At a glance
- Term
- Male pattern baldness
- Area
- Hair
- Measurable from a selfie
- Yes: temple recession and crown density
- Evidence
- Established
- Related
- Norwood scale, Minoxidil, Finasteride, Hairline recession
What the name describes
Male pattern hair loss names a condition, rather than every change you might notice around your hairline. Androgenetic alopecia is the medical name for it.
The pattern concerns the temples and crown. A receding hairline describes a visible change; it doesn't, by itself, tell you why that change happened. Keep that distinction in mind before choosing a treatment based on how your hair looks.
What a selfie can measure
Yes: photos can measure temple recession and visible crown density when those areas are clearly shown. A front-facing selfie can show your temples but may leave the crown out of view. You need a view of the area you're comparing.
Keep the lighting, head position and hairstyle similar when taking comparison photos. Otherwise, you're comparing different views as well as your hair. Don't read one number from one photo as a fixed fact about your face or scalp.
The Norwood scale gives you a related pattern reference. A photo measurement still isn't a diagnosis.
What established evidence means
Male pattern baldness is an established condition. That evidence status doesn't mean a selfie can confirm that you have it.
Hair loss (NHS) names finasteride and minoxidil as the main treatments for male pattern baldness. The NHS says they don't work for everyone and only work while you use them.
What to do with the information
If hair loss worries you, see a GP before choosing a commercial hair clinic. Bring photos if they help you explain the changes you've noticed. Ask about the cause before deciding on treatment.
The free hairstyle try-on shows cuts on your own photo; it doesn't diagnose hair loss. For unfamiliar terms, use the glossary to check whether you're reading about a condition, measurement or treatment.
Questions people ask
- Is male pattern baldness the same as androgenetic alopecia?
- Yes, male pattern baldness is androgenetic alopecia in men. The name describes hair loss linked to scalp follicles' sensitivity to DHT.
- Can a selfie diagnose male pattern baldness?
- No. Suitable photos can measure visible temple recession and crown density, but those findings don't establish the cause.
- Should I see a doctor about thinning hair?
- Hair loss (NHS) advises seeing a GP if you're worried about your hair loss. Tell them if it's affecting your wellbeing.
Written from the measurements and ingredient facts on this site, then checked for the usual mistakes. Not medical advice.
Related pages
The closest pages in this section, picked by topic rather than by date.
- finasteride meaning: What the tablet doesLearn the finasteride meaning, how this prescription tablet helps male pattern hair loss, why a selfie can't assess it, and what to ask a pr
- Hairline recession meaning: what a moving hairline tells youUnderstand hairline recession meaning, how it differs from a mature hairline, what a selfie can measure, and when to ask a GP about hair los
- minoxidil meaning: What the hair treatment doesLearn minoxidil meaning, how this topical hair treatment works, why results take four to six months, and what a selfie can and can't tell yo
- norwood scale meaning: what the chart tells youLearn the norwood scale meaning, what its seven stages describe, how selfies help, and why a chart score cannot diagnose your hair loss.
- cowlick meaning: What your hair's growth direction tells youLearn the cowlick meaning, how growth direction shapes your parting and fringe, and what a selfie can show at your crown and hairline.
- hair density meaning: How much hair grows on your scalpLearn the hair density meaning, how it differs from strand thickness, and what visible scalp in a selfie can tell you without an exact hair
- hair type chart meaning: what the labels tell youLearn the hair type chart meaning, how to read straight, wavy, curly and coily patterns, and what a selfie can and can't tell you.
- Mature hairline meaning: what changes and what to measureLearn the mature hairline meaning, how a selfie shows centre and temple height, and why a single measurement can't diagnose hair loss.
- traction alopecia meaning: what pulling does to hairLearn the traction alopecia meaning, what hairline photos can show, why tight styles cause hair loss, and when to see a dermatologist.