Types Of Hair Loss In Men: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on May 01, 2023

Last Updated on February 25, 2026

Hair loss in men can happen for several reasons, including genetics (male-pattern baldness), autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, hormonal changes, or behavioural disorders.

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While some types are gradual and age-related, others can appear suddenly and feel alarming. Identifying the specific type of hair loss you’re experiencing is the most important first step—because treatment depends on the cause.

Understanding your diagnosis also helps you navigate realistic options for hair loss treatment in Canada, from medical evaluation to evidence-based therapies.

Topics covered in this article:

What Are the Main Types of Hair Loss?

Hair loss in men can appear in several different forms, each with its own cause, pattern, and progression. Some types develop gradually over time due to genetics and hormones, while others can appear suddenly as a result of immune, medical, or behavioural factors. Understanding the different types of hair loss is essential because management and expectations vary depending on the underlying cause.

The most recognized types of hair loss include:

1. Androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) — the most common form, driven by genetics and hormone sensitivity
2. Alopecia areata — an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp or face
3. Alopecia totalis — a more advanced form of alopecia areata resulting in complete scalp hair loss
4. Alopecia universalis — a rare condition involving loss of hair across the entire body
5. Trichotillomania — hair loss caused by repetitive hair pulling linked to psychological stress or behavioural disorders

Each type has different triggers, progression patterns, and management approaches. Identifying the pattern of hair loss early can help guide appropriate evaluation and clarify what treatment or monitoring options may be appropriate.

What Is the Most Common Type of Hair Loss in Men?

The most common type of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness. It affects a significant percentage of men by middle age and typically develops gradually over time.

What Is Androgenetic Alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia is a hereditary form of hair loss driven by genetics and hormones. It is characterized by progressive thinning of hair in predictable patterns and is considered a chronic condition rather than a temporary shedding phase.

This condition can begin as early as the late teens or twenties, though it becomes more common with age.

What Are the Early Signs of Male-Pattern Baldness?

The most common signs include:

1. A receding hairline, especially at the temples
2. Thinning at the crown (top of the scalp)
3. Gradual widening of the part line
4. Shorter, finer hairs replacing thicker strands

In many cases, hair loss progresses slowly over years.

Why Does Male-Pattern Baldness Happen?

Male-pattern baldness is largely linked to sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone.

Men who are genetically predisposed have hair follicles that are more sensitive to DHT. Over time, this sensitivity causes the follicles to shrink (a process called miniaturization), producing thinner and shorter hairs until growth eventually slows or stops.

It’s important to understand that DHT itself is not abnormal — the issue is inherited follicle sensitivity.

How Is Androgenetic Alopecia Managed?

While there is no permanent cure, early intervention can help slow progression and, in some cases, improve hair density. Management options may include:

1. Prescription oral medications designed to reduce DHT’s effect on hair follicles
2. Topical treatments that support hair growth cycles
3. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in selected cases
4. Hair transplant surgery for advanced stages
5. Ongoing medical monitoring

Because this type of hair loss is progressive, seeking medical evaluation early can improve outcomes. Treatment plans are typically individualized based on age, degree of hair thinning, medical history, and personal goals.

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What Is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes sudden, patchy hair loss. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly targets healthy hair follicles, disrupting normal hair growth.

What Does Alopecia Areata Look Like?

Alopecia areata typically appears as:

1. Round or oval bald patches on the scalp
2. Sudden hair loss in localized areas
3. Smooth, hairless skin where shedding has occurred
4. In some cases, patchy loss in the beard or eyebrows

Unlike male-pattern baldness, which develops gradually, alopecia areata often appears quickly over days or weeks.

What Causes Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia areata is caused by an immune system misfire. Instead of protecting the body, immune cells attack hair follicles, causing them to prematurely enter a resting phase. This interruption leads to noticeable shedding.

The exact trigger is not always clear, but contributing factors may include:

1. Genetic predisposition
2. Stressful life events
3. Other autoimmune conditions

Importantly, alopecia areata is not contagious and is not caused by poor hair care.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should seek medical evaluation if:

1. Hair loss appears suddenly
2. You notice distinct bald patches
3. Hair loss spreads rapidly
4. You experience changes in nails (such as pitting or ridging)
5. Hair loss is causing emotional distress

Early evaluation can help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of patchy hair loss. Because autoimmune hair loss can vary significantly from person to person, professional assessment is important for determining next steps and monitoring progression.

