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Why Men in the Philippines Are Losing Their Hair (And What to Do About It)

Published 04/24/2025

Updated 04/24/2025

Hair loss among men in the Philippines is more common than many realize—and it’s happening younger and more frequently than ever before. Whether it’s a receding hairline, thinning crown, or full-blown bald patches, hair loss can take a real toll on confidence and self-image. But what’s causing this rise in hair shedding, and more importantly, what can you actually do about it?

At Andyou, we see hundreds of Filipino men each month who are looking for answers—and results. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s Causing Hair Loss in Filipino Men?

Hair loss isn't just about age—many men in their late 20s and 30s are already seeing early signs of thinning. If you’ve noticed your hairline slowly creeping back or your crown losing density, you're not alone. As we covered in our guide on male pattern baldness in Filipinos, recognizing these signs early can lead to more effective treatment.

1. Genetics

The most common cause is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is hereditary and affects up to 50% of men by age 50. If your father or grandfather experienced early hair loss, chances are you may too.

2. Stress

High stress levels, especially in urban areas like Metro Manila, can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition where hair enters a shedding phase due to mental or physical strain. Work pressure, financial worries, and lack of sleep—common across the country—can all contribute to this type of hair loss.

Chronic stress may also influence hormone levels and trigger scalp inflammation, both of which are associated with thinning hair. This is one reason why stress management practices, such as mindfulness or even short daily walks, may indirectly help reduce shedding.

3. Poor Diet

Low protein intake and nutrient deficiencies—like iron, zinc, and vitamin D—can weaken hair follicles. Many Filipino diets lack balanced nutrients due to overconsumption of processed or fried foods. A diet lacking in fresh vegetables, lean meats, and omega-3-rich foods can leave hair brittle and prone to fall out.

Hydration also plays a role. Dehydration can dry out the scalp and reduce the flexibility of hair strands, making them more prone to breakage. Swapping soft drinks for water or unsweetened tea can be a small but impactful step toward healthier hair.

4. Hormonal Imbalances

Changes in testosterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels can shrink hair follicles over time. These hormonal shifts are common as men age but can also be triggered earlier by medications, chronic stress, or underlying health issues.

Men with PCOS-like symptoms—such as belly fat, fatigue, or insulin resistance—may also be experiencing hormonal disruption that accelerates hair loss. While PCOS is typically associated with women, men can develop similar metabolic profiles that impact hair health.

5. Environment & Lifestyle

Pollution, smoking, frequent sun exposure, and harsh shampooing habits can contribute to scalp inflammation and hair loss. The high humidity and pollution in cities like Manila and Cebu may also play a role in weakening hair shafts and irritating the scalp.

Lifestyle habits like wearing tight caps for long hours or tying long hair in tight styles can place mechanical stress on hair roots and exacerbate thinning over time. Choosing breathable headwear and using gentle styling products can help protect the hair and scalp.

Signs You’re Starting to Lose Hair

Hair loss doesn’t happen overnight. Early signs are often subtle but important to catch:

Widening part or thinning at the crown
More hair in your shower drain or pillow
A receding hairline or "M" shape
Scalp becoming more visible under light
Hair taking longer to grow after shaving or trimming

We’ve found that many men wait too long before taking action. The sooner you start addressing hair loss, the better the results—and the less you’ll have to regrow later.

Some men also notice changes in hair texture before seeing hair fall. If your hair is feeling thinner, weaker, or losing volume, that may be an early sign of miniaturization—the shrinking of hair follicles before they stop producing healthy strands.

What You Can Do About It

1. Topical Treatments (Like Minoxidil)

Minoxidil is a topical solution that increases blood flow to the scalp and revitalizes hair follicles. It’s FDA-approved and widely used to treat early-stage hair loss. Applying it twice daily has shown significant improvements for many men, especially when combined with other treatments.

Foam and liquid versions are both available, and while it’s generally well-tolerated, some men report mild scalp irritation. Starting with a lower dose and building up gradually can help avoid side effects.

2. Oral Medications (Like Finasteride)

Finasteride works by reducing DHT levels—helping preserve and regrow hair. It’s a proven solution for male pattern baldness, though it requires consistency and a prescription. Most users begin seeing results in 3–6 months, with continued improvement over time.

It's important to follow dosage instructions closely. While rare, some users may experience decreased libido or mood changes, which typically subside over time or with dose adjustments.

3. Combination Treatments

At Andyou, we often recommend a Finasteride + Minoxidil blend, which combines the benefits of both medications for stronger results.

This combo is particularly effective for men in the early to mid stages of hair loss, offering dual action—internally lowering DHT and externally stimulating the follicles.

4. Supplements & Scalp Health

Vitamins like biotin and marine collagen can support healthy hair from the inside out. Studies such as this one published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology have shown that supplementing with specific micronutrients may improve hair density and quality in people experiencing hair thinning. Scalp-friendly shampoos and low-DHT diets (think: more veggies, less greasy food) also make a difference.

Other helpful additions include saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, and vitamin E—all of which may help balance hormone levels and support follicle health. If you’re unsure what supplements are safe to take together, speak with one of our doctors during your consultation.

5. See a Specialist

Getting expert advice is one of the most important things you can do. In our article on what actually works for Filipino hair, we highlight why personalized plans matter—especially in a climate and lifestyle like ours. Our doctors at Andyou create custom treatment paths tailored to your hair type, stage of loss, and health profile.

You don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right guidance, you can avoid trial-and-error and fast-track your way to real results.

Long-Term Hair Care: Beyond Just Products

Treatments work best when supported by good habits:

Use sulfate-free shampoos and avoid over-washing
Massage your scalp regularly to stimulate circulation
Avoid excessive heat styling or tight hairstyles
Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce breakage

You can also try alternating shampoos—one for deep cleaning and one with calming or anti-DHT ingredients. This rotation can reduce buildup without stripping the scalp of essential oils.

Realistic Expectations

Regrowth takes time—usually 3 to 6 months of consistent treatment. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, early and consistent intervention is the key to seeing results and slowing further shedding. Results also depend on how early you intervene and how well you follow the plan. For most men, maintaining existing hair is already a huge win.

Patience is essential. Stick to your treatment plan, follow your doctor’s advice, and don’t get discouraged if results don’t appear overnight.

Regaining Control Starts Here

Hair loss doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Filipino men are taking control of their appearance with science-backed solutions that actually work. At Andyou, we’re here to make that journey easy, personalized, and discreet.

Ready to take the first step? Start your consultation with us today and reclaim your confidence from the roots up.