It can begin at any age from puberty onwards, and can be a distressing condition. At Philip Kingsley, we often see Clients who feel embarrassed or lacking in confidence because of it. Despite the frequency of male pattern hair loss, many men are reluctant to talk about it.
It is important to know that seeking treatment early can help you retain as much hair as possible. Although treatment can take time, there are several effective ways of slowing hair loss down — and sometimes, if you use the correct products, you may see new hair growth.
At the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinics, our experts have a wealth of experience and success in treating male pattern hair loss. If you would like to book a Consultation with us in London or New York, please contact us.
What Causes Male Pattern Hair Loss?
If you have male pattern hair loss, this does not mean that your hair is falling out. Rather, it means that your individual hairs are growing back thinner and shorter over several years, through many progressive hair growth cycles.
Hair thinning is genetic, and can be inherited from either parent. It is caused by a sensitivity in your hair follicles to certain androgens (male hormones). Specifically, the hormone responsible for affecting your hair is a form of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
If you have inherited follicle sensitivity, it will be triggered at some point after puberty (which is when your body starts to produce testosterone). From then on, your hair follicles will gradually miniaturise and grow back thinner over the years, reducing the volume and length of your hair, and making your scalp more visible. Eventually, hair follicles can become so small that they stop producing a hair altogether.
The severity of androgenetic thinning, and what age it starts at, depends on how strong your sensitivity to androgens is.
What are the Symptoms of Male Pattern Hair Loss?
Hair thinning is a gradual process, and unfortunately you will probably have lost over 15% of your hair volume before you notice it. It is best to see a Trichologist if you suspect you are experiencing hair thinning, because the earlier you begin treatment, the more hair you are likely to be able to retain.
Early signs include:
- recession from your front hairline
- thinning at your temples
- increased scalp visibility through your hair, especially at the crown of your head
The extent of hair loss caused by male pattern baldness ranges widely. You may eventually experience any or all of the following:
- a slightly receding hairline
- advanced receding from your forehead
- a thinning crown
- an overall reduction in thickness
- very thin hair
- a ‘horseshoe’ of hair that grows around your scalp from ear to ear