What Is Alopecia Totalis?

Alopecia totalis is a form of autoimmune hair loss that results in complete loss of hair on the scalp. It is considered an advanced form of alopecia areata and can develop gradually or progress rapidly after initial patchy hair loss.

What Does Alopecia Totalis Look Like?

Alopecia totalis involves:

1. Complete loss of scalp hair
2. Smooth, hairless scalp without visible inflammation
3. Possible loss of eyebrows and eyelashes in some cases
4. Sudden or progressive transition from patchy hair loss to full scalp loss

Unlike more common forms of hair loss that follow predictable patterns, alopecia totalis can feel sudden and unpredictable.

How Is It Related to Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia totalis is part of the same autoimmune spectrum as alopecia areata. In this condition, the immune response affecting hair follicles becomes more widespread, leading to full scalp hair loss rather than isolated patches.

Not everyone with alopecia areata will develop alopecia totalis, but those who do may notice hair loss progressing over time from small patches to more extensive areas.

How Does Management Differ?

Because alopecia totalis involves more extensive hair loss, evaluation and monitoring typically require specialist involvement. Management focuses on:

1. Confirming the diagnosis
2. Assessing progression and overall health
3. Supporting scalp and skin health
4. Discussing realistic expectations for regrowth or stabilization

The course of alopecia totalis can vary significantly between individuals. Some people may experience periods of regrowth, while others may have more persistent hair loss, making ongoing medical guidance important.

What Is Alopecia Universalis?

Alopecia universalis is a rare autoimmune condition that causes complete loss of hair across the entire body. It is the most extensive form of alopecia areata and affects not only the scalp, but also facial and body hair.

What Does Alopecia Universalis Involve?

People living with alopecia universalis typically experience:

1. Complete loss of scalp hair
2. Loss of eyebrows and eyelashes
3. Absence of facial and body hair, including arms, legs, and chest
4. Smooth skin in areas where hair would normally grow

Hair loss may occur gradually or progress from alopecia areata or alopecia totalis over time.

How Common Is Alopecia Universalis?

Alopecia universalis is considered rare. It represents a small percentage of autoimmune-related hair loss cases and can affect individuals of any age. Because of its rarity and complexity, diagnosis and monitoring are usually handled by specialists familiar with autoimmune hair disorders.

Why Is Specialist Care Important?

Since alopecia universalis involves widespread immune-related hair loss, medical evaluation is important to:

1. Confirm the diagnosis
2. Rule out other underlying conditions
3. Monitor changes over time
4. Support scalp and skin health
5. Address emotional and psychological impact

The course of the condition can vary. Some individuals may experience periods of partial regrowth, while others may have long-term hair loss. Ongoing professional support helps individuals understand expectations and manage the condition appropriately.

What Is Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania is a hair-pulling disorder that leads to noticeable hair loss. It is classified as a body-focused repetitive behaviour and is linked to psychological and emotional factors rather than genetics or hormones.

What Does Trichotillomania Look Like?

Trichotillomania typically involves repeated urges to pull out one’s own hair, which can result in:

1. Irregular or patchy hair loss
2. Broken hairs of different lengths
3. Thinning in areas that are easy to reach, such as the scalp, beard, or eyebrows
4. Repeated pulling from the same locations over time

Hair pulling may occur consciously during periods of stress or concentration, or subconsciously during daily activities like reading, working, or watching television.

Why Does Trichotillomania Happen?

Trichotillomania has a strong psychological component and is often associated with:

1. Stress or anxiety
2. Emotional regulation challenges
3. Habit-forming behaviors
4. Underlying mental health conditions in some cases

For many individuals, hair-pulling may temporarily relieve tension or provide a sense of control, which can make the behaviour difficult to stop without support.

How Is Trichotillomania Managed?

