MALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS - RESOURCE CENTRE

Male pattern hair loss is the most common type of hair loss. It is a genetic condition with no known cure, and it is caused by a genetic increased sensitivity to androgens (male sex hormones) in the scalp, resulting in the gradual thinning and loss of hair.

This condition typically begins in men aged 20 to 30, and follows a typical pattern of hair loss. It is generally characterized by a receding hairline and thinning crown.

Whilst some men may be proud of their "shiny scalps", most are actually unhappy with the situation and would do anything to change it.  Hair loss, to some, can potentially affect self esteem and interpersonal relationships.

NORMAL HAIR GROWTH

There are 3 stages in a hair's growth cycle.

1. Anagen Stage (Growth Phase)

This is the “growing” phase in which new hairs grow out from the hair follicles. This phase usually lasts from about 2 to 3 years (occasionally much longer).

2. Catagen Stage (Regression Phase)

During this stage, the hair stops growing and the hair follicle shrinks. As the lower part of the hair follicle disintegrates, the hair moves upward in the hair follicle, away from the root and blood vessels. The regressed hair follicles have a looser “grip” on the hair shafts during this phase, and normal combing and bathing may result in the hair shaft being shed. This phase lasts about 2 to 3 weeks.

3. Telogen Stage (Resting Phase)

This stage lasts about 3 months. The matured hairs now have short, club-shaped roots, which are loosely anchored to the follicle. The hairs continue in this resting state until the follicle spontaneously reenters the anagen phase again. At this point, the club hairs are forced out by the new growing hairs underneath, and a new cycle begins.


The thousands of hair follicles in the scalp are in different phases. The majority however, are in the anagen stage, with about 10 – 15% in the catagen or telogen phase at any one time. Each hair follicle has its own life cycle that can be influenced by age, disease, and a wide variety of other factors.