Baldness and hair thinning are realities many men face, often due to factors beyond their control. The predominant culprit is usually heredity–if your forefathers sported sparse locks, chances are you might too. This hereditary hair loss, known as male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia, reveals itself through a receding hairline or a noticeable bald spot. Yet, genetics isn’t the only player in male hair loss.

Conditions like alopecia areata, when your body’s defenses turn against hair follicles, telogen effluvium, a reversible loss from stress or trauma, and trichotillomania, hair loss provoked by an uncontrollable urge to pull one’s hair, all contribute to this often-emotional issue.

Additionally, fungal infections, an iron-poor diet, thyroid irregularities, or even the aftershock of rapid weight drop can interrupt your hair’s growth cycle. Medications and medical treatments, particularly those for cancer, can also prompt hair shedding. Everyday styling choices play their role too; excessively tight hats, braids, or ponytails can initiate a condition known as traction alopecia.