Male pattern baldness, known medically as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss in men, affecting around 50% of men by the time they reach 50. While losing hair is a natural part of ageing for many men, the science behind why this happens is rooted in genetics and hormones.
But, never fear. We’ve teamed up with Hims, which provides a 100% online service to help you get access to clinically tested ingredients for a personalised hair regrowth treatment.
Together, we’ve put together an article featuring insight into why some men experience more significant hair loss than others and what options are available to manage it.
The Role of Genetics in Male Pattern Baldness
Ready for some science? Genetics play a crucial role in male pattern baldness. If you have close relatives, particularly on your mother’s side of the family, who have experienced significant hair loss, you’re more likely to inherit the condition.
This hereditary hair loss is linked to the presence of specific genes that dictate how your hair follicles respond to certain hormones.
The key gene associated with male pattern baldness is found on the X chromosome, which men inherit from their mothers. However, it’s not the only factor at play; multiple genes contribute to the condition, some of which are inherited from both parents. These genetic factors affect the sensitivity of your hair follicles to androgens, which are the hormones primarily responsible for male pattern baldness.
Hormones and Hair Loss: The Androgen Connection
The hormone primarily involved in male pattern baldness is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. DHT plays a significant role in the development of male characteristics during puberty. But once that work is done, it sticks around and, in adulthood, it can have detrimental effects on hair follicles. Particularly in men who are genetically predisposed to hair loss.
Hair follicles go through a natural growth cycle, consisting of a growth phase (anagen), a transitional phase (catagen), and a resting phase (telogen). In men susceptible to male pattern baldness, DHT binds to receptors in the hair follicles, causing them to shrink over time—a process known as follicular miniaturization. This leads to shorter and finer hair strands until the follicles eventually stop producing hair altogether.
Interestingly, not all hair follicles are equally affected by DHT. The pattern of hair loss typically starts at the temples and crown of the head, forming the characteristic “M” shape of male pattern baldness. The hair at the sides and back of the head is usually less sensitive to DHT, which is why these areas often retain hair even in advanced stages of baldness.
You might notice this happening and decide to do something about it early. But some wait till the effects are more noticeable. That’s why Hims provides a survey to find out exactly what stage you are at before developing your personal plan.
The Age Factor
While genetics and hormones set the stage for male pattern baldness, age determines when the process begins. Most men start noticing signs of hair loss in their 30s or 40s, but for some, it can begin as early as their late teens or early 20s. The rate of hair loss varies widely, with some men experiencing rapid thinning while others lose their hair more slowly.
Managing Male Pattern Baldness
So, we know why it happens and when it might happen. Let’s look into what you can do.
While male pattern baldness is largely driven by factors beyond your control, several treatment options are available. Medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) can slow down and even reverse hair loss in some men by either stimulating hair growth or reducing DHT levels. These are the products that Hims works with, offering access to them in both pill and hair regrowth spray form. The latter being a firm favorite of Hims customers.
Other options include hair transplant surgery, where hair from the back and sides of the head is transplanted to balding areas, and emerging treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This involves injecting concentrated platelets from your blood into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. However, the effectiveness of such treatments can vary, and results aren’t guaranteed.
Ready to Tackle Male Pattern Baldness?
For a fully online process to find the right doctor-trusted and clinically-proven ingredients to stop your hair loss and stimulate regrowth, talk to Hims today.
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