Identifying the Early Stages of Male Pattern Hair Loss
07 / 25 / 17

Identifying the Early Stages of Male Pattern Hair Loss

Men’s hair loss is caused by different factors—but statistically, the most common factor by far is genetics. In fact, more than two-thirds of all men will deal with the symptoms of male pattern hair loss at some point in their lives. Recognizing this is critical: When you identify the markings of male pattern hair loss you can seek treatment, and the earlier you do so, the more likely it is that the treatment will have an effect.

In this post, we’ll point out some of the common signs of male pattern hair loss, and also recommend the next steps you should take after you identify it.

What Causes Male Pattern Hair Loss?

Scientists generally believe that male pattern hair loss is determined by genetics. Some men will see symptoms as young as age 20, though most cases of male pattern hair loss manifest between 25 and 35; during this stage of life, two out of five men will begin to notice some balding. Being aware of the particular pattern of this hair loss condition is the first step toward getting treatment.

Dispelling Myths About Male Pattern Hair Loss

Before we get to the signs of male pattern hair loss, it is important to dispel a few misconceptions. With the initiation of androgenetic alopecia or male patterned hair loss (MPHL) it is possible to see increased shedding of hair.  Normally, you will lose about 100 hairs per day, but if you see a lot more shedding than this, it may be a sign of a different kind of hair loss, or it can be the beginning of MPHL.  So, if hair is falling out in “clumps,” you should seek consultation

What’s critical to note is that male pattern hair loss isn’t really about shedding. In fact, shedding is a normal, natural part of the hair growing process, as old hairs fall out to make room for new ones. Male pattern hair loss involves a process of miniaturization of hair follicles and ultimately an inability to grow new hair—but finding lost hairs on your pillow or hair brush is not in and of itself problematic, nor is it, necessarily, a sign of male pattern hair loss.

As for losing hair in clumps, that’s certainly something to be concerned about, and we recommend seeking a diagnosis right away—but it is not consistent with the signs of male pattern hair loss. In other words, this is the symptom of some other hair loss condition.

Identifying Male Pattern Hair Loss

So how can you identify male pattern hair loss? True to its name, this condition does follow a pattern. Usually it begins with a gradual retreat of hair away from the forehead—resulting in an M-shaped hair line. From there, most men will experience hair loss on the crown, leading to a bald spot. This bald spot will spread, and eventually leave hair only on the sides and back of the head.

There are some cases of male pattern hair loss diverging from this pattern—but generally speaking, these are the signs and symptoms you will want to look for.

Responding to Male Pattern Hair Loss

Be aware of these signs, symptoms, and this basic pattern. If you start to experience thinning around your hair line, that’s a good indication that you have male pattern hair loss. By contrast, if you are losing hair on the back or side of your head or have a lot of itching and burning, that might point to a different diagnosis altogether. To find out for sure, we recommend trichological evaluation.

We can perform such an evaluation here at HT&RC, and with a specific diagnosis, we can recommend a treatment. This might involve laser therapy, topical solutions, or something else altogether. Remember that early treatment is key—so don’t delay in getting your evaluation.  Since MPHL is a process of miniaturization, when the hair follicles are only partially miniaturized, various medical treatments may be effective.  However, once the hair follicles are severely miniaturized, the medical treatments are limited.

We can also recommend hair restoration solutions, such as hair systems or hair transplant, to help you cope with significant hair loss. No matter your hair loss needs, HT&RC can present you with a way forward—an option to look and feel like yourself again. Come see us for any hair loss needs or contact us for a consultation.