There are few fears that resonate so strongly in the soul of modern man as fear of hair loss. It is a haunting moment in any boy’s life when he first clumsily puts together the connection between his father’s balding pate and his own distant destiny. But even those untainted by the cruel genes behind male pattern baldness – the most common cause of male hair loss – may come to accept thinning up top as an inevitability against which there is no defence. Thankfully, this is not the case.

Those in the first category – men who recognise the U-shaped patch on their head from generations before them – can counter the effects of genetic hair loss with Finasteride (or “Propecia”) pills on prescription from their GP. Effective for 90% of men, this medication is good news for masculinity and terrible news for the hat industry.

Similarly, tablets or Minoxidil topical lotion have been clinically shown to improve your shot against the age-related hair loss that men and women alike may suffer from after the age of 30. Not all of us can carry off an Andre Agassi “do”, so if gracefully-cropped doesn’t work for you – get ye to the pharmacist.

Sporting heroes may well be held to blame for another cause of hair loss. The tight braids and man buns of the soccer field make grooming seem all fun and games, but check out the same players when they graduate to television punditry and you’re likely to survey threadbare turf up top as a result of the strain on their roots. Fancy shampoos, conditioners, dyes and gels should also be approached with caution.

A change in lifestyle can promote a healthier Barnet. Identifying and eliminating (or learning to deal with) stress can bring your hair back to its former luxuriance within six months. And remember, you get out what you put in: that pizza and pop diet may have to be shelved, as low iron levels and other nutritional deficiencies can all contribute to hair loss. Make sure there are plenty of kidney beans and lentils on the menu – a regular dose of the protein, zinc and biotins they contain will encourage a thicker mop up top.

Finally, don’t rule out other conditions. Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are among possible causes of hair loss and, if you’re flaking as insistently as you’re balding, they make likely suspects. Stop scratching, and visit the doctor – medicated shampoos and expert advice should deal with the underlying problem so that you can get on with fearlessly growing those locks back.

Hair loss happens to almost every man at some point in his life. In fact, 50% of men over 50 experience male pattern baldness. Treatments are becoming more advanced every year, so identify the cause of your hair loss first and then seek the best possible treatment.

Lloyds Pharmacy thankfully put together an infographic showing us through the common reasons, as hair loss is different and varies in conditions. If you are experiencing problems, don’t hold back from getting some advice from the doctors, it’s not silly and don’t be embarrassed – before you spend on expensive treatments, they may be a simpler solution to regaining your hair growth.