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Also known as androgenetic alopecia, male pattern hair loss is one of the most common causes of male baldness. It is caused by the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the male hormone on genetically vulnerable hair follicles in the scalp. These sensitive hair follicles are largely present in the crown, front and top of the head and produce an easily identifiable and characteristic pattern. The mechanism used by DHT to accomplish hair loss has not yet been completely understood, but it is believed to be caused by the process of miniaturization in hair follicles. In the scalps of genetically prone men, DHT causes the width of hair shafts to decrease progressively until the scalp hair looks like vellus hair or disappears altogether.

Pattern of hair loss
The onset of male pattern hair loss can begin at the end of puberty and is usually genetically determined. Many men start losing their hair during their 20s or early 30s. Hair loss usually begins with a receding hairline and gradually progresses to thinning hair at the top of the head. Eventually both balding areas converge to form a U shape around the sides and back of the head. The remaining hair, if any, becomes thinner and finer in texture and the rate of growth slows down. Mild or moderate hair los due to hormonal causes affects about 50% of men by age 50. This hormonal condition is thought to be hereditary in nature.

Male pattern baldness treatment
There is no known cure for male pattern hair loss, but there are a number of products and therapies that can treat or camouflage it to a certain extent. You can opt for surgical methods such as hair transplants, scalp reduction or flap surgery to restore the lost hair. Or you can ask your doctor to recommend prescription medications, which can be very effective too. Hair pieces or volumizing shampoos can be used if nothing else works.