Hair loss, male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is an inherited trait in men, and there are many other reasons behind male hair loss. Dr. Wassef at DCSI can help guide you through the process of a treatment plan. He will work with you and evaluate your condition to help decide the best options for you. It is also essential to be educated about hair loss to help reduce the possible stress and anxiety it may cause. 

Half Your Hair Could Be Lost Before It Is Noticeable

Early signs of male pattern baldness and hair loss are common things missed. Signs to keep an eye on are the recession of your hairline, loss of hair at the crown, or if the hair in those areas is getting shorter and wispier. This process is called miniaturization. Over time the follicle will stop producing new hair, which will then cause noticeable signs of hair loss. 

Millions Of Men Suffer From Male Pattern Baldness

By age 35, hair loss is common in most men. Nearly two-thirds of American men will experience obvious hair loss and thinning. Around 85% of men will lose a significant amount of their hair by age 50.  

Misinformation About Male Hair Loss Causes

Even though genetics are a common reason for male hair loss, these genetic factors can come from either or both biological parents, not just the mother. That is a big myth about male hair loss: the genes are passed down from only the mother’s side.   

Shedding Hair is Normal

The natural hair growth cycle includes shedding 50 to 100 strands of hair a day.    Natural Hair Growth Cycle:  
  1. Growth (Anagen)
  2. Transitional (Catagen)
  3. Resting (Telogen) 
  4. Shedding (Exogen)
  If you notice that you are losing more than 100 hairs a day, then you could be starting male pattern baldness.   

Surgical Hair Restoration Is Socially Acceptable

If you are entering hair loss stages and are looking at the surgical path as an option, that’s okay! While taking care of your appearance is always in style, surgically getting hair restored is more accepted today.   

Male Pattern Baldness Stages

There are seven stages to male pattern baldness that could affect each man differently. They can be looked at using the Norwood scale.  
  • Stage 1 (Norwood Type 1): This first stage is a full head of hair with a little recession of the hairline or loss of hair at the crown. It is normal to have this type of hairline during your teens and 20s before male pattern baldness kicks in. 
  • Stage 2 (Norwood Type 2): Men with a triangular recession around their temples, this type is fairly mild but still visible. 
  • Stage 3 (Norwood Type 3): This type is much more visible. During this stage, the hairline recedes more and takes on a clear M or V shape. There will be little to no hair around the temples. 
  • Stage 4 (Norwood Type 4): Stage 4 is more severe and obvious. Men with stage 4 have sparse hair or no hair on the vertex scalp or crown. 
  • Stage 5 (Norwood Type 5): During the progression into stage 5, men have a thick band of moderately dense hair that separates their hairline from the balding area that becomes smaller and thinner. By this stage, hair loss is obvious. 
  • Stage 6 (Norwood Type 6): This is when the hair loss is very severe. Almost all the hair around the hairline, vertex scalp, or crown will be sparse, thin, or lost. 
  • Stage 7 (Norwood Type 7): By stage 7, the hair loss is most severe. Almost none of the hair on your scalp will be left. 

Contact Us

If you are worried about the early signs of male pattern baldness, male hair loss, or have questions about our other dermatology services, contact our dermatology offices.         Related Reading: Celebrate National Men’s Grooming Day