goodtoknow says: Male baldness can be distressing, particularly if it happens when you're still young. Many men lose confidence as their hair begins to recede but it's a perfectly normal and usually a very gradual process. In fact, it can take 25 years to go bald! Hormonal and chemical changes are to blame but male baldness also tends to be hereditary. There is currently no cure so be wary of anyone offering you one. But a rub-on lotion called Minoxidil has had some success and you can buy it at the chemist.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of baldness from patient.co.uk, read on.

Male pattern baldness affects most men at some stage. Treatment can usually prevent further hair loss, and often cause hair re-growth.

What is male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness is the common type of hair loss that develops in most men at some stage. It usually takes 15-25 years to go bald. However, some men go bald in less than 5 years.

Typically, at first the hair begins to recede (thin) at the front. At the same time, the hair usually becomes thin on the top of the head. A bald patch gradually develops in the middle of the scalp. The receding front, and the bald patch on the top gradually enlarge and join together.

A rim of hair is often left around the back and sides of the scalp. In some men, this rim of hair also thins and goes to leave a completely bald scalp.

• Next: Who gets male pattern baldness?

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