Men’s Hair Loss in Australia: Causes and Common Myths

Few health topics attract as many myths as male hair loss. Hats, shampoo, your mother’s father, too much sex: all have been blamed. In reality, most hair loss in men is male pattern baldness, which is mainly down to genes and hormones. Knowing the facts can save you money on products that don’t work and help you spot when hair loss needs a doctor’s attention.

This article separates common myths from the facts. For a broader overview of causes and treatment options, see Male hair loss in Australia: understanding the causes and treatments.

First, what actually causes male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) happens when hair follicles are genetically sensitive to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Over time, those follicles shrink and grow thinner, shorter hairs, usually starting at the temples and crown. According to healthdirect, it affects about 1 in 5 men in their 20s, about 1 in 3 in their 30s and nearly half of men in their 40s.

Myth 1: “Baldness comes only from your mother’s side.”

Fact: Genes from both parents play a part. One important gene is on the X chromosome, which men inherit from their mother, which is probably where this myth comes from. But other genes from both sides of the family also contribute, so looking at your father’s hair is just as relevant.

Myth 2: “Wearing hats causes baldness.”

Fact: Wearing a cap or helmet doesn’t cause male pattern baldness. In Australia, a hat is also important protection against sunburn and skin cancer on a thinning scalp. The exception is very tight headwear or hairstyles worn constantly, which can pull on hair and cause traction hair loss.

Myth 3: “Washing your hair often makes it fall out.”

Fact: Washing, gel and hairspray don’t cause baldness. You may notice hairs in the shower, but these are hairs that were already due to shed. It’s normal to lose around 100 hairs a day.

Myth 4: “Cutting or shaving your hair makes it grow back thicker.”

Fact: Haircuts and shaving don’t change how many follicles you have or how thick your hair grows. Freshly cut hair can feel coarser because of its blunt tip, but that’s all.

Myth 5: “High testosterone or lots of sex causes baldness.”

Fact: Men with male pattern baldness don’t necessarily have more testosterone. The key factor is how sensitive their follicles are to DHT, which is mostly inherited. Sex and masturbation don’t cause hair loss.

Myth 6: “Stress makes you go bald.”

Fact: Partly true, but not in the way most people think. Severe stress, illness or surgery can trigger temporary shedding all over the scalp a few months later (telogen effluvium), and stress can sometimes trigger patchy hair loss (alopecia areata). It doesn’t cause male pattern baldness, although stressful periods may make existing thinning more noticeable.

Myth 7: “Only older men lose their hair.”

Fact: Male pattern baldness can begin in the late teens or 20s. Starting early isn’t a sign of anything wrong, but if you’re concerned, a GP can check for other causes.

Myth 8: “Supplements, oils and special shampoos can reverse baldness.”

Fact: There’s little good evidence that vitamins, supplements, oils or special shampoos reverse male pattern baldness. Supplements may help if you have a proven deficiency, such as low iron, which a blood test can check. Be cautious about products that promise dramatic results, and remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean safe.

Myth 9: “Massaging your scalp or standing on your head boosts growth.”

Fact: There’s no good evidence that improving blood flow this way treats male pattern baldness. Scalp massage might feel relaxing, but it isn’t a treatment.

Myth 10: “There’s nothing you can do.”

Fact: There are evidence-based options that can slow hair loss for some men, including medical treatments and hair transplant surgery. They don’t work for everyone, results take months, and benefits generally last only while treatment continues. A doctor can explain the pros and cons. Our overview of hair loss causes and treatments explains these options.

Myth 11: “All hair loss is just male pattern baldness.”

Fact: Most is, but not all. Patchy bald spots, sudden shedding, an itchy or scaly scalp, or hair loss with other symptoms can point to something else, such as alopecia areata, a fungal scalp infection, thyroid problems or low iron. These need a doctor’s assessment.

When to see a GP

• your hair loss is sudden, patchy or coming out in clumps
• your scalp is itchy, scaly, red or sore
• you have other symptoms, such as tiredness or weight change
• hair loss started after a new medicine or illness
• you’d like to talk about treatment, or hair loss is affecting your confidence or mood

When to get urgent help

Hair loss itself is rarely urgent. See a doctor promptly, or go to an emergency department, if you have a 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 look at your pattern of hair loss, arrange blood tests to check for other causes, discuss treatment options and prescribe treatment if clinically appropriate, with an eScript sent to your phone. They can also provide a referral to a dermatologist where needed.

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

Frequently asked questions

Is baldness inherited from your mother’s side?

Partly. An important gene is on the X chromosome, which comes from your mother, but genes from both parents contribute. Your father’s family history matters too.

Do hats cause hair loss?

No. Wearing hats or helmets doesn’t cause male pattern baldness. Only very tight headwear or hairstyles worn constantly can cause traction hair loss.

Can stress cause hair loss in men?

Severe stress can trigger temporary shedding a few months later, and sometimes patchy hair loss. It doesn’t cause male pattern baldness, which is mainly genetic.

Do hair growth supplements work?

There’s little good evidence that supplements reverse male pattern baldness. They may help if you have a proven deficiency, such as low iron, which a blood test can check.

How many hairs a day is normal to lose?

It’s normal to lose around 100 hairs a day. See a GP if you’re losing much more than usual or hair is coming out in clumps.

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