Male Hair Loss in Australia: Understanding the Causes and Treatments

Hair loss is very common in Australian men, and in most cases it’s caused by male pattern baldness, an inherited condition that tends to run in families. Other causes, such as stress, illness, thyroid problems or scalp conditions, are less common but important to recognise because some are temporary or treatable. A GP can help work out the cause and talk you through options if you want to treat it.

This article gives an overview of the causes of male hair loss and the main treatment options. For the facts behind popular beliefs about baldness, see our companion article on men’s hair loss myths.

How common is hair loss in men?

According to healthdirect, male pattern baldness affects about 1 in 5 men in their 20s, about 1 in 3 in their 30s, and nearly half of men in their 40s. It’s a normal part of ageing for many men and isn’t harmful to your health, but it can affect confidence.

Common causes of hair loss in men

Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia)

This is by far the most common cause. It happens when hair follicles are genetically sensitive to a male hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Over time, affected follicles shrink and produce thinner, shorter hairs, until some stop producing visible hair at all.

It usually follows a typical pattern:

• the hairline recedes at the temples, forming an “M” shape
• hair thins at the crown
• eventually, these areas may join, leaving hair around the sides and back of the head

It tends to come on gradually over years, and a family history on either side makes it more likely.

Telogen effluvium (shedding after a shock to the system)

A major illness, surgery, high fever, significant stress, rapid weight loss or a change in medicines can push many hairs into their resting phase at once. A few months later, you may notice much more hair than usual falling out all over the scalp. This type of hair loss usually settles by itself once the trigger has passed.

Alopecia areata

This is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing smooth, round bald patches on the scalp, beard or elsewhere. Hair often regrows, but it can come and go. It needs a doctor’s assessment.

Other medical causes

• thyroid problems
• low iron and some other nutritional deficiencies
• scalp conditions, including fungal infection (tinea) and psoriasis
• some medicines and cancer treatments
• use of anabolic steroids

Hair damage and traction

Tight hairstyles, such as tight buns, braids or man buns worn often, can pull on follicles and cause traction alopecia. Harsh chemical treatments and excessive heat can also damage the hair shaft.

Signs your hair loss may need checking

Gradual thinning at the temples and crown is typical of male pattern baldness. See a GP if you notice:

• sudden or rapid hair loss, or hair coming out in clumps
• round bald patches
• hair loss with an itchy, scaly, red or painful scalp
• hair loss along with other symptoms, such as tiredness, weight change or feeling unwell
• hair loss that started after a new medicine

Treatment options

Treating male pattern baldness is a personal choice. Many men decide not to treat it. If you do want treatment, the main options are below. No treatment works for everyone, and results vary.

Medical treatments

There are two main groups of medical treatment:

• Treatments applied to the scalp, such as lotions or foams. Some are available from pharmacies, and your pharmacist can advise.
• Prescription oral treatments, which a doctor may prescribe if clinically appropriate after discussing benefits, possible side effects and whether it’s suitable for you.

A few things are worth knowing before you start:

• Treatments tend to work best at slowing further loss, rather than regrowing a lot of hair.
• It usually takes several months to see whether a treatment is working. Healthdirect notes that improvement is typically seen after about 4 months.
• Benefits only last while you continue treatment. Stopping usually means hair loss returns.
• Some treatments have side effects or aren’t suitable for everyone, which is why a medical assessment matters.

Hair transplant surgery

A hair transplant moves hair follicles from the back or sides of the head to thinning areas. It’s performed by specialists, can be expensive, may need more than one session and isn’t suitable for everyone. Ask about the surgeon’s qualifications and experience, and make sure you understand the risks and realistic results.

Other options

• Low-level light or laser devices: the evidence is still limited.
• Supplements and “natural” products: there’s little good evidence that these help male pattern baldness unless you have a proven deficiency. Be wary of products promising dramatic results.
• Cosmetic approaches: a shorter haircut, scalp micropigmentation or hairpieces are options some men prefer.

Looking after your wellbeing

For some men, hair loss affects self-esteem, mood or confidence. That’s a valid concern and worth talking about. If you’re feeling low or anxious about your appearance, your GP can help. Our mental health page explains the support available.

When to get urgent help

Hair loss on its own is rarely an emergency. See a doctor urgently, or go to an emergency department, if you have a rapidly spreading, painful, swollen or pus-filled scalp with fever, or if you feel very unwell.

If you’re feeling very low or having thoughts of harming yourself, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or 000 in an emergency.

How Teldoc can help

Our AHPRA-registered GPs can assess hair loss by video or phone, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time), and most patients are seen within 15 minutes. Your doctor can:

• talk through your hair loss pattern, history and general health
• arrange blood tests if another cause, such as a thyroid problem or low iron, is suspected
• discuss treatment options and prescribe treatment if clinically appropriate, with an eScript sent to your phone
• provide a referral to a dermatologist if needed

Hair loss consultations are $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays, with no Medicare rebate. See our fees page for details, or read more about men’s hair loss treatment online.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common cause of hair loss in men?

Male pattern baldness, an inherited sensitivity of hair follicles to the hormone DHT. It usually causes a receding hairline and thinning at the crown.

Is hair loss from stress permanent?

Usually not. Shedding a few months after a major illness, stress or other shock to the system often settles once the trigger has passed. See a GP if it doesn’t improve.

How long does hair loss treatment take to work?

It usually takes several months. Healthdirect notes improvement is typically seen after about 4 months, and benefits only last while treatment continues.

When should I see a doctor about hair loss?

See a GP if hair loss is sudden, patchy, comes out in clumps, comes with scalp symptoms or other health changes, or if you’d like to discuss treatment.

Are hair loss consultations bulk billed?

Generally no. Teldoc hair loss consultations are $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays, with no Medicare rebate. Bulk billing applies only to certain eligible groups, listed on our fees page.

This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.

Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026