Dr Bicer’s Consultant
Valued member
Ultimately, for most men, there will be a degree of hair loss overtime, with the focus on male pattern hair loss, with only a small minority retaining a full, or near as, head of hair throughout their lives. Male pattern baldness is genetic, inherited from the maternal or paternal sides. In theory, if generations before and ongoing chose partners with a history of “good hair genes” it could be potentially thwarted. Hair loss can skip a generation, as a result, unless it starts early and progresses, it is just a matter of waiting and hoping it does not begin.
The average age for men to start going bald is around 30 years old, although around 25% of men the male pattern hair loss gene is triggered in the early twenties. This should not be mistaken with a naturally maturing hairline or slight change in hair characteristics as the body changes from adolescent to a maturing adult. It can also be seen in muscle structure.
Early signs of balding in men include a receding hairline, thinning hair at the temples or crown, and an increased visibility of the scalp. By the mid-thirties around two-thirds of men have experienced a degree of hair loss. However, 25% to 33% of men the hair loss is obviously noticeable, opposed to a mild recession or slight change in hairline shape. The percentage significantly increases to around 50% to 66% of men experiencing noticeable hair loss by their fifties, by the age of sixty, up to 85% of men have significant hair loss. With only around 15% of men maintaining a strong and healthy hair coverage (only minimal hair loss) by age 50.
The Hamilton Scale first categorised male hair loss stages or patterns, this was later refined to become the Norwood scale, from a full head of hair (NW 1) to an advanced hair loss stage (NW7). Norwood 3 (NW3 or NW3V) is generally considered the first stage of clinical balding when there is a significant hair loss and change to the look or appearance of the individual. This can involve deeper temple recession, a higher forehead, loss or thinned central forelock and/or an open crown (vertex).
The progression of male pattern baldness varies, but the speed and pattern often follow the genetic disposition of other male family members. Commonly, it takes anywhere from years to decades to become severe. On average, it can take 15 to 25 years to lose all the hair over the top of the head, although it can be much faster or slower depending on genetics, the age hair loss begins, and other factors even with periods of stability.
While age is not the direct cause of male pattern hair loss, due to its progressive nature the level of hair loss generally increases with age, but individual progression is highly dependent on genetics. Correlating hair loss to the aging process maybe compatible if hair loss started later into adulthood, for instance like getting wrinkles. However, if you are one of the 25% to 33% in their twenties and thirties suffering from progressive hair loss, aging is not a welcome reasoning at all and only increases the social anxiety of wanting to not look older and maintain your more youthful appearance.
The average age for men to start going bald is around 30 years old, although around 25% of men the male pattern hair loss gene is triggered in the early twenties. This should not be mistaken with a naturally maturing hairline or slight change in hair characteristics as the body changes from adolescent to a maturing adult. It can also be seen in muscle structure.
Early signs of balding in men include a receding hairline, thinning hair at the temples or crown, and an increased visibility of the scalp. By the mid-thirties around two-thirds of men have experienced a degree of hair loss. However, 25% to 33% of men the hair loss is obviously noticeable, opposed to a mild recession or slight change in hairline shape. The percentage significantly increases to around 50% to 66% of men experiencing noticeable hair loss by their fifties, by the age of sixty, up to 85% of men have significant hair loss. With only around 15% of men maintaining a strong and healthy hair coverage (only minimal hair loss) by age 50.
The Hamilton Scale first categorised male hair loss stages or patterns, this was later refined to become the Norwood scale, from a full head of hair (NW 1) to an advanced hair loss stage (NW7). Norwood 3 (NW3 or NW3V) is generally considered the first stage of clinical balding when there is a significant hair loss and change to the look or appearance of the individual. This can involve deeper temple recession, a higher forehead, loss or thinned central forelock and/or an open crown (vertex).
The progression of male pattern baldness varies, but the speed and pattern often follow the genetic disposition of other male family members. Commonly, it takes anywhere from years to decades to become severe. On average, it can take 15 to 25 years to lose all the hair over the top of the head, although it can be much faster or slower depending on genetics, the age hair loss begins, and other factors even with periods of stability.
While age is not the direct cause of male pattern hair loss, due to its progressive nature the level of hair loss generally increases with age, but individual progression is highly dependent on genetics. Correlating hair loss to the aging process maybe compatible if hair loss started later into adulthood, for instance like getting wrinkles. However, if you are one of the 25% to 33% in their twenties and thirties suffering from progressive hair loss, aging is not a welcome reasoning at all and only increases the social anxiety of wanting to not look older and maintain your more youthful appearance.
