What Causes It
Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is driven by genetics and hormones. In genetically susceptible men, the hormone DHT gradually miniaturizes follicles - each growth cycle produces a finer, shorter hair until the follicle stops producing visible hair altogether. It's why it typically starts at the hairline and crown.
How It Progresses
Hair loss usually follows a recognizable pattern: a receding hairline (often an 'M' shape), then thinning at the crown, which can eventually meet in the middle. The Norwood scale describes these stages from 1 (no loss) to 7 (extensive loss). The earlier you act, the more hair there is to protect.
What Actually Stops It
The proven treatments target the two levers you can control: DHT and follicle activity. Finasteride lowers DHT to halt the cause; minoxidil stimulates regrowth.
Used together, they're the evidence-backed standard of care. Read finasteride vs minoxidil to understand the combo.
Acting Early Matters
Treatments are far better at keeping the hair you have than regrowing hair that's long gone. If you're noticing early thinning, that's the best time to start. Take our quiz or browse the top-rated providers.