Every man experiences some degree of Male pattern hair loss during his lifetime.

Figures show that on average 25% of men aged 25+ years and 50% of men aged 50+ years will have significant hair loss.  This generally increases in severity with age, but not necessarily in a consistent or even way.  There will be periods of heavy hair loss and at other times, the loss will be scarcely evident.  It is however always progressive and permanent so that from the early loss at the temples or crown areas it links up after a number of years until all hair at risk has been lost leaving only the “back and sides”.  The degree and rate of loss will depend on one’s inherited tendency and only slightly on environmental factors such as tension and anxiety.

It has been conclusively shown that the male hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) must be present for the balding process to occur.  Lack of it, as in Eunuchs, will prevent this form of baldness.  The “back and sides” of hair is not sensitive to DHT and therefore does not take part in the balding process.

The following diagram is the Norwood Classification for Male pattern hair loss. It shows the standard rating for the degree of hair loss. Which rating are you?