In a recent podcast episode, Derek from More Plates More Dates discussed a critical concern many young men overlook when rushing into hair loss prevention treatments.
Derek explained that androgenic alopecia is fundamentally driven by androgens, which is why hair loss affects nearly all men as they age, while being far less prevalent in women.
He said, “Ultimately, the manifestation of hair loss in males is androgen derived. And this is why, in general, men have hair loss almost across the board. As they get older, it’s like pretty unlikely that you won’t be affected in some capacity. Whereas with women, it is far less prevalent.”
The most effective approach to preventing hair loss involves inhibiting androgens, specifically DHT (dihydrotestosterone). However, this intervention is not without potential complications.
Some men may experience reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, development of breast tissue, or depression when starting treatment. Derek emphasized that understanding baseline hormone levels helps predict who might encounter these issues.
When Steven asked about the appropriate age to begin testing and treatment, Derek provided a clear boundary. “I would say after fully going through puberty if you are very prone to hair loss that is probably the earliest time I would recommend looking at it,” he stated.
Derek cautioned against intervening during puberty, noting the essential role DHT plays in complete masculine development.
“You don’t want to end up with like a higher voice or a smaller p*nis because you started finasteride a bit earlier. Not that I know it would, but I mean like who wants to chance that?” he warned.
Derek’s caution about intervening too early becomes even more relevant when viewed alongside the growing “looksmaxxing” culture online. Teenage influencers like Clavicular are increasingly promoting aggressive hormonal and hair-loss protocols as part of self-improvement.
He revealed during a livestream with SNEAKO that he began using testosterone replacement therapy at just 14 years old.
Clavicular admitted he “ordered it on the internet.” He also openly acknowledged the consequences. He stated that he is currently infertile due to what he described as a “negative feedback loop,” where the body stops producing natural testosterone once it begins receiving it externally.
When asked directly if he produces any testosterone naturally anymore, he responded bluntly: “No. None.”
What makes the situation even more concerning is that Clavicular has also encouraged followers to block DHT as early as possible, urging young men to take dutasteride or finasteride.
He stated, “So trust me before it’s too late,you need to block DHT at all costs. S so take Dutasteride and or take Finasteride. Trust me, do this before it’s not too late.”
