Male pattern baldness affects most men at some stage of their life. By the age of 70, 80% of all men will have started to go bald, with many men approaching the latter stages of hair loss by this time [1]. Lots of younger men worry about the fate that's in store for their hair, especially if their dad is bald.
By the time you turn 30, you have a 25% chance of displaying some balding. By age 50, 50% of men have at least some noticeable hair loss. By age 60, about two-thirds are either bald or have a balding pattern. While hair loss is more common as you get older, it doesn't necessarily make it any easier to accept.
Yes, although genetics play a significant role in determining susceptibility to baldness, it's possible to experience hair loss even if there's no family history of it. Other factors such as hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, stress, and lifestyle choices can contribute to balding.
Male pattern baldness doesn't hurt. Many start to notice the early stages of male pattern baldness by their 30s, but they may begin as early as your late teenage years or early 20s. Hair loss on your crown usually appears in a circular shape. A receding hairline often occurs in an “M” shape.
Hair loss is easiest to reverse when it is treated early and quickly before any severe balding has begun. If you are able to recognize the early stages of male pattern hair loss, you will be able to seek treatment sooner, and ultimately retain a full head of hair.
With a deepening receding hairline and a growing bald spot on your crown, it can be concerning to reach stage 4 on the Norwood scale. But at Norwood stage 4, you still have plenty of options for disguising and (better yet) treating your male pattern hair loss.
At this stage, you will not see any balding forming on the hairline or scalp. There are no signs of receding at this stage. Norwood himself describes this stage as 'minimal or no recession of the hairline' [1]. It's important to remember that some hairlines are different shapes.
Male pattern baldness (MPB) is the most common form of hair loss, with more than half of all men experiencing it to some degree in their lifetime. It's thought that more than 50% of men over 50 have some degree of hair loss.
Yet, testosterone is not the reason some men go bald and others don't. Plenty of bald guys have low testosterone levels, and plenty of guys with flowing locks have high testosterone levels. Male pattern baldness comes down to how sensitive your hair follicles are to the effects of hormones, which is genetic.
An “m shaped” hairline is a common feature in men's hair. Although it is sometimes indicative of a condition called male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), this is not only the case. For around half of all men, the m shaped hairline is a sign of a fully mature hairline.
It's a myth that there's a single balding gene that directly determines whether or not you'll go bald. Baldness is influenced by multiple genes, as well as other factors including diet, age, and general health [2].
Why does testosterone therapy sometimes cause hair loss? Testosterone can convert to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can shrink hair follicles and lead to hair thinning and loss, especially in individuals genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia.
East Asian men (such as those of Chinese and Japanese ancestry) are next on the list of those least likely to experience hair loss. For example, while around half of Caucasian men will experience some degree of androgenetic alopecia, a 2010 study of Chinese men found only about 13% did.
Hair texture and density can vary significantly from person to person, and many individuals with thick, luscious hair wonder if their abundant locks are a safeguard against future baldness. While hair thickness can provide some protection against hair loss, it is not a guarantee against balding.
While it is not uncommon for males to begin experiencing hair loss in their 20s, it is not considered normal for hair loss to occur at such a young age. If you are experiencing hair loss at age 25, you must speak with a healthcare professional to determine the cause and discuss treatment options.
It is highly unlikely that baldness will be cured by 2030, as there is presently no such cure in the process of being approved for large-scale commercial use. It normally takes several years to pass through multiple phases of clinical trials before receiving this approval.
The shape a maturing hairline takes usually is an M, meaning you have a peak in the middle of your hairline and it curves back at the temples. While a balding hairline will also start with this shape, a maturing hairline won't continue to recede and the hairline will generally be quite defined as well.
When Thrillist polled people, a majority said they wouldn't mind dating a bald guy. 76% either don't care about hair loss or prefer a bald man. Unsurprisingly, many of the people polled said that baldness isn't an excuse for poor grooming.
By the time you turn 30, you have a 25% chance of displaying some balding. By age 50, 50% of men have at least some noticeable hair loss. By age 60, about two-thirds are either bald or have a balding pattern. While hair loss is more common as you get older, it doesn't necessarily make it any easier to accept.
In some cases yes, a receding hairline can be temporary. Certain treatments, medications, or a very stressful life event can cause temporary hair loss. Equally, if your hair is receding due to traction alopecia or the use of chemicals, addressing this cause can stop it from getting any worse.
Unfortunately, male pattern baldness will not stop by itself so you will have to decide if you want to accept it or treat it.