Introduction
Male pattern baldness, medically known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common cause of male pattern baldness and affects a significant number of men as they age. There are seven stages of male pattern baldness, as defined by the Norwood Hamilton scale. Typically, early-stage male pattern baldness begins in your 30s, but some people have symptoms as early as their late teens.
Understanding the stages is important for people who want to manage or resolve hair loss treatment for men. Each stage represents a distinct stage in the progression of this common and often hereditary condition. Let’s explore the stages of balding with the characteristics and visual cues associated with each stage.
What is male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness is a type of hair loss that usually occurs in men due to age. Hair fall from the scalp and hair does not grow back. Thinning hair and a receding hairline are also considered signs of male pattern baldness.
Symptoms
The symptoms connected with male pattern baldness are
- Hair thinning or loss.
- Hair thinning or loss near your temples.
- Receding hairline.
The normal shape of hair loss at the crown is round. A receding hairline often occurs in an “M” shape. As you continue to lose hair, hair loss around your crown and temples can form a “U” shape.
Causes
The following causes can lead to male pattern baldness:
- Aging is the number one reason behind male pattern baldness. Approximately 25% of people experience the first stage of hair loss before they turn 21. By the age of 50, half the hair loss is experienced and by the age of 70, it is complete baldness. Certain hormones also cause male pattern baldness, such as Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a type of androgen. Generally, androgens are a group of sex hormones that help individuals enter puberty and mature physically. Physical growth such as facial, scalp, chest, underarm, and genital hair growth. Many experts believe there is a possible link between DHT and the shrinking of your hair follicles.
- At birth, males inherit an X chromosome from their mother and a Y chromosome from their father. The AR gene on your X chromosome tells the body to make androgens, and sensitivity to the AR gene helps determine male pattern baldness.
Male pattern baldness is influenced by aging, hormonal factors, and genetic sensitivity to the androgen receptor gene, particularly DHT’s potential impact on hair follicles.
As men age, hormonal changes and genetic predispositions play key roles in the development of male pattern baldness. Hormonal imbalances, particularly the sensitivity to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a type of androgen, are linked to the shrinking of hair follicles. Approximately 25% of individuals experience initial stages of hair loss before the age of 21, progressing to significant loss by age 50, and complete baldness by age 70. The interaction between aging, hormones, and genetics underscores the multifaceted nature of male pattern baldness.
What is the Norwood-Hamilton scale?
The Norwood-Hamilton scale, also known as the Hamilton-Norwood scale or the Norwood scale, was developed in 1950 by James B. Hamilton, an American doctor, an expert in human anatomy, and a researcher of male hormones. It is a graduation system for male alopecia that measures the different stages and evolution of hair loss. In 1970, another
American doctor, Otter Norwood updated this scale. This scale is now used worldwide by male pattern baldness and hair transplant specialists.
7 Stages of Male Pattern Baldness on the Norwood Hamilton scale?
In order to measure a patient’s androgenetic alopecia and its future evolution, essentially the seven stages of the Norwood-Hamilton scale become important. With this scale, the surgeon is able to determine the best hair loss treatment for men. This scale is valid for all hair types.
Stage 1
At this stage, baldness is mostly absent. Although some may have high forehead hairline and some may have low forehead hairline.
Stage 2
When men enter the second stage, balding occurs along the frontal hairline. At this stage, individuals typically exhibit a mature hairline, a common feature seen in most adult males. This involves a mild recession of the hairline, usually 1 to 2 cm. In addition, minimal hair loss is sometimes observed on the upper part of the scalp.
Stage 3
In the third stage, the diagnosis is characterized by significant baldness in the central part of the scalp and recession of the frontal hairline on the top of the scalp, with visible hair loss in the temporal lobes. This pattern is the most common form of stages of balding in men. At this stage, individuals may consider PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments and laser therapy as possible options to reduce hair loss and maintain existing hair.
Stage 4
At this stage, there is almost no hair left on the top of the head, except for a band that connects the two sides. Short hair will remain at the temples, although it may go slightly upwards, and each side of the skull is connected by a thin strip of hair.
Stage 5
In the fifth stage, hairs appear only to connect the sides and back.
Stage 6
In the sixth stage of baldness progression, total hair loss is observed at the crown of the head, extending from the frontal hairline to the vertex. A residual band of hair persists, connecting the sides and back of the skull, and may exhibit high density. The occiput, located at the back of the head, is usually the most resistant to baldness.
Stage 7
According to the Norwood scale, stage seven is considered the advanced stage of male pattern baldness. At this stage, the head is completely bald but some thinning hair is visible on the back and sides.
Conclusion
As you get older you have to accept the situation, similarly, male pattern baldness is a common condition and you have to accept it as part of the aging process. However, not having hair on your head can negatively affect your mental health. It’s best to contact a health care provider as soon as you notice symptoms of male pattern baldness, especially if it’s caused by stress, anxiety, or depression.