Management typically focuses on behavioural and psychological support rather than medical hair-loss approaches. This may include:

1. Behavioural therapy to identify triggers and reduce pulling
2. Stress-management strategies
3. Habit-reversal techniques
4. Mental health support when needed

Seeking professional guidance can help address both the hair loss and the underlying behavioural patterns. Early support often improves long-term outcomes and helps prevent ongoing damage to hair follicles.

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How Do You Know Which Type of Hair Loss You Have?

The type of hair loss you have is usually identified by its pattern, speed of progression, and associated symptoms. A medical evaluation can help confirm the diagnosis, but certain visible clues often point toward specific types.

1. Pattern of Hair Loss

The way hair loss appears on the scalp is one of the strongest indicators:

1. A receding hairline and crown thinning often suggest male-pattern baldness
2. Round, smooth bald patches may indicate alopecia areata
3. Complete scalp hair loss may point toward alopecia totalis
4. Full-body hair loss suggests alopecia universalis
5. Irregular, broken patches in reachable areas may signal trichotillomania

Pattern recognition is often the first step in narrowing down the cause.

2. Speed of Shedding

The timeline matters:

1. Gradual thinning over years is typical of androgenetic alopecia
2. Sudden hair loss over days or weeks is more common in autoimmune-related conditions
3. Hair loss linked to repetitive pulling may fluctuate depending on stress levels

Rapid or unexpected shedding should always be evaluated.

3. Patchy vs. Diffuse Thinning

1. Patchy hair loss usually points to autoimmune or behavioural causes
2. Diffuse thinning across the scalp is more common in genetic hair loss

Understanding whether hair is falling out evenly or in specific spots helps guide diagnosis.

4. Family History

If close relatives have experienced similar hair loss patterns, especially receding hairlines or crown thinning, genetics may play a role. Family history is particularly relevant for male-pattern baldness.

5. Associated Symptoms

Other signs can provide additional clues, such as:

1. Nail changes (like pitting) in autoimmune hair loss
2. Increased stress or compulsive urges in hair-pulling disorder
3. Rapid progression without inflammation

If you are unsure about the pattern or if hair loss is spreading quickly, consulting a qualified healthcare professional is the safest way to determine the type and discuss appropriate next steps.

When Should You See a Medical Professional?

You should see a medical professional if hair loss is sudden, patchy, rapidly progressing, or accompanied by other symptoms. While gradual thinning can be common with age, certain patterns of hair loss may signal an underlying condition that requires evaluation.

Sudden Hair Loss

If you notice hair shedding quickly over days or weeks, especially without a clear explanation, it’s important to seek assessment. Sudden hair loss can sometimes be linked to autoimmune activity, physical stress, or other health changes.

Patchy Hair Loss

Distinct round or irregular bald patches should always be evaluated. Patchy hair loss is often associated with autoimmune conditions or behavioural causes and benefits from early diagnosis.

Hair Loss With Fatigue or Illness

If hair loss occurs alongside:

1. Persistent fatigue
2. Unexplained weight changes
3. Recent illness
4. Other new physical symptoms

A medical review can help rule out systemic causes or nutritional imbalances.

Emotional Distress

Hair loss can significantly affect confidence and mental well-being. If thinning or bald patches are causing anxiety, social withdrawal, or stress, speaking with a healthcare provider can provide clarity and support.

Early evaluation does not always mean serious disease, but it can provide reassurance, confirm the type of hair loss, and guide appropriate monitoring or management.

Conclusion

Hair loss can happen for many different reasons, and not all hair loss follows the same pattern or progression. From genetic thinning to autoimmune-related conditions or behavioural causes, understanding the type of hair loss you’re experiencing is the first step toward setting realistic expectations and exploring appropriate next steps.

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While some forms of hair loss are gradual and common with age, others may appear suddenly or feel unpredictable. Paying attention to changes in hair density, pattern, and overall health can help you recognize when it may be time to seek professional guidance.

If you’re unsure about the cause of your hair loss or concerned about how quickly it’s progressing, a qualified medical professional can help assess your symptoms, confirm the diagnosis, and discuss suitable management or monitoring options. Early clarity often makes the experience less stressful and helps you make informed decisions about your hair and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Hair Loss