Condition guide

Male pattern baldness

Also known as Androgenetic alopecia, Ganjapan, Receding hairline, Hair loss in men.

Fine glossy fibres in brown, ink and gold tones sweeping in a soft curve across a cream surface

In short

Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men. It is inherited and driven by the effect of male hormones on hair follicles, which slowly shrink and make thinner, shorter hairs. It usually starts at the temples or crown and progresses over years, and treatment works best when started early to slow it down.

Typical signs

A hairline receding at the temples
Thinning at the crown
Hairs becoming finer and shorter
A family history of similar hair loss

When to see a dermatologist

You notice thinning and want to slow it down
Hair loss is sudden, patchy or comes with itching, pain or scaling
You are thinking about hair transplant, PRP or any medicine for hair loss
You are under 25 and losing hair quickly

Signs vary from person to person and several skin conditions look alike. Only an examination can confirm a diagnosis.

Terms to know

Androgenetic alopecia: Hereditary hair thinning influenced by hormones. In men it is called male pattern baldness and in women female pattern hair loss.
Alopecia: The medical word for hair loss. It covers many types with different causes, from genetic thinning to autoimmune patchy loss.
Hair follicle: The small pocket in the skin from which a hair grows. Oil glands open into it.
Minoxidil: A medicine that can slow hair loss and help regrowth in pattern hair loss, used as a solution or foam on the scalp and sometimes prescribed as tablets. It works only while it is used, and some shedding in the first weeks is common.
PRP: Platelet-rich plasma. A concentrate made from your own blood that is injected or applied to the scalp or skin, used for some types of hair loss and scarring.
Microneedling: A procedure that uses fine needles to create tiny controlled injuries in the skin, prompting it to produce new collagen. Used for acne scars and texture.

Full glossary

3D Skin ExplorerSee where it starts: the hair follicleOpen the interactive model Research libraryGuidelines and studies on hair5 entries

Read the guides

Full, referenced articles on male pattern baldness written for Indian skin, with answers to common questions.

Hair7 min read

Male Pattern Baldness Treatment: What Actually Works

Male pattern baldness is genetic and hormone driven. Approved medicines can slow it and regrow some hair if started early. Oils and serums cannot reverse it.

Updated 26 October 2026

Hair8 min read

Minoxidil for Hair Loss: What to Know Before You Start

Minoxidil can slow pattern hair loss and regrow some hair, but it takes months, needs ongoing use and may cause early shedding. What to expect.

Updated 26 October 2026

Procedures8 min read

Hair Transplant Basics: Who Is a Good Candidate?

A hair transplant moves your own follicles to thinning areas. It suits stable pattern hair loss with good donor hair and needs a qualified surgeon.

Updated 26 October 2026

Worried about male pattern baldness?

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This page is a short summary for general education and does not replace a consultation with a qualified dermatologist. Do not start, stop or change any medicine based on this page. Read the full medical disclaimer.