Male pattern hair loss is exceedingly common. In fact, it’s experienced by roughly two thirds of all men across the world. Male pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, can vary in its severity, as well as the age at which it becomes noticeable. Even so, the early warning signs of male pattern hair loss are fairly consistent—and the sooner you recognize and respond to them, the more effective treatment can be.
What Causes Androgenetic Alopecia?
First, a few brief comments on what causes this condition. The one-sentence overview is that male pattern hair loss is caused by elevated levels of DHT, a hormonal byproduct that impedes healthy hair growth cycles. As for what triggers these elevated DHT levels, the science isn’t totally clear, but it is widely believed that androgenetic alopecia is determined by genetics.
Signs may be evident as young as 20 years of age. Most men will see some significant hair loss between ages 25 and 35. The likelihood increases with age, but a quick response can mitigate the effects of male pattern hair loss. The question is, what are the warning signs you should be looking for?
What Not to Look For
First, there are a few things you needn’t worry about. Common misconceptions about male pattern hair loss abound; for instance, it is sometimes said that when you can count 20 or more hairs on your hairbrush, that’s a sign of trouble. It is likewise stated that seeing hair on your pillow in the morning is a warning sign. Still others assume that losing your hair in big clumps is a sure indicator of androgenetic alopecia.
These are all myths, though. As for the first two—hairs on your brush or on your pillow—shedding hair is actually a normal part of the healthy hair growth cycle. Hair loss in itself is nothing to be alarmed about; it’s when you can’t grow hair back that it’s a problem. As for losing hair in clumps, that’s definitely alarming, and something to seek help for—but it’s not a typical sign of male pattern hair loss.
What Male Pattern Hair Loss Looks Like
So what does characterize male pattern hair loss? As the term male pattern hair loss suggests, there is indeed a pattern to look for. Specifically, hair will gradually retreat from the forehead, leaving hair in an M-shape. (You might first notice hair at the fringe of your hairline thinning—the first sign of male pattern hair loss.) From there, hair will fall out to leave a bald spot and then, eventually, baldness on the crown—with just a ring of hair on the sides and back of the head remaining.
Note that this is the typical pattern for androgenetic alopecia. There may be variations. Generally speaking though, this is the basic pattern to watch out for.
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
If you do see these signs of hair loss, what’s the next step you should take? We’d recommend getting a firm diagnosis—ensuring that you know exactly what you are dealing with. That’s something we can assist with at Hair Professionals.
Specifically, you can meet one-on-one with a Hair Professionals stylist to have a full trichological evaluation. This is a private, painless, and non-invasive process in which we will examine your scalp and also the structure of your hair, and confirm that what you’re dealing with is androgenetic alopecia. From there, we can recommend some different forms of treatment or hair replacement.
Treating Male Pattern Hair Loss
Remember: The earlier you seek treatment, the more effective that treatment is likely to be. In particular, laser therapy and topical solutions can go a long way, especially when you act sooner rather than later.
There are always options for hair replacement, too—hair systems, in particular. No matter the extent of your hair loss, we can help you look and feel like yourself again.
It all starts when you seek a diagnosis from one of our stylists. Act today. Reach out to our team at Hair Professionals, and ask about male pattern hair loss treatments.