Hair Loss and Ageing

Most people who are not experiencing Male Pattern Baldness mistakenly believe the issue is restricted to older people. However, young men who notice signs of balding are in good company: famous faces from Wayne Rooney to Prince William have been likewise affected.

It’s true that the percentage of the male population experiencing hair loss increases with age, but it affects a sizeable minority of younger men too, with 40% noticing thinning hair by the age of 35.

Causes of Male Pattern Baldness

Pattern Baldness (or Androgenic Alopecia) is the most common hair loss condition across the world, affecting men and women alike. A genetic condition, Androgenic Alopecia is caused by the hormone testosterone being converted into a second chemical called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which attacks the hair follicles in the scalp, causing them to shrink. The hair attached to these follicles eventually falls out and is not replaced, leading to the development of bald patches.

Some men are more sensitive to DHT than others, leading to the development of bald patches more quickly. Over time, however, the hair loss becomes much more noticeable, leading to the common association between hair loss and ageing.

It is still unknown why men who experience Pattern Baldness on the tops of their heads are sometimes left with hair on the back and sides of their heads. Perhaps science will one day discover why these particular hair follicles can remain unaffected by male hair loss.

Because hair loss can affect men at any age, it is important to keep a close eye on the amount of hair shed each day. It is perfectly normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs every day, but any more than this could be the sign of a hair loss condition.