Male pattern hair loss is the most common type of diffuse thinning of the hair and balding that occurs in adult males.

• It is due to a combination of hormones (androgens) and a genetic predisposition.
• Male pattern hair loss is also called androgenetic alopecia.
• It is characterised by a receding hairline and hair loss on the top and front of the head.
• A similar type of hair loss in women, female pattern hair loss, results in thinning hair on the mid-frontal area of the scalp and is generally less severe than occurs in males.