Male pattern baldness has affected men throughout history. Prior to the medical treatments available today men attempted to treat hair loss in a variety of ways, usually with trying to hide hair loss. Both Napoleon and Julius Caesar grew their hair long, and combed it forward. Others hid their hair loss with wigs and hats. Others believed in mixing animal ingredients together as a paste to treat their hair loss.

Unfortunately, no matter how we attempt to treat hair loss, there is still no cure. The medical term for male pattern baldness is Androgenetic Alopecia, which is the cause of 95% of hair loss. Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Androgenetic consists of two keywords: Androgen and Genetic.

Androgen consists of hormones that affect masculinity, such as testosterone. Genetic means the genes we get from either parent. As we age, our hair follicles will produce an enzyme, that when it combines with testosterone it produces DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is what causes male pattern baldness.

What this simply means is that male hair loss is caused by hormones, genetics, and aging. This combination makes it difficult to find a cure for hair loss, although treatments are available.

There are several other causes of male hair loss, although they only represent 5% of hair loss in the population. Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder which cases hair to fall out in random patches. Alopecia Totalis is total hair loss resulting from Alopecia Areata. Alopecia Universalis is hair loss over the entire body, which is also a form of Areata.

Traction Alopecia is hair loss that is caused by excessive tension on the hair (such as hair braiding). Telogen Effiuvium is temporary hair loss caused by stress. Anagem Effiuvium is hair loss resulting from medications.

By understanding the cause of hair loss, we are able to find a treatment that is right for our type of hair loss. Doctors and dermatologists can help determine our specific cause and can recommend a course of action.