Symptoms
- Receding temples or thinning crown
- Widening parting
- More hair on the pillow or in the shower
- Family history of pattern baldness
Hair loss (male pattern): symptoms, causes & treatment
Male pattern hair loss is hormonal and genetic, affecting half of men by 50. Evidence-based treatments exist — they work best at keeping the hair you have, which is why starting earlier matters.
Editorial information by Kaiser Khan. Not clinically reviewed.
Why it happens
Follicles genetically sensitive to DHT (a testosterone by-product) progressively miniaturise. It’s not caused by hats, washing, or normal-range testosterone levels.
Treatment
Two evidence-based approaches exist: topical treatment available over the counter, and prescription tablet treatment that lowers DHT — more effective for most men, and best discussed with a clinician. Combination use outperforms either alone. Judge any treatment at six months.
Self-care that helps
Consistent photographs in the same lighting to track honestly; general health (sleep, stress, nutrition) supports hair but won’t override genetics; be sceptical of shampoos and most supplements.
When to get help
Patchy loss, sudden shedding, scalp soreness or scarring suggest something other than pattern loss — get assessed, as some causes are reversible if treated early.
Go deeper
Related guides
Hair loss treatment side effects: tablets, sprays and what to watch for
Side effects of oral and topical hair loss treatments, what is common, what is rare, and when to speak to a prescriber.
Male hair loss: what works, what doesn't, and when to start
A plain-English guide to male pattern baldness — the evidence behind treatments, timelines, and the myths to ignore.
Available without prescription