Men, is your hair loss genetic, or is it something else?

When men notice their hair thinning, the first assumption is often: “It’s just genetics.” And while family history does play a role in male pattern hair loss, it’s not always the whole story. Two often-overlooked factors may be contributing to what’s happening on your scalp: DHT and chronic stress.

Let’s break it down.

The role of DHT: More than just a trending word

DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a byproduct of testosterone. In genetically sensitive men, DHT can bind to hair follicle receptors, especially around the crown and hairline, causing those follicles to shrink over time. This process, known as miniaturization, leads to shorter, finer hairs, and, eventually, fewer hairs altogether.

But here’s the catch: DHT sensitivity isn’t the same for everyone. Two men with similar genetics may have very different experiences depending on other factors, including their health, environment, and lifestyle. That’s where stress comes in.

Stress: The silent saboteur

Stress doesn’t just affect your mood or energy—it has a direct impact on your biology. Elevated cortisol (your primary stress hormone) can throw off the natural hair cycle, pushing more hairs into the shedding phase (telogen) prematurely. High stress may also indirectly affect DHT levels and disrupt nutrient absorption, sleep, and recovery, all of which play a role in scalp health.

And while women often associate hair loss with hormonal shifts, men are less likely to connect the dots between stress and their thinning hair. The pressure to succeed, provide, and “hold it together” can create chronic tension that takes a toll on the body, sometimes showing up right at the roots.

So what can you do?

At Shed, we understand that hair loss solutions aren’t a one-size-fits-all. That’s why our approach doesn’t just focus on masking symptoms or chasing trends. Our topical and oral formulas are designed to:

• Align with healthy hormone pathways, including DHT balance
• Help nourish the scalp and maintain an optimal follicle environment
• Help target common external and internal stressors
  
• Potentially offer support during periods of increased shedding, including stress-related changes
  
  

Most importantly, we don’t believe in a quick fix. We believe in partnership, which means offering solutions that meet you where you are and supporting you with real education and lifestyle guidance along the way.

Whether your hair loss is mostly genetic, stress-driven, or a combination of both, you deserve a plan that treats you as a whole person, not just a head of hair.

Ready to shed confusion and take back control? Explore our hair health solutions designed to get to the root of what’s going on, and stay connected to experts who actually get it.

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Written by: Kory Morse, M.S., Head of Member Education at Shed

Kory is a certified holistic health and life coach with a Master of Science in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, specializing in research, biochemistry, and systems biology. As Head of Education at Shed and a member of the supplement research team, she blends scientific expertise with a compassionate, curiosity-driven approach to support lasting, sustainable change. Her mission is to make health feel accessible, empowering, and deeply personal.

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