Male Pattern Baldness

About 95 percent of all cases of hair loss are the result of androgenetic alopecia (also known as male pattern baldness in men).

Introduction

On average, there are 100,000 to 150,000 hairs on the human scalp. The hairs grow from hair roots, or follicles (saclike structures under the skin). Blood vessels at the base of each follicle provide the nourishment necessary for hair growth. Hair growth in each root occurs in a cycle independent of the other roots. At any time about 90 percent of the hairs on the scalp are in the growth phase, while the other 10 percent are in the resting phase. The growth phase lasts an average of four to five years, after which the follicle enters the resting phase, which lasts about two months to four months. At the end of the resting phase, the hair falls out naturally and is replaced by a new hair. Consequently, some hair loss is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. In fact, on a typical day, about 50 to 150 scalp hairs are lost. Baldness (or alopecia) results when hair loss occurs at an abnormally high rate; when hair replacement occurs at an abnormally slow rate; or when normal hairs are replaced by thinner, shorter ones.

What is male pattern baldness?

Androgenetic alopecia occurs much more frequently in men than in women. It affects roughly 40 million men in the United States. Approximately 25 percent of men begin balding by age 30; two-thirds begin balding by age 60.

While some types of hair loss are easily reversible, male pattern baldness is more permanent. It occurs in a characteristic pattern on the scalp: hair loss usually begins at the temples and at the top of the head toward the back, causing a receding hairline and a bald spot. Hair loss may continue until the two sections become joined, leaving a horseshoe-shaped area of hair on the sides and back of the head. Balding may begin at any age after puberty, even in the middle teens, and can range from partial loss to complete baldness. Male pattern baldness progresses slowly and is not associated with redness, itching, or pain. Currently, there is no way to prevent male pattern baldness from occurring.

Male Pattern Baldness Treatment
Treatment is not necessary if you are comfortable with your appearance. Hair weaving, hairpieces, or change of hairstyle may disguise the hair loss.

Male Pattern Baldness Cause
The causes of male pattern baldness are thought to be complex and are not completely understood.