history plays the biggest role in hair loss.
  • Hormonal changes: Increased sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) shrinks hair follicles.
  • Age: Hair follicles become weaker with age.
  • Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of iron, zinc, vitamin D, or protein can lead to hair loss.
  • Medical conditions: Thyroid disorders, scalp infections, or autoimmune diseases can cause hair loss.
  • Stress & lifestyle factors: High stress, poor diet, and smoking can accelerate baldness.
  • Medications & treatments: Some drugs for depression, blood pressure, or chemotherapy can lead to hair loss.

Baldness in men can vary in severity and pattern. It typically presents as:

  • Receding hairline: Hairline moves backward at the forehead and the temples.
  • Thinning on the crown: Hair on the top of the head becomes sparse.
  • Complete balding: The scalp becomes completely bald, often leaving only hair around the sides and back.

If you’re experiencing hair loss, consider these management strategies:

  • Hair transplant procedures: Surgical options like FUE and FUT restore hair permanently.
  • Lifestyle changes: A balanced diet, reducing stress, and proper scalp care can slow hair loss.
  • Wigs & hairpieces: A non-medical option for those who prefer cosmetic solutions.
  • Scalp micropigmentation: A cosmetic tattooing technique that creates the illusion of hair.
  • Seek medical advice: A doctor can suggest medications, supplements, or further tests.

Currently, there is no permanent cure for male pattern baldness. However, certain treatments, and hair transplants can effectively slow or reverse hair loss in many men.

The symptoms of male pattern baldness are

  • Gradual thinning on the top of the head
  • Receding hairline forming an “M” shape
  • Hair loss at the crown
  • Thinner, shorter, and lighter-coloured hair
  • Eventually, large bald patches

Treatments vary from person to person and should be discussed with a general practitioner. Here are some treatments available for baldness in men:

  • Minoxidil (Rogaine): A topical solution that stimulates hair growth.
  • PRP therapy: Platelet-rich plasma injections to stimulate follicles.
  • Hair transplants: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) or Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT).
  • Low-Level laser therapy (LLLT): Red light therapy to stimulate hair growth.

Male pattern baldness is generally a cosmetic condition, but it can have psychological and physical complications. Many men experience low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression due to changes in their appearance, which can affect their social and professional lives. The exposed scalp is also more susceptible to sunburn and skin damage, increasing the risk of scalp irritation, dryness, and even skin cancer with prolonged sun exposure. In some cases, excessive hair loss may indicate an underlying medical issue such as thyroid disorders or nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, some men may resort to ineffective or unsafe treatments out of desperation, leading to further scalp damage or side effects from unregulated products. Seeking early medical advice can help manage hair loss effectively while addressing any associated health concerns.

While you can’t prevent genetic hair loss, you can slow it down with:

  • Early treatment.
  • Healthy diet & lifestyle
  • Scalp massage to improve circulation
  • Avoiding harsh hair treatments & heat styling

Gain instant access to an AHPRA-accredited online doctor or health practitioner via a telehealth appointment within minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7. To access an instant consult:

Yes! If hair loss is causing emotional distress or affecting your well-being, you can get a medical certificate online through Hola Health.

You can get an online prescription through an instant consult with Hola Health.

Steps to get an eScript via Hola Health

  • Request an instant script.
  • Fill in your details, make payment and connect with a web doctor within minutes.
  • If appropriate, the doctor will send an SMS with your prescription.
  • Take the online script to a local or online pharmacy delivery service to get your medication.

Through telehealth, you can get specialist referrals if there are any underlying conditions, pathology referrals, radiology referrals and blood test referrals to investigate the condition further.

Absolutely! Hola Health offers 24/7 telehealth consultations, so you can connect with a GP anytime, anywhere.

Connect with registered health practitioners 24/7 to easily obtain medical certificates, prescriptions, and specialist referrals, without leaving home. Telehealth offers:

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