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Skin and Hair Health

Not Just a Bad Hair Day: Unmasking Male Pattern Baldness

“I think I subscribe to the stereotype of balding making men less attractive,” says Rohan, a university student. Read on to learn about the various options for you when dealing with male pattern baldness.

Aug 1, 2024

5 min read

Written by 
Shayonee Dasgupta

Medically Reviewed by 

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A chilling row of hairless mannequins.

Rohan was still a student at university when he first noticed bald patches on his scalp. “It was embarrassing, and I felt self-conscious about my thinning hair. In fact, I still feel the same way,” he says. Given that 58% of Indian men aged 30–50 years experience male hair thinning, cases of baldness are not isolated. While hair fall is normal, progressive hair loss leading to bald patches on the head is a condition known as male pattern baldness.


The psychological burden of male pattern baldness is high. “I think I subscribe to the stereotype of balding making men less attractive. This also explains my self-consciousness about my own balding,” says Rohan.

58%

of Indian men aged 30–50 years experience male hair thinning

Hair today, gone tomorrow: What are the causes of male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness happens when the scalp loses hair that doesn't regrow naturally. Hallmark signs include a receding hairline and hair thinning at the top of your scalp and near your temples.

According to Dr Divya Sharma, a Bengaluru-based cosmetic dermatologist and hair specialist, balding in males is multifactorial. Male baldness may be triggered by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. In fact, a 2022 study conducted in China revealed a significant association between sugary beverage consumption and increased incidence of male pattern baldness.

Quick Explainer

Hallmark signs of male pattern baldness include a receding hairline and hair thinning at the top of your scalp and near your temples.

1. Genetics

Baldness is often hereditary.  Although scientists have not yet fully understood the genetic basis, research shows it can be polygenic — more than one gene is responsible for passing it on. Additionally, genes can pass from either the maternal or paternal side.

2. Hormones

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a sex hormone created from testosterone, has a special connection with balding. If your hair follicle — the tubelike structure from which each strand of hair grows — is particularly sensitive to DHT, it can gradually shrink over time. Consequently, your hair strands can get thinner, leading to a receding hairline.

3. Age

The risk of hair loss in men increases with age, with some experiencing thinning hair as early as in their 20s.

4. Other factors 

Poor diet and stress worsen male pattern baldness in genetically predisposed men. “Vitamin B12 and D deficiencies may increase the odds,” adds Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, dermatologist.

Did You Know?

The risk of hair loss in men increases with age, with some experiencing thinning hair as early as in their 20s. Male baldness may be triggered by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.

Getting in my hair: Stages of male pattern baldness

The Norwood-Hamilton scale, used by doctors across the globe, identifies seven stages of patterned hair loss in men: 
StagesSignsVariants
Stage 1Little or no signs of baldness
Stage 2Hair around the temples starts receding
Stage 3When viewed from above, the hairline recedes from the temples, creating an ‘M”’ shapeStage 3 vertex: Slight recession with significant hair loss from the top
Stage 4Significant baldness as the hairline continues to recede. The crown can show a significant bald spot with a noticeable ‘U’ shape when viewed from above. Stage 4A: The hairline recedes further back
Stage 5Similar to Stage 4, but more severe. Hair starts thinning between the receding hairline and balding crownStage 5A: The hairline recedes further back
Stage 6Mostly bald, with no hair remaining on the crown and front. However, there may be hair remaining on the sides
Stage 7The crown, forehead, and sides are completely bald
Blog quote

Vitamin B12 and D deficiencies may increase the odds of developing male pattern baldness.

Dr Deepal  Bhardwaj, Dermatologist.

Keep your hair on: Treatment for male pattern baldness

The treatments for male pattern baldness involve medications — oral and topical — that a doctor may prescribe. However, side effects of such treatments may include itching, scaling, and irritant contact dermatitis for topical medications and reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation with penile shrinkage for oral medications, as was reported in one study.

There are also surgical and non-surgical treatments that a doctor may recommend depending on the patient’s unique condition. 

Quick Explainer

If your hair follicle — the tubelike structure from which each strand of hair grows — is particularly sensitive to DHT, it can gradually shrink over time.

Where there’s hair, there’s hope: Preventing male pattern baldness

There are no scientifically proven methods that can completely prevent male pattern baldness. According to Dr Sharma, timely treatment can delay the onset to an extent. 

Dr Bhardwaj adds that removing triggers like harsh shampoos, styling gels, and hard water and increasing blood vasculature through massage can also delay baldness in those with a genetic predisposition.

Don’t dismiss hair loss as a mere ‘cosmetic issue’. Consult a dermatologist if you notice the signs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) At what age does male pattern baldness typically start?

Around 25% of individuals experience hair loss before turning 21. “Premature male pattern baldness before the age of 35 is also becoming common in India,” adds Dr Sharma.

2) Is male pattern baldness preventable?

Since male pattern baldness is a genetic condition, it is not completely preventable.

3) Can male pattern baldness be reversed naturally?

Home remedies alone may not reverse male pattern baldness, given its multifactorial nature.

4) What are the risks and side effects of getting a hair transplantation?

“When performed correctly by skilled professionals, hair transplant is a safe procedure,” notes Dr Sharma. Common side effects include itching, facial swelling, and pain. Hiccups are an unusual but not uncommon side effect.

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