What is male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness (also called androgenetic alopecia) is a common form of hair loss. It is typically associated with a receding hairline and hair loss at the crown (top) of the head. Not all men experience male pattern baldness but some men are genetically susceptible.

Male pattern baldness occurs when hair follicles undergo a process called follicular miniaturization. This is when the longer, darker hairs that once grew on the scalp get replaced by thinner, shorter, less pigmented hairs. This process occurs as a result of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is derived from testosterone. Early on, it's possible to stop or even reverse this hair loss. However, at a certain point, the hair follicle also loses attachment to the small muscles in the skin (called the arrector pili muscles). When this happens, hair loss is permanent.


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