Male Hair Loss

Androgenetic alopecia is a genetic, or inherited, condition. Heredity, from either side of the family (mother or father) increases the risk of hair loss. Heredity also dictates at what age hair loss may begin. Hair loss does not necessarily occur in every generation, and may skip several generations before reappearing.

In men, hair follicles in areas that will eventually become bald are sensitive to a substance called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Testosterone, which both men and women have in their blood, is converted to DHT by an enzyme that is produced in the scalp. In susceptible men, DHT causes the hair follicle to have a shorter active, or anagen, phase. Over time, these follicles become smaller and produce progressively weaker hairs that are shed more frequently causing thinning of the hair and, eventually, balding.

DHT only affects hair growth on the head. Typically, in men, hair at the front and the top of the scalp is the most susceptible to DHT. This is what causes the familiar receding of the hair line at the temples, in the front of the scalp, and at the crown, or top, of the head. Over time, the receding hair line will produce the familiar "m" pattern and may progress to where only the hair at the sides and back of the head is still present. Scientists do not know why the hair at the back and sides of the scalp is not as sensitive to DHT. Interestingly, DHT is actually necessary for growth of hair on a man's face and chest.

With androgenetic alopecia, hair loss is permanent. There is also, currently, no known cure. A man's only recourse is various hair loss remedies that are discussed in other articles on this web site.