Is your hairline starting to ghost you? Thinning at the temples, a receding hairline, and more hair in the shower drain are all red flags that it's time to take action. If you’re under the impression that hair loss is just a problem for older guys or something you can “deal with later,” think again.

The good news? You don’t have to sit back and let it happen. In this guide, we’re breaking down the essentials every guy should know to keep their hairline strong, their scalp healthy, and their confidence intact.

So, what causes hair loss?
For most young men, hair loss is driven by male pattern baldness (a.k.a. androgenic alopecia), which is largely triggered by a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT slowly shrinks your hair follicles, making each strand thinner until growth eventually stops altogether. But that’s not the only villain here—stress, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, and even how you treat your scalp can all contribute to the problem. Clogged follicles, heat damage, and heavy styling products aren’t doing you any favors either.

Here’s the bottom line: hair loss is progressive. The sooner you take it seriously, the more hair you can save.

1. Fight DHT at the source
Since DHT is public enemy number one, using a DHT-blocking shampoo is a no-brainer. Ingredients like ketoconazole (a powerful antifungal that also helps block DHT), saw palmetto (a natural DHT inhibitor), and caffeine or biotin (which support circulation and strand strength) can help create a healthier environment for hair growth right at the root.

2. Feed your hair like it’s on your team
Hair is built from the inside out, so what you eat matters. Think of your diet like a construction crew—if they’re missing materials, the building falls apart. Protein, healthy fats, and key vitamins all play a role in keeping your strands strong and growing. Load up on eggs, lean meats, fish, and beans for protein; avocados, nuts, and olive oil for healthy fats; and don’t forget about iron and zinc—found in spinach, red meat, and pumpkin seeds.

Vitamins like D and B-complex are also essential, as deficiencies can lead to shedding. If you want to level up, consider adding supplements like collagen for thickness, saw palmetto to block DHT, and a biotin-rich multivitamin to support hair strength. The Forte Hair Vitamins are an easy way to make sure you’re covered.

3. Stress less, shed less
Stress doesn’t just mess with your mood—it messes with your hair. When cortisol levels are high, your hair can shift into a resting phase called telogen effluvium, which leads to excessive shedding.

Since most guys juggle school, work, or relationships, managing stress isn’t just about mental health—it’s about hair health, too. Regular workouts, mindfulness practices like meditation or journaling, and getting 7–9 hours of quality sleep can all help reduce stress and support regrowth.

4. Backed by science
If your hair is already thinning, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. FDA-approved treatments can actually slow hair loss and even regrow hair. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical solution that stimulates follicles and extends the growth phase. It works best when applied consistently to thinning areas. Finasteride (Propecia), taken orally, blocks DHT production and has been shown to significantly reduce hair loss—though it’s always smart to talk to a doctor first, as it may have side effects.

Other science-backed techniques include microneedling, which boosts circulation and helps treatments penetrate better, and scalp massages with oils like rosemary, which may improve thickness over time.

5. Ditch bad hair habits
Let’s be real—your hair isn’t bulletproof. Overwashing, wearing tight styles, heat damage, and a party-heavy lifestyle can all accelerate hair loss. Even habits that seem harmless can add up. Stripping natural oils by washing too often can make hair brittle.

Ponytails and man buns? Constant tension can cause traction alopecia.

Smoking and drinking too much? They constrict blood vessels and limit nutrient delivery to your scalp.

And if you’re heat styling without protection, your strands are practically screaming.

Future you will thank you

Fast forward a few years. Do you see yourself confidently running your hands through a thick head of hair—or Googling “how to regrow my hairline”? The choice is in your hands. The best time to start is now. Use the right products, feed your hair from within, treat your scalp right, and fix those habits.

Future you is counting on you to lock in the routine today.

— The Forte Team