Hairlines receding at an early age are becoming a major cause of concern among youngsters, who also have to deal with psychological trauma that the situation accompanies in the appearance-conscious society that we live in.

Known as male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), the hair loss generally starts as soon as one enters the early 20s with thinning of hair near the forehead. There is misconception among laity that such hair loss is due to dandruff and repeated shaving would lead to better growth. Experts say genetic factors as well as androgen hormone contribute a great deal to this kind of baldness. Dermatologists say there are no medical treatments which can reverse the process fully, but it can be slowed down.

Head of PGI’s department of dermatology, AJ Kanwar, said, “Genetic components and male pattern baldness have a link. The inheritance of the condition is polygenic, which means that having family history of baldness can cause one to have it. However, it can skip a generation. So, if a father has it, that does not mean his son would also lose hair. People with this kind of baldness need reassurance that they will not lose hair immediately.”

“Medical and surgical therapies as well as cosmetic camouflage techniques are available. If a man visits the doctor at an early stage of hair fall, medical treatment works better. However, in case of extensive hair loss, hair transplant surgery is needed,” Kanwar added.

In this condition, hair loss occurs in a well-defined pattern. In most cases, hair remain on the rear and sides of the head and go missing from the rest of the scalp.