Hair Loss in Males
The most common cause for hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness. There is recession of frontal hairline and thinning of hair in the top of scalp. It is usually associated with family history of baldness.
It is slowly progressive noticed at late 20’s or early 30’s. But, in recent times this pattern has been noticed at an earlier age as well. There is no underlying hormonal abnormality,any dietary deficiency or other correctable causes which can stop progression. There are other causes of hair loss mentioned here.
Medical treatment in the form of minoxidil lotion and finasteride can halt the progression of baldness. Effects last for as long as the treatment is taken.
Hair transplantation can restore hair in the area of hair loss though the progression of hair loss is unaffected by this treatment.
Hamilton Norwood Classification for Males
This is the most popular and the most widely used classification for male baldness. Dr. Arul Norwood published this classification in 1975. This classification entails two major patterns and also several less common ones. There are two main areas of hair loss: bitemporal recession and thinning over the crown. Hair loss in these two areas increase as baldness progresses leading to coalescence until front, top and crown are entirely bald.
Class I
It does not indicate balding but represents an adolescent or juvenile hairline. It rests on the upper brow crease.
Class II
It indicates progression to adult or mature hairline located at 1.5cm above above the upper brow crease. There is accompanying temporal recession.
Class III
Is the earliest stage of male hair loss. It is characterized by a deepening temporal recession.
Class III Vertex
Vertex represents early hair loss in the crown
Class IV
Is characterized by further frontal hair loss and enlargement of vertex. There is still a solid band of hair across top separating front and vertex.
Class V
The bald areas in the front and crown continue to enlarge and the bridge of hair separating the two areas begins to break down.
Class VI
Occurs when the connecting bridge of hair disappears leaving a single large bald area on the front and top of the scalp. The hair on the sides of the scalp remains relatively high.
Class VII
Patients have extensive hair loss with only a wreath of hair remaining in the back and sides of the scalp.