Male Pattern Hair Loss | St Mary's Hair Clinic Malta
Hair Loss in Men

Male Pattern
Hair Loss

Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) is the most common hair loss condition for men. Understanding it early is the key to stopping it — and often reversing it.

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Hero Image — Male Hair Loss
Alopecia / Hair Loss Illustration
What is it?

What is Male Pattern Baldness?

Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition inherited from both the mother's and father's sides of the family. Even if your father has a full head of hair, you can still be susceptible.

Also known as androgenic alopecia, hair loss typically begins at the front of the head and the crown, gradually spreading towards the top. It affects the vast majority of men to some degree by their 50s.

What causes it? DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), a hormone derived from testosterone, attaches to hair follicles causing them to shrink and thin over time — eventually leading to baldness in susceptible men.
Early Detection

Am I losing my hair?

Many men don't realise they're losing hair until it's in advanced stages. Catching it early can be the difference between reversing hair loss and dealing with permanent baldness.

Sign 01

Receding Hairline

Hair pulling back from the temples or forehead, often forming a distinct M-shape or widow's peak.

Sign 02

Thinning at the Crown

A thinning or bald patch forming at the top or back of the head, gradually expanding outward.

Sign 03

Increased Shedding

Noticing more hair on your pillow, in the shower drain, or when styling — more than the normal 50–100 hairs per day.

Sign 04

Finer, Shorter Hairs

Hair becoming progressively thinner, lighter in colour, and shorter in length over time — a sign of follicle miniaturisation.

Sign 05

Visible Scalp

The scalp becoming more visible through the hair, especially under bright lighting or when wet.

Sign 06

Only Affects the Top

MPB exclusively affects the top of the scalp. Hair loss at the back or sides indicates a different condition.

Patterns

Three patterns of Male Pattern Hair Loss

Receding Hairline Illustration
Pattern 01

Receding Hairline

Hair recedes from either side of the forehead, leaving a triangular peak in the middle. In aggressive cases, the hairline continues to recede until it meets the crown, creating a large bald area at the top or front.

Thinning Crown Illustration
Pattern 02

Thinning Crown

Thinning at the back or top of the head — the crown or vertex. Hair loss here starts with thinning until the scalp becomes visible, after which a bald patch may appear and progressively enlarge.

General Thinning Illustration
Pattern 03

General Thinning

A less common pattern — thinning spread evenly over the top of the scalp, without a distinct receding hairline or crown patch. The onset can be more gradual and harder to notice early.

The Norwood Scale

Understanding where you are

The Norwood Scale is the most widely used classification system for male pattern baldness. It demonstrates the progressive stages of a receding hairline and thinning crown — and helps our specialists determine the best treatment plan for your stage.

IMinimal
IIEarly
IIIReceding
IVModerate
VAdvanced
VISevere
VIIExtensive
Norwood Scale Diagram
Treatment Options

Treating Male Pattern Baldness

Unless you've lost all or most of your hair, there should be a solution for you — medical, surgical, or a combination of both. Our specialists determine the right approach for your individual case.

Clinically Proven Medications

FDA-approved treatments including Minoxidil and Finasteride that slow hair loss and often stimulate regrowth — most effective when started early.

PRP Therapy

Platelet-Rich Plasma injections use your own blood growth factors to stimulate dormant follicles and strengthen existing hair.

Mesotherapy

A cocktail of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids injected directly into the scalp to nourish follicles and promote hair growth.

Hair Transplant (FUE)

Permanent surgical restoration using Follicular Unit Extraction — moving healthy follicles from the donor area to balding areas for lasting, natural results.

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Our all-inclusive treatment guide explains every option in detail — or book a consultation and we'll assess your case personally.

Act Early

When is the best time to seek treatment?

The simple answer: as early as possible. Male Pattern Hair Loss is a chronic condition that can progress quickly if left untreated. The more hair you lose, the fewer options you have.

We advise patients to seek advice from a specialist as soon as they notice increased hair shedding — even if it seems minor. Early intervention consistently produces the best outcomes.

Early onset (teens/early 20s) carries a higher risk of extensive hair loss
Men who notice thinning in their late 20s are less likely to go completely bald
Clinically proven treatments can stop progression and promote regrowth
Stabilisation — even without full regrowth — is a successful outcome
Best Time to Seek Treatment Photo
Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Will I eventually go completely bald?
It depends on several factors — how early your hair loss started, how quickly it's progressing, and whether you seek treatment. Men with early onset (teens) are more likely to experience extensive hair loss. Men who notice thinning in their late 20s are less likely to go completely bald. Using clinically proven treatments can stop progression and often promote regrowth.
Will treatment grow all my hair back?
Clinical data shows some men experience significant regrowth with non-surgical treatments, while others see moderate regrowth or stabilisation. Any response — including stabilisation — should be seen as a success, as it prevents further loss and can be followed by a hair transplant to restore lost hair.
Is male pattern baldness hereditary?
Yes — MPB is a genetic condition inherited from both the mother's and father's sides of the family. Even if your father has a full head of hair, you can still be susceptible to hair loss depending on other genetic factors.
What if my hair loss doesn't match the MPB patterns?
MPB exclusively affects the top of the scalp. If you're experiencing hair loss at the back or sides, or in patches, this indicates a different condition such as Alopecia Areata or another cause. Our other hair loss conditions page covers these in detail.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
The only way to know for sure is through a proper consultation with a hair specialist. Over-the-counter products are often a waste of time and money without professional guidance. At St Mary's, we assess your specific pattern, stage, and history before recommending a treatment course.
Related Pages

Other hair loss conditions

If your hair loss doesn't match the MPB patterns above, one of these conditions may apply.

Other Hair Loss Conditions Alopecia Areata Female Pattern Hair Loss Telogen Effluvium Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia All Male Treatments