Male Hair Loss

While male hair loss can be caused by a number of factors, the most common is genetics. Male balding, or male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), is the primary cause of thinning hair in more than 95 percent of cases. Androgenetic alopecia can be inherited from either parent, and it can affect both men and women. Preventing hair loss is a major concern among many people with a family history of baldness. Fortunately, male hair loss treatment is readily available. The information on this page may be useful to men with thinning hair who are experiencing male pattern balding.

About Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Contrary to some popularly held beliefs about male hair loss, androgenetic alopecia can be inherited from either the mother’s or father's side of the family. The manifestation of this genetic condition is also known as male pattern baldness. This balding begins with a receding hairline and thinning of the hair at the crown of the head. Eventually the receding hairline meets the balding crown. This leaves a horseshoe-like pattern of hair around the sides and back of the head.

Causes of Male Pattern Balding

Male hair loss is influenced by three factors: age, a genetic tendency towards baldness, and the presence of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). For men with DHT-sensitive hair follicles (the genetically inherited trait), high levels of DHT in the scalp cause the follicles to gradually shrink. The hair that is produced becomes thinner and loses pigmentation over time. Additionally, the growth phase of the hair follicles becomes shorter, and the individual hair strands do not have a chance to grow to full length. Eventually, some follicles will die and remaining hair will resemble peach fuzz. Interestingly, the hair follicles on the sides and lower back of the head are not affected by DHT, which is why the hair in these locations can be used for hair transplantation.

Preventing Male Hair Loss – Treatment Options

There are many ways of preventing hair loss in men. Male hair loss treatment can include surgical remedies for permanent hair replacement such as hair transplantation and scalp reduction, as well as non-surgical procedures like laser hair loss treatment. There is also a variety of hair loss products that may work for you. When you meet with a hair loss specialist to discuss male balding, the specialist can help you to decide which hair loss treatment is best suited to your situation.

DocShop Can Help You Find a Hair Loss Specialist

The information above provides a brief overview of male hair loss. If male balding runs in your family or if you are already experiencing balding, male hair loss treatment presents a number of options for restoring the fullness of your hair. There are a number of specialists available through DocShop that can help you with preventing hair loss. Please use DocShop to help you find a hair loss specialist in your area.