Male Pattern Baldness Explained
Find Out How Genetics Shape Your Hair Loss and What You Can Do to Slow It Down
What Is Male Pattern Baldness?
Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It starts gradually, often with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown, and progresses through well-defined stages. This progression can be tracked using the Norwood Scale, a simple system that maps out the patterns and stages of hair loss.
The earlier you identify where you are on the scale, the better your chances of taking action to slow it down. Whether you’re just noticing changes or well into the process, understanding MPB is the first step to managing it.
Get our Introductory Guide to Male Pattern Baldness now!
What Is Male Pattern Baldness?
Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It starts gradually, often with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown, and progresses through well-defined stages. This progression can be tracked using the Norwood Scale, a simple system that maps out the patterns and stages of hair loss.
The earlier you identify where you are on the scale, the better your chances of taking action to slow it down. Whether you’re just noticing changes or well into the process, understanding MPB is the first step to managing it.
Get our Introductory Guide to Male Pattern Baldness now!
What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?
MPB is caused by a combination of genetics and a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Some men inherit a sensitivity to DHT, which causes hair follicles to shrink over time. As the follicles get smaller, the hair becomes thinner and eventually stops growing altogether.
Think of it like this: your genes determine how sensitive your hair follicles are to DHT. If you’ve noticed hair loss in male relatives, there’s a good chance you might experience it too. But don’t worry—there are ways to slow or even stop the process.
Want to dive deeper into the science behind DHT and how it affects your hair?
What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?
MPB & Hair Loss is caused by a combination of genetics and a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Some men inherit a sensitivity to DHT, which causes hair follicles to shrink over time. As the follicles get smaller, the hair becomes thinner and eventually stops growing altogether.
Think of it like this: your genes determine how sensitive your hair follicles are to DHT. If you’ve noticed hair loss in male relatives, there’s a good chance you might experience it too. But don’t worry—there are ways to slow or even stop the process.
Want to dive deeper into the science behind DHT and how it affects your hair?
Male Pattern Baldness Treatments
There is no cure for Male Pattern Baldness. But, you don’t have to accept hair loss as your fate. There are proven treatments out there that can slow down MPB, stop it in its tracks, or even regrow hair. Here are a few popular options:
Minoxidil: A topical solution that stimulates hair growth.
Finasteride: A prescription pill that reduces DHT levels in your body.
Hair Transplants: A surgical option for permanent hair restoration.
Every treatment works differently, and what’s right for you depends on your stage of hair loss and your goals. To learn more about the options available and how they work, visit our comprehensive treatments page.
Male Pattern Baldness Treatments
There is no cure for Male Patter Baldness. But, you don’t have to accept hair loss as your fate. There are proven treatments out there that can slow down MPB, stop it in its tracks, or even regrow hair. Here are a few popular options:
Minoxidil: A topical solution that stimulates hair growth.
Finasteride: A prescription pill that reduces DHT levels in your body.
Hair Transplants: A surgical option for permanent hair restoration.
Every treatment works differently, and what’s right for you depends on your stage of hair loss and your goals. To learn more about the options available and how they work, visit our comprehensive treatments page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The earliest signs of male pattern baldness are often a receding hairline or thinning at the crown. You might notice your forehead looking bigger or more scalp showing when you style your hair. These changes happen gradually, so it’s important to track them early.
While genetics play a huge role in hair loss, the idea that it’s only inherited from your mother’s side is a myth. Hair loss genes can come from either parent, so looking at the hair history of both sides of your family can give you a better picture.
Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) can begin as early as your late teens or early 20s, but for most men, noticeable hair loss starts in their 30s or 40s. The timing depends on your genetics and how sensitive your hair follicles are to DHT.
While you can’t change your genetics, treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, and hair transplants can slow down or even stop male pattern baldness. The sooner you start, the better your chances of preserving your hair.