Modifiable Lifestyle and Behavioral Factors Associated With Disease Severity in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Propensity Score-Matched Cross-Sectional Study

January 2026 in “ Dermatologic Therapy ”

Hanqing Huang, Zimo Gong, Hu GuiJie, Zehong Guo, Zhifeng Wang, Yawei Cui, Sanhong Yang, Bo Pang, Huaqing Hao, Bingsheng Peng, Yanhua Yi

androgenetic alopecia AGA folliculitis oily scalp male pattern baldness

TLDR Improving sleep, diet, and scalp care may reduce hair loss severity.

This study examined the relationship between lifestyle factors and androgenetic alopecia (AGA) severity in 7,761 patients, using propensity score matching to control for variables like age and sex. Key findings indicate that insufficient sleep, junk food and alcohol consumption, heavy physical labor, wearing caps or ponytails, and an oily scalp with folliculitis are linked to increased AGA severity. The study suggests that modifying these factors, such as improving sleep quality, reducing junk food and alcohol intake, and managing scalp health, may help prevent AGA progression. The propensity score-matched model demonstrated a good predictive effect with an ROC area of 0.809.

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research Androgenetic Alopecia: Relationship to Anthropometric Indices, Blood Pressure and Lifestyle Habits

13 citations , February 2020 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Men with hair loss have higher BMI, waist size, blood pressure, and are linked to smoking and inactivity.

research Frontal Pattern Hair Loss Among Chinese Women Is Frequently Associated With Ponytail Hairstyle

6 citations , November 2018 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Wearing a ponytail often is linked to hair loss at the front of the scalp in Chinese women.

Perception of Hair Loss and Education Increases Treatment Willingness in Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia: A Population-Based Study

research Perception of Hair Loss and Education Increases Treatment Willingness in Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia: A Population-Based Study

9 citations , January 2018 in “Annals of Dermatology”

People with more knowledge about their hair loss condition and those who see it as a serious issue are more likely to seek treatment.

research Genetic and Molecular Aspects of Androgenetic Alopecia

24 citations , January 2018 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Androgenetic alopecia is mainly caused by genetic factors and increased androgen activity, leading to hair follicle miniaturization.

research The Combination of Overweight and Smoking Increases the Severity of Androgenetic Alopecia

21 citations , May 2017 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Overweight smokers have worse hair loss.

research Genetics and Other Factors in the Etiology of Female Pattern Hair Loss

43 citations , April 2017 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Female pattern hair loss has unclear causes, possibly involving genetics, hormones, and environment, and needs better treatments.

research Illness Perception in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata in China

17 citations , May 2016 in “Journal of Psychosomatic Research”

Illness perception affects mental health and quality of life in Chinese alopecia patients.

research Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review

101 citations , January 2016 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Different types of hair loss need specific treatments, and while many classification systems exist, each has its flaws; more research is needed to refine these systems and treatments.

research Selected Disorders of Skin Appendages: Acne, Alopecia, Hyperhidrosis

51 citations , September 2015 in “Medical Clinics of North America”

The conclusion is that acne, alopecia, and hyperhidrosis are common skin issues with various treatments available, and accurate diagnosis is key for effective management.

Androgenic Alopecia Is Associated With Less Dietary Soy, Higher Blood Vanadium, and rs1160312 Polymorphism in Taiwanese Communities

research Androgenic Alopecia Is Associated With Less Dietary Soy, Higher Blood Vanadium, and rs1160312 Polymorphism in Taiwanese Communities

15 citations , December 2013

Men with more vanadium in their blood and who drink less soy milk are more likely to have hair loss.

research An Epidemiological Study of Androgenic Alopecia in 3114 Korean Patients

20 citations , December 2013 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Smoking and drinking worsened hair loss in men with genetic hair loss, while eating and sleeping habits didn't; genetics played a bigger role than environment in hair loss.

research The Annual Changes of Clinical Manifestation of Androgenetic Alopecia Clinic in Korean Males and Females: An Outpatient-Based Study

18 citations , January 2013 in “Annals of Dermatology”

AGA increased yearly, type I most common, and family history and seborrheic dermatitis often linked.

Androgenetic Alopecia and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Men and Women: A Comparative Study