Perte de cheveux homme : causes, signes et que faire

Key takeaways

Losing some hair every day is normal: hair renews itself constantly.
Hair loss becomes abnormal when it is sudden, heavy, in patches, or when your scalp shows more and more.
The causes vary (male pattern baldness, stress, diet, illness, certain medicines): only a dermatologist or a doctor can make a diagnosis and suggest a treatment.
Day to day, the right haircut and concealing products (powder, spray, cream) hide thinning areas, without treating them.

Hair loss in men is common and, in many cases, nothing to worry about: shedding some hair every day is normal. What should catch your attention is a change. Heavier shedding than usual, a receding hairline, a crown that is getting thinner. If you notice this, the right move is simple: see a dermatologist or a doctor to find out the cause. In the meantime, you can work on your appearance with the right haircut and concealing products.

Normal shedding or abnormal hair loss: how to tell the difference

Hair follows a cycle: it grows, rests, then falls out to make way for a new hair. Finding a few hairs on your pillow, in the shower or on your brush is part of how a healthy scalp works.

Hair loss is more likely to be abnormal when this balance breaks down: the hairs that fall out are no longer replaced, or they grow back thinner and shorter. Several signs can alert you:

shedding increases noticeably in a short time;
your temples recede or your hairline moves back;
your crown becomes visible under the light;
clearly defined areas with no hair appear.

Our article on early baldness and its signs explains the first changes to watch for.

Common causes of hair loss in men

Male hair loss can have several origins, sometimes combined. Here are the most common ones, described in general terms. They are no substitute for advice from a health professional.

Male pattern baldness

This is the most widespread form in men. It is linked to heredity and to how sensitive the hair roots are to certain hormones. It usually sets in gradually: the temples recede, the hairline moves back, then the crown thins out.

Stress and shocks

Intense stress, an emotional shock, surgery or a high fever can trigger diffuse shedding. It often appears a few weeks, or even a few months, after the event.

Diet

Hair needs a steady supply of nutrients. A very strict diet, rapid weight loss or certain deficiencies can affect its density. Only tests ordered by a doctor can confirm a deficiency.

Illness or certain medicines

Some health conditions (thyroid problems, scalp conditions, alopecia areata…) and some medical treatments can cause hair loss. If you are on a treatment, never stop it on your own: talk to your doctor first.

To learn more about the mechanisms and the different stages, read our guide to the causes of baldness.

When to see a dermatologist or a doctor

Hair loss that worries you always deserves medical advice. Some signs mean you should book an appointment without waiting:

sudden, heavy shedding with no obvious reason;
bald patches that are round or clearly defined;
itching, redness, thick scales or pain on the scalp;
hair loss together with other symptoms, such as unusual tiredness or weight loss;
hair loss that also affects your beard, eyebrows or body hair;
shedding that started after you began a new treatment.

Your GP can refer you to a dermatologist, the specialist for skin and hair.

Diagnosis and treatment: the role of health professionals

Only a dermatologist or a doctor can make a diagnosis. They will examine your scalp, ask about your family history and, if needed, order further tests such as a blood test.

It is also up to them to tell you whether a treatment suits your situation, which one and how to follow it. Be wary of miracle regrowth promises sold online: every case is different.

Hair loss in men: what you can do day to day for your appearance

Alongside any medical follow-up, you can work on your appearance. These solutions do not treat the cause, but they help you feel better.

Choose the right haircut

A short, well-kept cut reduces the contrast between dense and thinning areas. On the other hand, growing long strands to cover a bald spot often draws the eye. Our article on haircuts for thinning hair and baldness covers the most flattering options.

Conceal with a thickening powder

A thickening powder is made of coloured microfibres that cling to your existing hair. It makes each hair look thicker and makes the scalp less visible. It works well on thinning areas, early receding temples and the crown, as long as there is still hair for the fibres to cling to.

Hairvisual tip: if you are new to this, start with the Ecobell thickening powder, made from cotton cellulose and vegan. It comes in 9 shades that you can mix to find your exact colour. Pick the shade closest to your roots and apply it to dry, styled hair.

Add density with a coloured spray

The Volumiz thickening and colouring spray does two things at once: it deposits fine fibres that give an impression of volume, and it lightly colours the scalp. Handy for larger areas, it also hides greying roots.

Correct with a cream

For areas that need precision, such as the hairline, the temples or the parting, the Ecobell corrective cream tints the scalp and coats your existing hair. Its formula is water resistant and washes out with shampoo.

Concealing products: what to keep in mind

Our products are cosmetics. They hide, colour and visually thicken your hair: they do not treat hair loss, stop shedding or make hair grow back. They work on appearance, not on the cause.

If you are on a treatment, ask your dermatologist whether there is any precaution to take in your case.
If any irritation occurs, stop using the product and ask a health professional for advice.
They never replace a consultation if you notice a warning sign.

Frequently asked questions about hair loss in men

Is it normal to lose hair every day?

Yes. Hair renews itself constantly: every day, hairs that have reached the end of their cycle fall out and are replaced. Finding a few hairs on your brush or in the shower is normal. What should alert you is a clear change: heavier shedding than usual, falling density or areas that are getting bare. If that happens, see a doctor.

Do concealing products replace a treatment?

No. A powder, a spray or a corrective cream hides thinning areas and gives an impression of density, but it does not act on the cause of hair loss. These products help you feel good day to day, while you wait for an appointment or alongside medical follow-up. Diagnosis and the choice of any treatment are up to a dermatologist or a doctor.

Can you conceal hair loss in a natural-looking way?

Yes, as long as you choose the right product and shade. A thickening powder that matches your roots blends into your existing hair and makes the scalp less visible. For a hairline or a very bare area, a corrective cream offers more precision. Try it in daylight to judge the result.

Hair loss in men is common, but it is better understood than simply endured. If your shedding changes, speeds up or comes with other signs, book an appointment with a dermatologist or a doctor: only they can make a diagnosis. Day to day, the right haircut and well-chosen concealing products help you get a denser look. To find your shade, explore our range of thickening powders.