What Is Male Pattern Baldness?

Male pattern baldness is a very a common type of balding in men, generally over the age of 50, but not exclusively so, in fact men of any age can be affected.


The characteristics of the condition are that hair recedes in a particular way, from above both temples back. After a while the hairline recedes further, forming the familiar ‘M’ pattern. At this point the hair then starts to thin in a patch at the crown then on to complete or partial baldness.

Studies show that at least 50 percent of all men will suffer from balding at some stage in their lives.

Who Usually Suffers From Male Pattern Baldness?

Unfortunately there are no steps you can take to side step this problem, you’re either going to be affected or not, because male pattern baldness is generally a heriditary condition, passed down through generations.

Are There Any Treatments For Male Pattern Baldness?

Once the hair follicles have died, there is little that can be done, however if you catch the process early enough then you can effectively stimulate more hair growth.

There are currently 2 treatments that have been FDA approved. They are Minxidil and Finastrine.

Minoxidil works by dilating the blood vessels in the scalp thereby stimulating an increase in delivery of nutrients to the area. This noursihes the hair follicles which then grow more fervently.

Finastrine works differently in that it inhibits the body’s ability to convert testerone in to DHT which is a hormone responsible for amongst other things causing hair loss amongst older men.

Unfortunately no hair loss treatment can be guaranteed 100% and with the treatments above you need to give them chance to work, around 6 – 12 months is the usual recommended time frame.

As with all things, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy balanced diet and taking regular exercise will help any male pattern baldness cure to be as effective as possible. But if you do go down the route of searching for a cure, remember the results won’t be instant.

Neither product works for everyone.

Alternatively if you are suffering from male pattern baldness and have issues with this you might want to consider shaving your head. Many well known personalities and top celebrities have done this and being a man with a shaven head is actually considered to be quite a good look, rather than something to be ashamed of.

Just ask any Bruce Willis or Jason Statham fans if they prefer them with hair or without, you’ll get your answer right there.