Specialist for Male Pattern Baldness

Our specialists will begin by listening to your experience of hair loss before taking a thorough medical history, and then carry out a careful assessment, looking at your hair loss pattern and any other potential causes or factors that may be relevant.

There will always be plenty of time to ask questions and discuss your concerns during your appointment, and we will always take your personal needs into consideration. From there, we can offer you a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan to slow progression and, where possible, support hair regrowth.

We also use hair photography to monitor your response to treatment over time, usually at six-month intervals – a reassuring way to track progress and see how things are improving.

We know hair loss can have a big impact on confidence, and early assessment and treatment can make a real difference, and we'd be very happy to help.

To make an appointment with Dr Nicola Clayton or Dr Nihull Jakharia-Shah, please call 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.

Male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) is a common, inherited condition that causes gradual hair thinning and loss in men. It usually follows a recognisable pattern, beginning with a receding hairline, and thinning at the crown. Thinning at the crown can also occur on its own. 

Over time, hair becomes finer and shorter due to changes in the hair growth cycle. In some cases, this can lead to partial or complete hair loss in affected areas.

According to the NHS, this type of hair loss is not usually a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Our specialists will take the time to fully understand your experience of hair loss before carrying out an examination.

Consultation

• Your initial consultation is 30 minutes, covering any hair and skin concerns 
• It begins with a relaxed conversation about your history – how long you've noticed the hair loss, and whether it's a recent change or something you've experienced since puberty, for instance

Examination

• Our specialists will carry out a careful scalp examination using trichoscopy (a specialist dermatoscope that provides detailed, magnified images of the scalp and hair follicles)
• This helps build a clearer picture and guides the most appropriate next steps
• Further tests such as a biopsy or microscopy may occasionally be recommended

Monitoring

• We use hair photography to track progression and monitor your response to treatment over time, at approximately six-month intervals
• Trichoscopy also helps us determine the diagnosis and guide next steps

Men can become aware of hair loss or a receding hairline at any time after puberty, and it develops gradually over time following a recognisable pattern. For many men, the first signs can be subtle and easy to overlook, which is why early assessment can make a real difference in preventing further hair loss and improving density. 

Common symptoms include: 

• A receding hairline, particularly around the temples, often creating an "M-shaped" pattern
• Thinning at the crown, which can gradually spread over time
• Hair becoming finer, shorter and less dense overall
• Increased hair shedding – you may notice more hair on your pillow, in the shower or when styling
• Slower hair growth, with hair taking longer to grow or not reaching the same thickness or length as before
• More of the scalp becoming visible, particularly under bright light

Male pattern baldness usually does not cause pain, itching, or irritation. If you experience sudden hair loss, patchy bald spots, or scalp discomfort, it’s worth getting it checked out as this may indicate a different condition, and our specialists would be happy to help.

Male pattern baldness is largely hereditary, and caused by a genetic sensitivity to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which affects the hair follicles and leads to gradual thinning over time.

If you have a family history of hair loss you are more likely to experience it. It is, however, a common misconception that hair loss is inherited only from the mother’s side – both sides of the family can play a role.

The age at which hair loss begins and the rate at which it progresses varies significantly from person to person.

Male pattern baldness is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors.

Men who are genetically predisposed have hair follicles that are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. Over time, DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink (miniaturisation), leading to thinner, weaker hair and reduced hair growth.

If you have close relatives with hair loss, you are more likely to develop the condition, although the pattern and severity can vary.

Male pattern baldness cannot usually be completely prevented, particularly when it is inherited. However, it tends to progress very slowly, and there are many effective treatments that can help slow down the progression of hair loss and, in some cases, promote regrowth.

Getting specialist advice early (at the first signs of thinning or recession) can make treatment more effective and help you maintain your hair for longer.

There is no permanent cure for male pattern baldness, but there are effective treatments that can help manage the condition.

Common treatments include:

• 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors/DHT blockers: This is prescription medication that reduces DHT levels and helps slow or prevent further hair loss. 
  • Finsasteride is the first-line DHT blocker, usually taken orally
  • Dustasteride is a stronger DHT blocker, and again is usually taken orally, though each of these can be used as a topical medication, applied to the scalp. 
• Topical or oral minoxidil: This does not work in the way DHT blockers do, by inhibiting further hair loss. When taken orally, it can help to stimulate hair follicles, and encourage the growth phase. When applied directly to the scalp it can stimulate hair growth. 

Because everyone's experience of hair loss is different, our specialists will take the time to understand your individual situation and discuss the treatment options that are most likely to work for you.

Male pattern baldness is not usually fully reversible, particularly if you’re experiencing hair loss in the more advanced stages, when hair follicles have stopped producing hair. However, the good news is that if you seek early treatment this can help to slow hair thinning.

Sometimes medications such as minoxidil and finasteride can help strengthen existing hair, stimulate regrowth in some areas, and prevent further loss when used consistently.

It can be really beneficial to seek expert advice early on, as the earlier treatment is started, the better the chances of maintaining and improving your hair density. 

Over-the-counter shampoos alone will not restore hair when you have male pattern baldness. While some ingredients, such as caffeine, have some evidence behind them, the benefit of a rinse-off product is limited, and they do not address the underlying hormonal causes of hair loss.

Medically proven treatments such as minoxidil or finasteride are typically needed to slow hair loss and encourage regrowth. That said, certain shampoos can be used alongside medical treatment to support scalp health and improve the appearance of your hair.

All hair loss treatments require patience and consistency. You’ll likely need to continue treatment for at least 4 to 6 months before noticing any improvement, but more significant results may take up to 12 months. It's important to continue treatment even once you start to see an improvement, so you can continue to experience the benefits.

If you are at all worried about hair loss, you should consider seeing a specialist. Especially if you notice:

• Gradual thinning at the crown or hairline
• A receding hairline
• Increased hair shedding
• Patchy or unusual hair loss

Although male pattern baldness is common, other conditions can also cause hair loss and may require different treatment. If you need any advice, we are here to guide you at every stage, whether you’ve only recently started noticing hair loss, or you’ve been experiencing it for a long time.