What Causes Hair Loss in Men?
Aug 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
Patients should routinely use a mild shampoo. Herbal decoctions are commonly used externally as a hair rinse. Frequently used herbs include *Stemona japonica*, honeysuckle flower (*Lonicera japonica*), *Hedyotis diffusa*, charred *Sanguisorba officinalis*, and purslane (*Portulaca oleracea*). External rinsing with these herbal preparations helps clear heat, resolve toxicity, and alleviate localized symptoms such as scalp pruritus and fungal infection. The water temperature for rinsing is not fixed but should be below 35°C; simply rinse the hair thoroughly.
Many men experience significant hair loss as they age, making them appear suddenly older. What causes male-pattern hair loss?
What Causes Male Hair Loss?
The primary causes of baldness include immune system imbalance and sudden increases in psychological stress. Androgenic alopecia—hair loss triggered by excessive androgen (male hormone) secretion—is the most common type of hair loss among men. Under prolonged exposure to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), hair follicles gradually shrink and miniaturize, leading to thinner, softer, drier, duller hair that ultimately becomes lighter in color and sparser. Excessive sebum production on the scalp—medically termed seborrheic alopecia—is another major cause of hair loss in men.
Patients should use mild shampoos regularly. Herbal decoctions may also be used externally as a shampoo. Commonly used herbs include stemona root (Bai Bu), honeysuckle flower (Jin Yin Hua), oldenlandia diffusa (Bai Hua She She Cao), carbonized oriental artemisia root (Di Yu Tan), and purslane (Ma Chi Xian). External rinsing with these herbal preparations helps clear heat and toxins, alleviating local scalp itching and fungal infections. Water temperature for rinsing should remain below 35°C; gently massage the scalp with fingertips while rinsing the hair.
Lifestyle modifications—including improving sleep quality, managing stress, and regulating emotions—are essential. Diet should avoid alcohol, spicy or stimulating foods, fatty meats, and sweets—foods that are difficult to digest. Oral medications such as spironolactone and B-complex vitamins, combined with topical minoxidil, constitute a comprehensive treatment approach that generally yields favorable results for hair loss. We hope this information is helpful to you!
