Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Hair Today, Hair Tomorrow: Preventing Hair Loss with Dove Men+Care

preventing hair loss, hair loss in men, balding, men's hair loss, preventing hair loss, mens hair products, hair loss prevention products

Hair Loss: It Happens to Almost Everyone

The American Hair Loss Association’s research shows that, “by the age of thirty-five, two-thirds of American men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss, and by the age of fifty, approximately 85% of men have significantly thinning hair.”

Related Videos

Related: Aveda is Helping you with that Thinning Hair Problem 

As part of their ongoing series of Real Life Tested Campaigns, Dove Men+Care compiled and released a new report, the Dove Men+Care Hair Fall Study, outlining the physical and environmental stressors contributing to hair loss in men.

We sat down with Dr. Glynis Ablon, a board certified dermatologist who collaborated with Dove on this groundbreaking new study.  As the founder of the Ablon Skin Institute and Research Center and associate professor of dermatology at UCLA, we reached out to Dr. Ablon for her proven expertise in men’s hair loss to learn more about its causes and what steps men can take to prevent hair loss.

Types of Hair Loss

Ablon makes clear, “There are two types of hair loss. The first is scarring alopecia, also known as androgenic alopecia. This is the type of hair loss usually associated with male pattern baldness and genetics and is, more often than not, permanent. However, if caught early enough, this type of hair loss can be prevented with the right products in combination with supplements and a change in diet.

The second type is non-scarring alopecia. This type of hair loss is caused by environmental and emotional stressors. This is typically where people start to notice that there’s just much more hair on the hairbrush in the mornings or noticing a slightly receding hairline. But, they aren’t seeing the permanent type of hair loss associated with the first type. This hair loss is much easier to recover from.”

The Facts

92% of dermatologists agree that physical stress on hair or environmental factors contribute to hair loss in men.

The leading stressors indicated by dermatologists include:

  • Aggressive grooming or combing
  • Heat-styling
  • Over-styling
  • Pulling
  • Ultraviolet rays
  • Chlorine

So what can men do to reduce these stressors and save their coiffure?

When it comes to hair fall, according to Ablon, it’s better to prevent. “Prevention can take the form of using the right products, but it also comes down to reducing the environmental stressors that cause hair loss,“ she says.

Combs are a major culprit.  They tend to tug on the hair, damaging and weakening the strands with each stroke. Ablon suggests ditching the comb and instead using a wet brush that “brushes through without tangling or pulling.”

When it comes to shampoo and conditioner, Ablon recommends a 2-in-1 product like Dove Men+Care’s new Fortifying 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner combo. With only one step involved, the physical stress of actually washing and conditioning your hair is minimized as much as possible. “Things that work well in less time are often better,” Ablon says, “simplicity becomes a very useful tool.”

Dove Men+Care’s Fortifying Shampoo contains caffeine to stimulate hair growth and work as an anti-inflammatory agent. Ablon explains, “Wherever there is inflammation there is damage and cellular degeneration, leading to hair loss.  Dove’s Fortifying formula also contains calcium, which fills in the shaft of the hair and protects the cuticle.  Ablon went on to liken damaged hair to “a tree with all the branches and limbs sticking out in all directions.” Using a fortifying shampoo with calcium smooths that “tree” to “the bare trunk” leaving healthy, resilient hair behind.

As for washing frequency, Ablon recommends every two to three days unless you have extremely oily hair. Any more than that and you’re doing more bad than good. “And you can always use a dry shampoo in-between washes,” Ablon continues, because “the act of washing can make hair fall worse.”

Ablon also contends that a change in diet can counter hair loss: “High glycemic foods are inflammatory. Inflammation causes cellular degeneration.  Reducing high glycemic foods from your diet will reduce inflammation and, in turn, hair fall.  Adding deep sea fish protein, biotin, zinc, and nuts can help strengthen and fortify your hair and, indeed, your skin. “

According to Dr. Ablon, 21% of hair loss is due to emotional stress.  What efforts can men take to reduce those factors?

The answer is simple: exercise, meditation, medication, and acupuncture. Ablon warns however, “If exercising, make sure that you’re using the preventative products to reduce the physical traction on the scalp caused be helmets or hats. Loose hats are always the better option than one that hugs and rubs the scalp.”

And what about men who are suffering from severe hair loss?

In the past it seems the only option was to just go for it and shave it completely. Ablon is clear that men today no longer have to suffer in silence or resort to such drastic measures. “See a dermatologist,” she says. “Now that there are so many more options and so much more education out there, why not help yourself if you can?

Here are Five Products that will Help You Prevent Hair Loss

Dove Men+Care 2-in-1 Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner, $10.98

shampoo, conditioner, men's hair care, preventing hair loss, hair fall, hair loss

Wet Brush Detangler for Men, $11.99

Biotin Supplement, 120 Softgels, $14.95

biotin, vitamin, men's supplements, men's hair care, preventing men's hair loss, preventing hair loss

Dr. Tobias’ Omega 3 Fish Oil, 180 Capsules, $28.97

fish oil, dr tobias, peventing hair loss, men's hair loss, hair care supplements

Batiste Dry shampoo, $9.16

Preventing hair loss, preventing men's hair loss, batiste, batiste dry shampoo, men's hair care, men's hair products, hair loss

Editors' Recommendations

The men’s pedicure trend: Why all men should indulge in a mani/pedi right now
Manicures for men are on the rise, and we're absolutely here for it
a man getting a manicure

Maybe you recently got your female significant other a gift card for the holidays or Valentine’s Day. It’s an easy way to make a woman happy. The idea of getting 45 minutes or more to herself to have someone else soak, massage, and paint her fingers and toenails as she tunes out the rest of the world is pure bliss. The results last after she leaves — her nails are perfectly trimmed and shaped, and her toes are flip-flop ready even if it’s freezing outside.

Who said women are the only ones who can enjoy that luxury, though? We could get into a long-winded rant about society and gender stereotypes, but for now, let’s get something straight: Women aren't the only ones who can enjoy and benefit from a good manicure and pedicure.

Read more
The best beard washes to clean your beard in 2023 (because it’s kind of filthy)
Keep your beard clean with these fantastic washes
man beard hand face

Growing out a beard can be a great way to add to your overall appearance, but maintenance is the part where more can definitely do a better job. That takes a bit of time and commitment but can make a vast difference between looking groomed and disheveled. One of the easiest ways to clean up your facial grooming routine is by quite literally, cleaning up your beard and choosing one of the best beard washes.

Using one of the best beard washes is but one key step to maintaining your grooming and your personal hygiene. You should also incorporate beard oil or beard balm to soften and tame your whiskers, as well. First off, let's start with the benefits of using a beard wash and why it is crucial to your grooming routine.

Read more
Travel tips: How to maintain your skincare routine when you’re on the go
Skincare routine travel tips that you can actually follow anywhere and everywhere
skincare products in the sand

Travel can be considered a form of self-care. Research from 2021 showed that travel could boost happiness, and a small study from 2020 had similar findings. Mental health is important, but what about skin health? Jet lag, days out in the sun, changing climates, and early morning wake-up calls can do a number on your skin. Think puffy eyes, sunburn, dark circles, and dryness.

Of course, you’ll probably be snapping photos of yourself in front of all the landmarks or beaches you visit. These days, iPhone cameras are essentially as good as the real deal, picking up on all of last night’s big sins. There’s no shame in wanting to look as good as you feel. A solid skincare routine is critical.

Read more