It’s Movember, so what better time to talk about something that affects millions of men across the UK: male pattern baldness. This common type of hair loss can have a significant impact on self-esteem and confidence. While hair loss is a natural part of ageing for a lot of men, many don’t fully understand why it develops or how it can be managed.

To help, here we’ll reveal what male pattern baldness is, what causes it, the signs to look out for, and whether it’s possible to reverse it.

What is male pattern baldness and what causes it?

Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia if we’re getting technical, is a genetic condition that causes men to lose their hair in a predictable pattern. Usually, it starts with a receding hairline at the temples and thinning on the crown, eventually leading to partial or complete baldness on the top of the head.

It mostly comes down to genetics and hormones. If your dad or grandad experienced hair loss, there’s a higher chance you might too. The hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) plays a big role. DHT can shrink hair follicles, making hair thinner and shorter until it stops growing altogether.

But don’t worry, losing hair is a natural part of aging for many men. It’s not usually a sign of a health problem, but if you’re noticing sudden or patchy hair loss, it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor to rule out other issues.

What are the signs of male pattern baldness?

Catching the early signs of male pattern baldness makes it easier to manage. Unfortunately, many men don’t recognise they are experiencing this type of hair loss until it has advanced.

Here’s some of the signs to watch out for that could indicate you’re experiencing male pattern baldness:

• Excessive hair on pillows, in the shower, or bath.
• Receding hairline
• Thinning on the crown
• Overall thinning

When you begin losing your hair, you’ll typically notice it on your pillows and in the bath/shower. While some hair loss every day is natural, if it starts to become excessive, it’s a sign you may be experiencing male pattern baldness.

You may see your hairline moving back from your forehead, especially around the temples, creating an ‘M’ shape. The hair on the top of your head might also get thinner, leading to a bald spot that slowly gets bigger. Or you may notice the hair feels less dense all over, making your scalp more visible.

These changes usually happen gradually, so it could help to compare photos of yourself from a few years ago to see if there’s a difference.

Can you reverse male pattern baldness?

While there’s no magic cure, there are treatments that can slow down hair loss or even potentially help some hair grow back. These include medications, lifestyle changes, and hair transplant surgery.

There are two medications currently approved for male pattern baldness including:

Minoxidil (Regaine)

Minoxidil is a lotion or foam you apply to your scalp daily. It can help stimulate hair growth and slow down balding. Some men see results after a few months, but you need to keep using it to maintain any new hair.

Finasteride (Propecia)

This is a prescription pill that lowers DHT levels, helping to prevent further hair loss and possibly regrow some hair. Like minoxidil, you need to keep taking it to keep the benefits.

It’s important to talk to your doctor before starting these treatments to understand how they work and any potential side effects.

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, hair transplant surgery might be an option. This involves moving hair from areas where it’s still growing to the balding spots. It can be effective, but it’s also costly and involves recovery time. Make sure to consult with a qualified surgeon to see if it’s right for you.

If you’re concerned about hair loss or you need help managing male pattern baldness, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist that specialises in hair loss.