Understanding Pattern Baldness | Hair Loss Patterns

Pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common type of hair loss characterized by a specific pattern of thinning and receding hairlines.

Pattern Baldness FAQ

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What causes baldness?

Health conditions may be a cause of baldness when a rash, redness, pain, peeling of the scalp, hair breakage, patchy hair loss, or an unusual pattern of hair loss accompanies the hair loss. A skin biopsy and blood tests also may be necessary to diagnose disorders responsible for the hair loss.

What is male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia)?

Male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) is a type of hair loss that affects people assigned male at birth (AMAB). It causes you to lose hair on the skin covering your head (scalp), and your hair doesn’t grow back. Other signs of male-pattern baldness include thinning hair and a hairline that moves farther back on your head (receding hairline).

What is female pattern baldness?

You may hear your healthcare provider refer to female pattern baldness as female pattern hair loss or androgenic alopecia. The medical term for male pattern baldness is also androgenic alopecia. Male pattern baldness is similar to female pattern baldness but it affects people assigned male at birth. What are the stages of female pattern baldness?

What is male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness is the common type of hair loss that develops in most men at some stage. The medical term for this is androgenetic alopecia. It usually takes 15-25 years to go bald, but can be quicker. Typically, at first the hair begins to thin (recede) at the sides (temples).

How do you know if you have male pattern baldness?

If your hair loss begins at the temples or the crown of the head, you may have male pattern baldness. Some men will get a single bald spot. Others experience their hairlines receding to form an “M” shape. In some men, the hairline will continue to recede until all or most of the hair is gone.

Does male pattern baldness cause hair loss?

With male pattern baldness, this growth cycle begins to weaken and the hair follicle shrinks, producing shorter and finer strands of hair. Eventually, the growth cycle for each hair ends and no new hair grows in its place. Inherited male pattern baldness usually has no side effects.