Hair Loss Stages and Treatment: Essential Q&A
Hair loss is common. It is often androgenetic alopecia (AGA). AGA is the most prevalent progressive hair loss. It impacts half of all men. Early detection can help you take control.
The Causes of Hair Loss
What is AGA?- AGA is a genetically determined disorder. It changes terminal hairs into thin vellus hairs.
What is the main cause?- The key factor is the androgen hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
How does DHT damage hair?- The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone to DHT. Hair follicles sensitive to DHT react. This reaction causes follicles to shrink; this is follicular miniaturization. The anagen (growth) phase shortens. Hair becomes thinner and eventually stops growing.
The Stages of Hair Loss
Hair loss follows a pattern. Doctors use the Norwood-Hamilton scale. This scale has seven stages.
| Stage | Description |
| Stage 1 | No significant hair loss. The hairline is not recessed. |
| Stage 2 | Slight recession begins. Hairline recedes at the temples. |
| Stage 3 | Clinically significant balding starts. Deep temple recession creates an M-shape. Thinning may start on the vertex. |
| Stage 4 | Recession is severe. Sparse or absent hair is on the vertex. A narrow hair band separates the frontal and vertex loss. |
| Stage 5 | Balding areas are larger than Stage 4. The separating hair band is narrower and sparse. |
| Stage 6 | Frontal and vertex balding areas merge (confluent). The hair bridge is gone. |
| Stage 7 | Most severe loss. Only a narrow horseshoe-shaped band remains on the sides and back. |
Treatment Options
Hair loss isn’t the end; treatment is effective when started early.
- What are the main treatments?- The primary FDA-approved treatments are Finasteride and Minoxidil.
- How does Finasteride work?- Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase type 2 inhibitor. It cuts DHT production. It slows hair loss in 80% to 90% of men. Use must be daily for at least three months to see effect.
- How does Minoxidil work?- Minoxidil likely lengthens the hair’s anagen phase. It may increase blood flow to the follicle. It works well to stimulate hair growth . Results take at least four months.
Why use both?- Combination therapy addresses both the hormone cause and the growth stimulation.
When to Consult a Doctor
AGA will worsen without treatment. Early action is key.
StrideRx offers discreet, specialized consultations. Our licensed Indian doctors focus on men’s health. We provide personalized, science-backed plans.
Take a free online assessment or talk to a doctor online to explore your options.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
References:
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD, 2022). What is male pattern hair loss, and can it be treated? Retrieved from aad.org .
- Cleveland Clinic (2022). Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia): Stages, Treatment. Retrieved from my.clevelandclinic.org .
- Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine (2021). Male and female pattern hair loss: Treatable and worth treating. Retrieved from ccjm.org .
- Healthdirect (2024). Male pattern baldness. Retrieved from healthdirect.gov.au.
- Mayo Clinic (2024). Hair loss – Diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved from mayoclinic.org .
- Mayo Clinic (2025). Finasteride (oral route) – Side effects & dosage. Retrieved from mayoclinic.org .
- Medscape Reference (2024). Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment & Management. Retrieved from emedicine.medscape.com .
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, 2023). Androgenetic alopecia: MedlinePlus Genetics. Retrieved from medlineplus.gov .
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, 2024). Classification of Male-pattern Hair Loss. Retrieved from pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
