Why Do Men Go Bald?

Male balding has a characteristic pattern to it. Generally, the balding starts at the temples which steadily cause hairline regression. Then at some point hair on the crown starts to thin slowly. The patches of baldness at the  and the temple meet at the center of the scalp causing hair to fall off from that region with the line of the hair at the back and around the ears. There is one variation of this pattern. In this pattern the hair retreats backwards from the forehead all the way towards the crown. 

Right Way of Diagnosis: 

This type of hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia. It is the most common form of hair loss in men. In medical isle, hair loss is termed as Alopecia .Androgenetic Alopecia refers to the hair loss caused due to the excessive response of androgens. It is a genetic disorder, which leads to receding hairline, creating a ‘M’ like shape.

Other forms of male pattern baldness are also there.  

For example, hair loss all over the scalp can also occur due to iron deficiency. Sometimes, male sex Hormones can also cause hair thinning on the crown. Consult with an experienced dermatologist to find out the pattern and cause of your baldness.  

Causes of Hair Loss: 

Male pattern baldness is essentially a genetic condition. According to the studies, near about 80% male pattern baldness is related to genetics. The combination of genes from maternal and paternal side sometimes results in baldness in their next generation. 

How Does Hair Loss Actually Look Like: 

At a microscopic level hair growth goes to specific phases. 

1^st Phase: Growing Phase or Anagen. Chains of hard protein, known as Keratin, are produced by hair follicles. Duration of this Phase is 2 – 6 years. During this phase, you’ll get thick hair.

2^nd Phase: Transition Phase or Catagen. The hair growth slows down. Duration of this phase is short, for about 10 days.  

3^rd Phase: Resting Phase or Telogen. You now have matured hair, which will enter the resting phase. The hair remains here for a few months before falling off. New hair also begins to grow from follicles in this phase. 

4^th Phase: Shedding Phase or Exogen. While in this phase, you may observe hair is falling off during combing or when you’re in the shower. This phase lasts for about 5 months. 

Myth Regarding Hair Loss:

One of the most common baldness-related myths is that the testosterone level in bald men is higher than others. Having sex can also because baldness is another myth. Neither of these is true. In fact, the testosterone level is the same in all men. Men, in whom testosterone to DHT conversions take place more and suffer baldness.  

But in saying that we do know that performance-enhancing drugs like anabolic steroids and testosterone absolutely increases the risk of hair loss. This is because they artificially boost androgen hormones in our body.  

How Common is Male Pattern Balding:

Male pattern balding is very common. 1 out of every 2 adult men observes bald patches in their 40s. Commonly, some level of baldness is observed by men during their lifetime. But there is huge variation in how fast this hair loss happens. Sadly, there are guys observing receding hairline at a very young age. Some even observe bald patches in their 20s. While other men enjoy having a head full of thick hair even in their 60s. Interestingly, male pattern balding only becomes noticeable, once half of your scalp has already lost its hair. However, no worries. Baldness is reversible if diagnosed early. 

Psychological Effects of Hair Loss:

Baldness can give you a fuss-free hair routine. Many people look smarter when bald. 

But some of us can feel incredibly embarrassed and self-conscious. Baldness can create a huge psychological impact from feelings of unattractiveness to outright depression. Fortunately, for those who are bothered by their hair loss, there are treatments to help and the earlier treatment it started.