Understanding Male Pattern Baldness: What Every Man Should Know
Many men will experience pattern hair loss in their lives – 30% by the ago of 30 and 50% by the age of 50. However, not many people understand what this actually is and why it happens. Male pattern hair loss (or male pattern baldness) is also known as androgenetic alopecia, ‘andro-’ coming from ‘androgen’ (a male sex hormone), ‘genetic’ meaning from your genes, and ‘alopecia’ meaning hair loss. So, male pattern baldness is combination of both hormones and genetics that leads to a typical pattern of hair loss across the scalp.
Why does it happen?
Genetics play a large role in developing male pattern hair loss. If people in your family have shown the typical pattern of hair loss associated with men as they age, you likely have a higher chance of developing it yourself.
People who are susceptible have increased levels of the male hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in their scalp. DHT causes changes to the hair cycle, making the hair follicles smaller (called ‘miniaturisation’). Each hair follicle usually produces 3-4 hairs. With miniaturisation, however, the hair follicles produce less hairs overall, and the hairs that they do produce are shorter and thinner.
It is important to note too that environmental factors, such as stress, smoking, diet and exercise, can increase the rate of hair loss.
The process of hair miniaturisation:
How does it happen?
Male pattern hair loss is so called because the hair tends to fall out in a very typical pattern. Generally, the hair will start to thin at the temples, followed by the top of the scalp where a bald spot can start to develop. Without treatment, the hairline will continue to recede and the hair on top of the head will become thin and sparse. For some people, this hair loss happens gradually over many decades. For others, it can happen in the space of a couple of years. Some people will experience hair loss in their late teens and early twenties, while others will only begin to experience it in their middle age.
We use the Norwood-Hamilton scale as a way of measuring the extent of hair loss and tracking improvement with treatment. This scale was first created in the 1950s by Dr James Hamilton and then amended by Dr O’Tar Norwood in the 1970s to include more detailed subsets. It has seven main stages, beginning with stage one (minimal hair loss), and concluding with stage seven (the most severe).
The Norwood-Hamilton Scale for male pattern hair loss:
What do I do if I think I have male pattern hair loss?
Male pattern hair loss is a very common benign condition. For some people, the loss of hair is just a normal part of ageing. For others hair loss can be difficult to reconcile, as hair often forms a big part of our own self-image. The good news is that there are many options out there for managing hair loss, from wigs and cosmetic tattooing to prescription medications, so everyone will be able to find a solution that makes them comfortable and confident with their hair.
Speaking to a hair loss doctor can help you decide on a solution that works best for you, giving you the safest and most effective option to keep you feeling confident with your hair. If you want to speak to a hair loss doctor about your hair situation, book a free online consultation with one of our team. We will be able to chat to you about which treatments are available, and what will be the most safe and appropriate one for you. If you can’t see a time that suits you, get in touch with our team and we’ll find a way to assist you.
Articles
Overview of the hair cycle and hair miniaturisation, including the role of DHT and five alpha reductase:
Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, balding)
Another good overview of MPHL:
Androgenetic alopecia: MedlinePlus Genetics
The psychological impact of hair loss: