Learn About Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men.
Alopecia in men; Baldness - male; Hair loss in men; Androgenetic alopecia
Male pattern baldness is related to your genes and male sex hormones. It usually follows a pattern of receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown.
Each strand of hair sits in a tiny hole (cavity) in the skin called a hair follicle. Generally, hair loss occurs when the hair follicle shrinks over time, resulting in shorter and finer hair. Eventually, the follicle does not grow new hair. The follicles remain alive, which suggests that it is still possible to grow new hair.
The typical pattern of male baldness begins at the hairline in the front of the head. The hairline gradually moves backward (recedes) and forms an "M" shape. A circular area on the back of the head (vertex) often thins and expands in size over time. Eventually the hair becomes finer, shorter, and thinner, and creates a U-shaped (or horseshoe) pattern of hair around the sides of the head and a bald area on the back of the head.
Treatment is not necessary if you are comfortable with your appearance. Hair weaving, hairpieces, or change of hairstyle may disguise the hair loss. This is usually the least expensive and safest approach for male baldness.
Medicines that treat male pattern baldness include:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine), a solution that is applied directly to the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles. It slows hair loss for many men, and some men grow new hair. Hair loss returns when you stop using this medicine.
- Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar), a pill that interferes with the production of a highly active form of testosterone that is linked to baldness. It slows hair loss. It works slightly better than minoxidil. Hair loss returns when you stop using this medicine.
- Dutasteride is similar to finasteride but may be more effective.
Other treatments that are being investigated include:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injected into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. This involves drawing your blood, collecting a portion that is rich in platelets, and injecting the areas of hair loss over a series of sessions.
- Hair transplants consist of removing tiny plugs of hair from areas where the hair is continuing to grow and placing them in areas that are balding. The procedure usually requires multiple sessions and may be expensive.
- The use of laser or light caps or helmets to stimulate hair follicles.
Suturing hair pieces to the scalp is not recommended. It can result in scars, infections, and abscess of the scalp. The use of hair implants made of artificial fibers was banned by the FDA because of the high rate of infection.
Proliance Surgeons
Steven M. Dawson, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist and has been practicing in Kirkland for over 28 years. His almost three decades of experience has armed him with a vast knowledge of ENT conditions focusing on the diagnoses and treatment of chronic sinus and nasal issues.His late father and brother were both doctors in Iowa, and his dad strongly encouraged him to follow in his footsteps. He decided to go into otolaryngology because he loves the idea of helping people solve the problems that are keeping them from enjoying life.Dr. Dawson has been active in the local medical community as a former Chief of Surgery at Evergreen Hospital. He is professionally interested in minimally invasive sinus surgeries and the most recent up-to-date imaging and surgical techniques.As a true Seattle sports enthusiast, Steven is a Seattle Seahawks season ticket holder and a strong supporter of bringing back the Seattle Supersonics. He enjoys golfing, skiing, hiking and fishing.Steven Dawson has been recognized by Seattle Met as a Top Doctor for many years running including 2019, 2020 and 2021. Dr. Dawson is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Male Pattern Baldness. His top areas of expertise are Low Nasal Bridge, Nasal Septal Hematoma, Perichondritis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), and Septoplasty.
Neil Fleshner practices in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Fleshner is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Male Pattern Baldness. His top areas of expertise are Prostate Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, Prostatectomy, and Cystectomy.
Antonio Finelli practices in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Finelli is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Male Pattern Baldness. His top areas of expertise are Prostate Cancer, Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), Male Pattern Baldness, Nephrectomy, and Prostatectomy.
Male pattern baldness does not indicate a medical disorder, but it may affect self-esteem or cause anxiety. The hair loss is usually permanent.
Contact your health care provider if:
- Your hair loss occurs in an atypical pattern, including rapid hair loss, widespread shedding, hair loss in patches, or hair breakage.
- Your hair loss occurs with itching, skin irritation, redness, scaling, pain, or other symptoms.
- Your hair loss begins after starting a medicine.
- You want to treat your hair loss.
Published Date: April 01, 2025
Published By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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