The medical name for common male- and female-pattern hair loss. It is genetic and hormonal: DHT-sensitive follicles shrink over years, thinning the crown and hairline (men) or the part and crown (women). It is gradual and permanent if untreated, but manageable with proven treatments.
Related terms
Try the free self-check →Sources: AAD ↗
Explore more
Self-check →Treatments →Transplant →Women →New →Hair Loss Causes →Hair-Loss Glossary →Hair-Loss Questions & Answers →Hair-Loss Ingredient Evidence Ratings →Hair Transplant Cost by City →
Not medical advice. General education only; it does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Consult a board-certified dermatologist before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
⚠️ When to see a doctor — don’t self-treat
- Sudden patchy or circular bald spots
- Redness, scaling, pus, pain or itch (possible scarring alopecia — treat urgently)
- Broken hairs or rapid loss
- Loss with body-wide signs (weight loss, fatigue, cycle changes, acne, extra hair)
- Loss right after a new medication
- Any hair loss in a child