Times have changed. Men have now become increasingly conscious about their looks – from their clothes to their accessories and hairstyles, men are not far behind when it comes to fashion.
Now, one thing that many men are articular about is their hair. Naturally, therefore, if they experience hair loss, they start panicking. There are only a few people who can make bald look cool, after all.
Do you have Male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness is a condition quite commonly called androgenic alopecia. Previously this condition was thought to be caused by a sex linked recessive gene but recent studies show that there is no such predilection and can also skip generations.
Each hair strand on your head has a growth cycle that gets weakened as a result of this gene effect and also there is a byproduct of Testosterone hormone called DHT ( Di Hydroxy Testosterone) also assists this process in people having this gene, resulting in male pattern baldness. The hair follicles start to shrink, and produce shorter and thinner hair strands which are brittle and lifeless. Eventually, this shrinkage of the follicle leads to the end of the growth cycle, and stops new hair growth.
A Quick Look at the Hair Growths Phases
Hair growth takes place in three growth phases, Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen:
Anagen – This is the growth phase of hair and the longer the phase lasts, the longer the hair. Typically, 85% of your hair is in the anagen phase.
Catagen – This a shorter phase that lasts no more than two weeks and lets the hair follicle renew itself.
Telogen – The telogen phase is when hair follicles remain dormant. This phase can last from one to two months and it ends when the anagen phase kicks in again and new growth pushes out old hair, which then naturally sheds.
Probably the most important thing to remember about hair growth phases is that the anagen phase is reduced – and hair fair follicles grow smaller – for men with male pattern baldness. In turn, the telogen phase is expanded.
What are the stages of male pattern balding?
Although there are various types of hair loss patterns, not always does hair loss refer to having male pattern baldness. Hair loss can be caused due to scalp problems, or certain medications and habits which can be treated with medications, home remedies, and some lifestyle changes being adopted. But when it comes to stages of hair loss, it’s more to do with those who have a genetic carryover of androgenic alopecia. So, the difference is quite evident.
Understanding the stages of hair loss
Male pattern baldness usually takes on a particular pattern or shape in which the hair falls off and can easily be recognised as a comparison to hair fall due to other reasons like pollution and scalp conditions.
Stage 1:
In the initial stages there is absolutely no hair loss on the crown of the head or at the hairline where the hair growth starts.
Stage 2:
The second stage of male pattern baldness shows the progression with the beginning of a receding hairline slightly above the upper brow crease on the forehead. However, the hair loss at this stage of male pattern baldness is quite mild.
Stage 3:
The third stage of male pattern baldness is the one that is evident enough to become a concern. This stage involves the hairline receding in a particular fashion. For men it starts on the sides of the temples making an “M” shape on the crown of the head.
Stage 4:
The fourth stage is when the hair fall starts to deepen at the front of the forehead in the temple areas. Hair loss at the crown of the head becomes more visible.
Stage 5:
This stage predominantly marks the beginning of severe hair loss. There is a separation between the loss of hair at the hairline and the crown. The strip or band of hair between the two areas becomes thinner and narrower as the condition progresses.
Stage 6:
The sixth stage of male pattern hair loss has most of the hair from the crown completely lost with a few sparse strands of hair left. The remaining hair forms a horseshoe shape around the balding area in the center of the scalp.
Stage 7:
The seventh stage of male pattern baldness leaves just the remaining hair on the backside of the scalp. This is because the hair in that area of the scalp is usually denser than the other areas.
However, this leftover hair also becomes thin and gradually falls off over a period.
Final Thoughts
Although hair loss in men varies to a large extent, the stages are all the same. It’s just the area and the pattern in which hair fall progresses in each individual that makes it different.
So, if you live in or near Jacksonville, Florida and you’ve been diagnosed with male pattern baldness, or you’re not sure if it’s genetic, reach out to us to at Man Hair, to set up your FREE in-home consultation with our experts. Book an appointment today by clicking here.
About Man Hair
Man Hair is the #1 Hair loss solution and leading Men’s hair clinic in Jacksonville, Fl. We offer top of the line Hair Replacement Systems that are 100% customizable to your needs and liking. Click here to learn more and to set up your FREE In-Home consultation with us today. Or call us directly at 1-904-458-7592.