New York State Barber Practice Exam 2025 - Free Barber Licensing Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness. This condition is influenced by genetic factors and hormones, specifically dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which affects the hair follicles. Over time, DHT shortens the hair growth cycle and causes follicles to shrink, leading to the characteristic thinning of hair and eventual hair loss on the scalp, particularly at the temples and crown.

In contrast, telogen effluvium refers to a temporary condition where hair falls out due to a variety of stressors, but it does not represent the primary form of hair loss. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that results in patchy hair loss and can occur at any age, but it is not as common as male pattern baldness. Similarly, while stress and anxiety can impact hair health and potentially contribute to hair shedding, they are not the leading causes of hair loss in men compared to the hereditary and hormonal factors associated with androgenetic alopecia.