Hair loss is a common cosmetic concern that affects both men and women at some point in their lives. However, men are more likely to experience conditions like baldness, hair thinning, and receding hairlines. This blog delves into male pattern hair loss, its causes, and the most effective ways to prevent or treat it.
What Is Male Pattern Hair Loss?
Another term for male pattern hair loss is Androgenic Alopecia. It is a very common form of hair loss in men. The condition has a typical pattern for hair loss that includes a receding hairline and loss of hair density at the crown. It eventually leads to bald spots.
The condition is not exclusive to males. There is such a thing as male pattern hair loss in females. However, it is referred to as female pattern hair loss or androgenic alopecia in females. Male pattern hair loss may start during the teenage years and progresses with age, eventually leading to baldness. Approximately 50% of men are impacted by this frustrating disorder to some degree.
What Causes Male Pattern Hair Loss?
Male pattern hair loss has three main causes in men:
Genetics
A family history of male pattern baldness is a strong indicator of developing the condition. A genetic predisposition for androgenic alopecia makes the hair follicles highly susceptible to the effects of DHT or dihydrotestosterone. It leads to a reduction in hair density and, eventually, hair loss. White males are more prone to develop male pattern hair loss signs comparatively.
Hormones
DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a byproduct of testosterone. It has an affinity for hair follicles. DHT attaches itself to the hair follicles and causes miniaturization. Simply put, it shortens the hair growth cycle, which results in short, thin, and weak hair follicles.
Aging
Male pattern hair loss means high DHT levels. Men generally have more dihydrotestosterone in the body. A combination of slow hair growth due to aging and androgenic alopecia eventually leads to hair loss in males. Male pattern hair loss symptoms are more obvious in older males.
How Is Male Pattern Hair Loss Classified?
The intensity of male pattern hair loss is classified based on the Norwood scale. It provides a set of reference images for clinicians to quantify and label the level of hair loss. Male pattern hair loss stages, according to a typical Norwood scale are seven in number.
Stage 1 Male Pattern Hair Loss
No noticeable hair loss or hairline recession is seen.
Stage 2 Male Pattern Hair Loss
Early signs of hairline recession near the temples.
Stage 3 Male Pattern Hair Loss
Clinically noticeable hairline recession at the temples appears in a M, U, or V pattern. A more severe form of stage 3 is associated with hair thinning or loss at the vertex.
Stage 4 Male Pattern Hair Loss
The hairline recession and the hair loss are separated from each other with a thin band of hair. There are a few hair strands or no hair at all at the vertex.
Stage 5 Male Pattern Hair Loss
The areas of hair loss progress more than Norwood stage 4.
Stage 6 Male Pattern Hair Loss
The band of hair that was separating the receding hairline from the hair loss at the vertex disappears. The two areas of hair loss merge at this stage.
Stage 7 Male Pattern Hair Loss
This is the most advanced stage of male pattern hair loss. At this point, there is only a line of sparse and thin hair going around the sides of the head.
How to Prevent Male Pattern Hair Loss?
The best way to prevent hair loss is to keep an eye out for male pattern hair loss symptoms. Early treatment goes a long way in mitigating the effects of androgenic alopecia. Male pattern hair loss treatment or preventive measures consist of the following:
Hair Loss Medications
Hair loss medications include Minoxidil (OTC), Finasteride (prescription treatment), etc. These medications work by decreasing DHT levels, improving blood circulation, and augmenting hair growth.
Lifestyle Changes
Improving the levels of essential vitamins, minerals, adopting an active lifestyle, and decreasing stress levels in daily life improves hair health and decreases the risk of male pattern hair loss.
Natural Hair Loss Treatments
Essential oils (such as peppermint, rosemary etc.), derma rolling, herbs, and scalp massages have been known to stimulate the scalp, improve blood circulation, and stimulate hair growth.
What Are the Advanced Options Available for Male Pattern Hair Loss?
For established male pattern hair loss, a range of restorative treatment modalities are available. These include:
Hair Transplantation
The purpose of hair transplantation is to restore the aesthetic appearance of the hair by harvesting follicular units from a donor site and transplanting them in an area of hair loss or thinning. There are several types of hair transplantation available, like:
- FUT – Follicular Unit Transplantation
- FUE – Follicular Unit Extraction
- DHI – Direct Hair Implantation
Newer and high-tech hair transplantation techniques are using lasers, robotics, and Artificial intelligence to improve and streamline outcomes and restore the hairline.
Platelet – Rich Plasma Treatment
This treatment focuses on stimulating hair growth by separating platelet rich plasma from patients own blood and injecting it into the scalp or the area of hair loss.
Stem Cell And Exosome Treatments
The use of stem cells and exosomes to restore hair loss is based on regeneration. The ability of stem cells and exosomes to form new tissue and to repair damaged tissues is under research with regards to stimulating new hair follicle growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hair loss shampoos effective?
Hair loss shampoos with ingredients that inhibit DHT are a good supportive treatment for maintaining scalp health but on their own won’t stop or restore hair loss.
Is there a cure for male pattern hair loss?
There is no definitive cure for male pattern hair loss. There are supportive and restorative treatments available to improve scalp health or surgically replace hair loss.
Does wearing head gear like hats and helmets worsen male pattern hair loss?
Wearing restrictive headgear may damage hair in the long run but on its own it is not a cause for male pattern hair loss.
When is the best time to see a doctor for male pattern hair loss?
As soon as early signs of hair loss or bad scalp health are noticed, it is better to consult a dermatologist or trichologist for professional guidance.
