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Male Pattern Baldness
What Is Male Pattern Baldness?
Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is a common type of hair loss that affects men as they age. It’s typically characterised by a receding hairline or thinning hair on the crown, caused by a mix of genetics and hormonal changes.
Although it is common and a natural part of ageing it can be stress inducing, and lower a males self confidence, with many opting to wear hats daily to hide their hair loss.
The process of male pattern balding can start in your early 20’s and over half of men will experience this condition by the time they reach 50. Effective treatments are available to slow down, reverse and prevent male hair loss and treatment will vary based on the severity of hair loss you are facing.
What Does Male Pattern Baldness Look Like?
Male pattern baldness can be identified using the Norwood scale, which is a common way to classify the stages of hair loss in men. The Norwood scale has seven primary stages, with each stage representing a different pattern and level of hair loss. Here’s a breakdown of how you can identify male pattern baldness at various stages:
Stage 1
This is essentially no significant hair loss, with a typical juvenile hairline.
Stage 2
You might notice some slight recession at the temples, creating a more pronounced “M” shape, but it’s usually subtle.
Stage 3
This stage marks the beginning of significant hair loss. The recession at the temples becomes deeper, and the hairline forms a clear “M” shape.
Stage 4
This is similar to Stage 3, but with additional hair thinning at the crown (vertex).
Stage 5
The hair loss at the temples and crown becomes more pronounced, and there’s a noticeable strip of hair separating these areas.
Stage 6
At this stage, the hair loss at the crown and temples begins to merge, forming a larger bald area. The hair strip becomes thinner.
Stage 7
The separation between the temple and crown areas is nearly gone, resulting in a more extensive bald area.
Stage 8
This is the most advanced stage, where only a band of hair remains around the sides and back of the head.
What Causes Male Pattern Hair Loss?
Male pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia, is primarily caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormonal changes. The condition is linked to an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. Over time, DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink, leading to thinner hair and eventually to hair loss. Here are the key factors that contribute to male pattern hair loss:
Genetics: A family history of hair loss is a strong indicator of an individual’s likelihood of experiencing it. If hair loss runs in your family, you are more likely to develop it.
Hormonal Changes: DHT plays a significant role in male pattern hair loss. Higher levels of DHT can lead to the shrinkage of hair follicles, resulting in hair thinning and baldness.
Age: Hair loss tends to increase with age. While it can start in your late teens or early 20s, it’s more common to notice it as you grow older.
Lifestyle Factors: Although not a direct cause, lifestyle factors such as stress, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise can exacerbate hair loss.
Is Male Pattern Baldness Passed Down By Family Members?
Male pattern baldness is strongly influenced by genetics, which means it can be passed down from family members. If you have close relatives with male pattern baldness, such as a father, grandfather, or uncles, you are more likely to experience it yourself. Here’s why it’s often seen in families:
Genetic Inheritance: Male pattern baldness is associated with specific genes that control hair follicle sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These genes can be inherited from either or both parents, contributing to a family pattern of hair loss.
Family History: If hair loss is common among your male relatives, it’s a sign that the genetic predisposition is present in your family. It’s not just from the paternal side; the maternal side can also contribute to the likelihood of hair loss.
Predictability: While having family members with male pattern baldness increases your risk, it doesn’t guarantee that you will lose your hair in the same way or at the same rate. Other factors, like hormonal changes, age, and lifestyle, also play a role.
Looking at your family history can give you a good indication. However, genetics is just one part of the picture, and other factors can influence when and how much hair loss occurs.
Male Pattern Baldness Facts
Common Occurrence: Male pattern baldness is a prevalent condition, with about 50% of men experiencing it by age 50, according to NHS data.
Not Dangerous, But Can Be Distressing: Although male pattern baldness isn’t harmful to physical health, it can significantly affect self-esteem and emotional well-being. Men who experience it may feel self-conscious or less confident.
Treatments Are Available: There are effective treatments for male pattern baldness, from medications like minoxidil and finasteride to hair transplant procedures. These treatments can slow hair loss and, in some cases, promote regrowth.
Hair Follicle Sensitivity: Male pattern baldness occurs when hair follicles are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. This sensitivity causes the follicles to shrink, leading to thinner hair and eventual hair loss.
Quality of Life Impact: Male pattern baldness can impact quality of life by causing psychological stress, anxiety, or depression. It can affect personal and professional interactions, making some men feel uncomfortable in social settings or less confident in their appearance.
How Is Male Pattern Baldness Treated At Our Clinic?
If you’re seeking treatment for male pattern baldness, it’s crucial to consult with a professional and highly qualified specialist. Dr. Suhail Alam, our expert in hair loss treatment, has helped countless patients with his deep knowledge and compassionate approach to care.
Since each person experiences hair loss differently, working with a specialist like Dr. Alam ensures you get personalised care. You’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation to understand your unique situation, followed by a customised treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. Our clinic offers a range of effective treatment options for male pattern baldness, from medications like minoxidil and finasteride to advanced procedures like hairline transplants and laser therapy.
Male Pattern Baldness Before And After - Real Clients
“ I am proud of the remarkable results we have achieved for our patients. My team is driven by our mission to deliver exceptional care to every patient we treat “ Dr Suhail Alam, medical director of Aventus Clinic.
Treatments We Offer For Male Pattern Baldness
Explore a diverse range of treatments for male pattern baldness, including medication, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplants, designed to rejuvenate and revitalise your hair with effective, tailored solutions.
Hairloss Medication
PRP Hair Therapy
FUE Hair Transplant
Meet Our Hair Loss Expert - Dr Suhail Alam
Specialising in hair restoration, he uses word-class techniques and advanced surgical methods to ensure patients receive a natural, full-looking head of hair that is virtually undetectable. He has successfully helped over 2,000 patients regain their hair confidence.
Frequently Asked Acne Questions
Can You Stop Male Pattern Baldness?
Androgenic alopecia is a progressive disease that can never be completely eliminated. However, due to the invention of various different medicinal products and continuous advancements in the technology surrounding surgical procedures, we are able to slow down the disease to a point where those suffering will be able to keep their hair for years, if not decades, to come.
What Causes Male Baldness?
Baldness is a blanket term that can occur due to a number of factors including stress, medical conditions and hormonal changes. In terms of androgenic alopecia, the thinning and eventual loss of hair is mainly caused by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a sexual hormone derived from testosterone which is needed for the development of key male characteristics during puberty. Testosterone converts to dihydrotestosterone through an enzyme called 5 alpha-reductase which then travels through the bloodstream, binding and eventually shrinking a hair follicle until the point where a hair is no longer visible.
Can a Bald Man Regrow Hair?
After a certain point, it becomes exceptionally difficult for a bald man to regrow hair through the use of medication such as finasteride and minoxidil. Essentially, this is because the balding has progressed to a point where the hair follicles are too far gone. Assuming they have sufficient donor hair, a person that is completely ‘slick’ bald may have to resort to surgical transplants to achieve a reasonable head of hair.
At What Age Do Guys Start Balding?
By the age of 30, around a quarter of men experience some form of hair loss. Regardless of this fact, androgenic alopecia can happen at any age after puberty has occurred in a male. A look at an individual’s family history of balding may give some insight into the future potential, however, this is not always the case.