Men's Hair Loss
Androgenic alopecia affects 50% of men by age 50. DermaVue offers evidence-based treatment from DHT-blocking therapy and PRP to SMART FUE hair transplant — all performed by board-certified dermatologists.
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The Science
Male pattern baldness is driven by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Understanding this mechanism is key to effective treatment.
Testosterone — the primary male hormone — is converted to DHT by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT is 3–5 times more potent than testosterone at binding to androgen receptors. When DHT binds to receptors in genetically susceptible hair follicles on the scalp, it triggers a process called follicle miniaturisation.
Hair follicles at the front, top, and crown of the scalp have androgen receptors that respond to DHT. Follicles at the back and sides (the "donor zone") lack these receptors, making them DHT-resistant. This is precisely why these follicles are used in hair transplant — they retain their DHT resistance even after being transplanted to the bald area.
Finasteride blocks the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, reducing DHT production by ~70%. Minoxidil counteracts DHT's effects by increasing blood flow and prolonging the growth phase. PRP and GFC deliver concentrated growth factors to nourish and reactivate miniaturised follicles. Hair transplant physically relocates DHT-resistant follicles to bald areas for permanent restoration.
Medical Management for Male Pattern Baldness
Classification
The standard 7-grade classification for male pattern baldness. Your grade determines the recommended treatment approach.
No significant loss (NW1) or slight recession at temples (NW2). Often the first sign — hairline appears higher than before. This is the ideal stage for prevention.
Deeper hairline recession forming an M or V shape. Some patients also show early crown thinning (Norwood 3 Vertex). Visible to others. Treatment is highly effective at this stage.
Temple recession plus a distinct bald spot on the crown (vertex). A bridge of hair separates the two areas. Both medication and transplant are effective options.
Significant frontal recession and larger crown bald spot. A weakening bridge of hair still connects the two areas. 2,500–3,000 grafts typically needed if choosing transplant.
The bridge between frontal and crown bald areas is thinning. Larger combined bald area forming. 3,000–3,500 grafts needed. Transplant is the primary restoration option.
Only a horseshoe-shaped band of hair remains at sides and back. 3,500–4,000+ grafts needed. Donor density assessment is critical. Multi-session transplant may be required.
Treatment Approach
Your treatment is determined by your Norwood grade, rate of progression, and personal goals.
For early hair loss, the focus is on stopping DHT damage and stimulating regrowth. DHT-blocking medications prescribed by your dermatologist reduce follicle miniaturisation. Topical minoxidil (5%) stimulates blood flow to follicles. PRP or GFC therapy (4–6 sessions) delivers concentrated growth factors. This combination can halt progression in 90% of men and produce visible regrowth in 65%. Early intervention — especially in your early 30s when androgenetic alopecia onset is increasingly common — gives significantly better long-term results.
At this stage, medications alone may not restore desired density. Hair transplant (1,500–3,000 grafts) restores the hairline and fills crown thinning. Medical therapy continues to protect remaining native hair. PRP maintenance every 3–6 months optimises graft survival and native hair health. This combination approach provides the most natural, comprehensive result.
FUE hair transplant is the primary treatment (3,000–4,000+ grafts). Donor density assessment is critical to ensure sufficient grafts for coverage. Multi-session procedures may be recommended for Norwood 6–7. Medications protect the remaining native hair from further loss. PRP supports graft survival and overall scalp health. Realistic expectations are discussed during consultation.
Free Assessment
Book a free trichoscopy consultation. Our dermatologist will determine your Norwood grade, assess donor density, and recommend the most effective treatment plan for your stage of hair loss.
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Common Questions
Male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) is a genetic condition where hair follicles are sensitive to DHT, a derivative of testosterone. DHT causes follicles to gradually miniaturise — producing thinner, shorter hairs until they stop growing entirely. It follows a predictable pattern classified by the Norwood–Hamilton scale (grades 1–7), beginning with hairline recession at temples and progressing to crown thinning. It affects 50% of men by age 50.
Male pattern baldness can begin as early as the late teens or early 20s. By age 30, approximately 25% of men show some degree of hair loss. By age 50, about 50% are affected. The earlier it starts, the more extensive it tends to become. If you notice hairline recession or crown thinning in your 20s, early intervention with finasteride and minoxidil can significantly slow progression.
Early-stage male pattern baldness (Norwood 2–3) can be partially reversed with treatment. Finasteride blocks DHT production, slowing loss and sometimes regrowing hair. Minoxidil stimulates blood flow and follicle activity. PRP and GFC therapy can reactivate miniaturised follicles. For advanced stages, FUE hair transplant permanently restores hair using DHT-resistant follicles from the donor zone. A combination approach gives the most comprehensive results.
The Norwood–Hamilton scale classifies male pattern baldness from 1 to 7. Norwood 1: no significant loss. Norwood 2: slight temple recession. Norwood 3: deeper M-shaped recession. Norwood 3V: recession plus crown thinning. Norwood 4: significant frontal and crown loss with bridge. Norwood 5: larger bald areas merging. Norwood 6: frontal and crown joined. Norwood 7: only horseshoe band remains. DermaVue dermatologists grade your loss during free trichoscopy.
DHT-blocking medications prescribed by your dermatologist reduce follicle miniaturisation and slow hair loss progression. Combined with topical minoxidil and PRP/GFC therapy, this comprehensive approach stops progression in 90% of men and produces visible regrowth in 65% after consistent treatment. DermaVue dermatologists prescribe the right medication protocol based on your specific hair loss pattern, age, and medical history.
Hair transplant is recommended when you have stable hair loss (not rapidly progressing), are Norwood 3 or higher with areas of complete follicle loss, medical treatments haven't restored desired density, and you have adequate donor density. Ideal candidates are typically 25+ years old. DermaVue performs SMART FUE using Korean Choi implanter technology. Cost ranges from ₹40,000–₹1,80,000 depending on graft count.
DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is derived from testosterone by 5-alpha reductase enzyme. It binds to androgen receptors in genetically sensitive scalp follicles, triggering miniaturisation — the follicle shrinks, produces thinner hairs each cycle, and eventually stops producing visible hair. Follicles at the back and sides lack these receptors, making them DHT-resistant — which is why they're used as donor hair in FUE transplant.
At DermaVue: Medical prescriptions are personalised and discussed during consultation. PRP sessions ₹3,000–₹5,000 each (4–6 recommended). GFC ₹5,000–₹8,000 per session. FUE transplant ₹40,000–₹1,80,000 based on graft count. Most men start with medications + PRP, costing approximately ₹15,000–₹30,000 for the first 6 months. 0% EMI available. Free initial consultation at all 7 branches.