Male Pattern Balding vs Unhealthy Hair Loss: How to Tell the Difference

Losing hair can be worrying — whether you’re finding more strands on your pillow, in the shower, or just noticing your hairline creeping back a little. But here’s the thing: not all hair loss is the same.

The two most common types people deal with are male pattern balding (genetic hair loss) and unhealthy hair loss (caused by other factors). They can look similar at first, but the causes — and solutions — are very different.

Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.

Male Pattern Balding (MPB)

If your dad, uncles, or grandfather lost their hair in a certain pattern, there’s a good chance you might too. Male pattern balding is genetic and linked to a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This hormone slowly shrinks hair follicles, so the hair grows back thinner and shorter until eventually it stops growing in that spot.

How to spot it:

• Usually starts at the temples or the crown of the head

• Hairline gradually moves back or thinning spot slowly grows

• No itching, redness, or scalp soreness — the scalp looks healthy

• Progresses slowly over years

What helps:

• Topical treatments like minoxidil

• Oral medication like finasteride (for men only, and under a doctor’s guidance)

• Natural DHT blockers like rosemary oil, saw palmetto, or fenugreek

• Scalp massages to improve circulation

• Hair transplants for permanent restoration

Unhealthy Hair Loss

This type isn’t about genetics — it’s your body’s way of saying something’s wrong. It can be triggered by stress, poor diet, hormonal changes, scalp issues, or even bad hair habits.

How to spot it:

• Thinning is sudden or happens all over the scalp

• Can be patchy or uneven

• Scalp might be itchy, flaky, sore, or inflamed

• Hair feels dry, brittle, and breaks easily

Common causes:

• Stress (emotional or physical)

• Illness or medication side effects

• Nutritional deficiencies (low iron, protein, or zinc)

• Tight hairstyles or harsh chemical treatments

• Scalp conditions like fungal infections

What helps:

• Fix the root cause — get blood tests, adjust your diet, manage stress

• Eat more hair-friendly foods (eggs, fish, beans, leafy greens, nuts)

• Switch to gentle hair products and avoid excessive heat or tight styles

• Treat scalp issues with medicated shampoos or soothing herbal rinses

The Quick Difference

Final Thoughts

If your hair is thinning in a predictable way and it’s been happening over years, it’s probably male pattern balding. If it’s sudden, patchy, or your scalp feels irritated, there’s likely something else going on — and the sooner you find out, the better.

Remember: hair grows from the scalp, so keeping your scalp healthy is just as important as looking after your hair. Think of it like a garden — when the soil is healthy, the plants thrive.