Male Pattern Baldness: Causes, Stages, and Effective Treatment Options

Acknowledging what you're feeling

If you’re noticing more hair on your brush or your pillow, you’re not alone. Dealing with male pattern baldness can bring a mix of worry, frustration, and longing for control over something that feels personal and constant. The path through baldness isn’t just about hair—it’s about how you feel in the mirror, how you protect your confidence, and how you keep moving forward with real options. This guide aims to acknowledge those feelings and offer practical, grounded steps you can take.

You deserve information that respects what you're going through and real options you can actually try. If you want to dig deeper into how these options work, you can explore our Science page to understand the basics in plain language, and then check real-world results on our Results page when you’re ready.

What causes male pattern baldness

Male pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia, happens for a few big reasons. You don’t have to be a scientist to understand the practical bits:

• Genetics: If baldness runs in your family, you’re more likely to notice thinning and a receding hairline over time. It’s not your fault, and it’s nothing you did wrong. It’s biology meeting time.
• Hormones (DHT): A hormone called dihydrotestosterone can shrink hair follicles in many men, leading to shorter, thinner hairs and more noticeable thinning as you age.
• Aging and overall health: Stress, sleep disruption, and nutritional gaps can affect how your scalp supports hair growth. Small daily choices add up.
• Medications and medical conditions: Some prescriptions or illnesses can contribute to hair shedding. If you’re worried about a specific medicine, talk with your clinician about safe alternatives.

If you’d like to learn more about the science behind these ideas in accessible terms, our How It Works page can be a helpful read, framed in practical language.

The stages of hair loss in men (what to expect)

Understanding the typical progression can reduce fear and help you plan. The Norwood-Hamilton scale is a common way doctors describe patterns, but think of it as a guide rather than a fixed path. Here’s a simple, practical overview:

• Early stage: A slightly higher hairline or thinning at the temples. You might still have a full head of hair, but you notice changes around the temples or crown.
• Mid-stages: More noticeable recession at the temples and thinning at the crown. Some men notice a widening gap in the frontal area.
• Advanced stages: Significant thinning on the crown with a more pronounced hairline recession. Some patches may be quite thin, and hair coverage on the top is reduced.
• Late stage: Substantial thinning on the crown and temples, with reduced overall coverage on top. The remaining hair can be thin and sparse.

Every person’s pattern is unique, and the pace can vary. Even within the same stage, you’ll see different degrees of coverage. The important thing is recognizing where you are and what options might fit your goals.

If you’re curious about a reading-friendly way to explore these stages, you can also read about practical prevention and lifestyle tips in our post Hair loss prevention for men: practical lifestyle and product tips. It’s a companion read that many find useful as they map their path forward.

How to tell when you should seek professional input

• If you notice sudden or patchy shedding, or a very rapid change in hair density, it’s worth seeing a clinician to rule out other causes.
• If you’re considering medical treatments, a dermatologist or trichologist can discuss risks, benefits, and your personal health history.
• If you’re balancing multiple treatment ideas, a professional can help you avoid duplicating therapies that may not work well together.

To get started learning what questions to ask, you can browse our How It Works page for a clear overview of options and processes, and then check our Science page for deeper explanations.

Treatment options: what actually helps

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but many people find a combination of approaches works best. Here are practical paths to consider, organized by level of commitment and impact.

1) Over-the-counter topical options

• Minoxidil (Rogaine-like products): A widely used topical treatment that can help slow hair loss and encourage regrowth for some men, especially in early to mid-stages. Results vary, and consistency is key.
• How it fits into a plan: Think of this as a foundation option you can use daily while you explore other steps. If you’re curious about how products work, our How It Works page explains the basics in plain language.

2) Prescription options (discuss with a clinician)

• Finasteride (oral medication): Aimed at reducing DHT levels to slow hair loss and sometimes promote regrowth. It’s effective for many, but it’s important to review potential side effects with a healthcare provider.

• How to assess this option: A clinician can help you weigh potential benefits against risks in light of your health history.

3) Light-based and device-assisted therapies

• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT): Some men notice improvements in hair fullness with at-home devices or in-clinic sessions. It’s generally well-tolerated and can be combined with other treatments.

