Male Hair Loss

Most men will experience at least some degree of genetic hair loss by the time they are in their 50s.

Causes

The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, also referred to as “male pattern” or “common” baldness. It is caused by the effects of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on genetically susceptible scalp hair follicles. DHT causes male hair loss by shortening the growth, or “anagen” phase of the hair cycle, which results in the follicles producing progressively shorter, finer hairs, a process called miniaturization. With prolonged exposure to DHT, the genetically susceptible follicles eventually disappear leaving a bald scalp.

Classification

The Norwood Classification, published in 1975 by Dr. O’tar Norwood, is the most widely used classification for hair loss in men.

It defines two major observable patterns of hair loss and several less common types. In the regular Norwood pattern, two areas of hair loss — a bi-temporal and recession and thinning crown — gradually enlarge and coalesce until the entire front, top, and crown (vertex) of the scalp are bald.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia in men is generally straightforward. It is made by observing a “patterned” distribution of hair loss and confirmed by observing the presence of miniaturized hair in the areas of thinning…

Miniaturization can be observed using a diagnostic instrument called a video densitometer.

Treatment

Men’s hair loss can be effectively treated in two primary ways: hair loss medication and surgical hair restoration. The two most effective medications are the oral medication Finasteride (Propecia) and the topical medication Minoxidil (Rogaine). Modern surgical hair restoration procedures include Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). In these procedures, hair is transplanted from the back or sides of the scalp to the balding areas, where they grow permanent hairs.
If you have concerns about your hair loss, it is always best to be examined by a board certified hair loss specialist. You can set up an in-person physician consultation. If you cannot visit our Pasadena facility for an in-person consult, you may submit an online consultation from the comfort of your home.

Male-Pattern Baldness

Study the illustration here to determine the classification of your hair loss