Hair & Scalp Health
Hair loss in men is very common. It is often the result of genetics and caused by the effect of the male hormones, called androgens, on genetically predisposed hair follicles. This type of hair loss is known as male pattern baldness and technically referred to as androgenetic alopecia. Other causes of hair loss in men include autoimmune diseases that can lead to alopecia areata (patchy bald spots), fungal infections that result in tinea capitas (or scalp ringworm), and some medications and treatments such as prednisone or chemotherapy. For some additional considerations on hair health, please view our Hair Health Check page to prompt some thoughts on other possible underlying reasons for your thinning hair.
Male hair loss initially and typically affects the temples and the crown of the scalp, with hair either thinning or falling out. The progression of male pattern baldness is generally classified on the Hamilton–Norwood scale (first introduced by Dr James Hamilton in the 1950s and later revised and updated by Dr O’Tar Norwood in the 1970s).
Male pattern baldness is the cause of hair loss in men in more than 95% of cases. According to statistics, 25% of men begin balding by age 30 and two-thirds begin balding by age 60. Male pattern baldness is triggered by the sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is created from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. In those with a genetic predisposition to hair loss, DHT initiates a process of follicular miniaturisation. As the hair follicle deteriorates, the hair growth phase (anagen) is shortened, and the hair shaft is prevented from growing and maturing into the deeply rooted and pigmented hair. In time, hair becomes thinner. If left untreated the follicle will go dormant and stop producing hair completely.
