There are genetic factors at play, with androgenetic alopecia being the most common form affecting both men and women. In men, the hair follicles in the balding areas are more susceptible to the effects and attacks of androgens, along with sensitivity causing the hair follicles to progressively shrink and eventually turn into vellus hair follicles, leading to clinical hair loss, folliculitis, stress, and anxiety, as well as smoking.

Postpartum, some autoimmune diseases are also associated with androgenetic alopecia, including other autoimmune factors, exemplified by alopecia areata. Some patients with alopecia areata may also have other concurrent autoimmune diseases, such as goiter, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, vitiligo, etc. Excessive mental stress or sudden shock can also cause alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and other types of hair loss.