4) Surgical and procedural options

• Hair transplant (FUT or FUE): A surgical approach that moves hair from denser areas to thinning regions. It’s a meaningful change for many, but it’s a decision that comes with costs and recovery time.
• If you’re considering transplant options, discuss expectations, donor area, and maintenance with a qualified surgeon.

5) Supplements and vitamins

• There’s no magic pill, but some men find benefit from targeted supplements that support overall scalp health and hair follicles. Always talk to your clinician before adding supplements, especially if you’re taking medications.
• For a practical sense of what vitamins may help, you can read our practical guide on What vitamins help with hair loss and regrowth and then compare with what you’re already taking.

6) A practical option to consider among many

• Some people find that a topical serum can support their broader plan. For example, our Bomi Hair Labs Hair Regrowth Serum is one option among a broader set of strategies. It’s best used as part of a tailored plan and not as a stand-alone miracle—think of it as one piece of the puzzle that may help when combined with proper care and medical guidance.

If you’re ready to explore options, you can review pricing and packages on our Pricing page. When you’re ready to take the next step, that page is a good place to start.

How to choose what’s right for you

• Start with a low-risk option like a topical product if you’re early in your hair loss journey.
• If you have family history of baldness, plan for a longer horizon and set realistic expectations for regrowth.
• Consider combining a medical plan with lifestyle changes for the best odds of progress.
• Always discuss with a clinician before starting prescription therapies or multiple products at once.

Everyday steps that support scalp health and well-being

• Sleep well and manage stress; both can influence how your body functions, including hair growth.
• Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins, but avoid mega-doses unless advised by a clinician.
• Gentle scalp care: avoid harsh styling, tight hats, or aggressive combing that can irritate the scalp.
• Hydration matters—both for overall health and the environment your hair follicles live in.

For more ideas on daily habits that make a difference, you might also enjoy reading about practical prevention tips in our post Hair loss prevention for men: practical lifestyle and product tips.

Realistic expectations and hopeful timelines

The truth is: even with the best combination of therapies, hair regrowth can take time, and not everyone regains the same fullness. But many people experience slower progression, improved hair density in the treated areas, and a stronger sense of control over their appearance. The goal is to slow loss, maintain scalp health, and move toward the best version of your hair at this stage of life.

If you’re curious about others’ experiences, our Results page offers examples of how different plans have worked for people in similar situations. And if you’re still seeking clarity about how science translates to real life, our Science page is a good place to begin.

If you’re also dealing with thinning for a different reason (for example, hormonal changes in women), you might find it helpful to read our post What causes hair thinning in women: hormones, symptoms, and fixes for a broader view of how hair loss can show up in different people.

Where to read next and how to explore options

• Learn more about the science behind hair growth on our Science page.
• See real-world results on our Results page.
• Understand how our approach works on How It Works.
• When you’re ready to explore pricing and options, visit Pricing.

External resources you may find helpful:

• American Academy of Dermatology: Hair loss overview — https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS): Hair loss health topics — https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/hair-loss
• Mayo Clinic: Hair loss overview — https://www.mayoclinic.org/ (use their search for hair loss for reliable, up-to-date information)

A gentle note of hope

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breath. You’re taking thoughtful steps by seeking information and options, and that in itself is hopeful. You deserve a plan that respects your life, your goals, and your body. You’re not alone in this journey, and there are compassionate, practical paths forward that can help you feel more in control of your appearance and your wellbeing.

If you’re ready to explore options, our team can help you map out a plan. When you’re ready to take the next step, you can start with our Pricing page to see what fits your goals and budget.

You’ve got this—and we’re in this with you every step of the way.

Helpful Bomi Links

• Our Science
• How It Works
• Clinical Results

Trusted Research

• American Academy of Dermatology — Hair Loss Guide
• NIH Alopecia Resource
• Hair Loss Research (DermNet NZ)

Read More from the Bomi Notebook

• Hair Loss During Weight Loss: Prevention and Recovery Options
• What causes hair thinning in women: hormones, symptoms, and fixes
• How to Hide Thinning Hair While It Grows Back: Practical Tips