Androgenic alopecia can be defined as general hair loss which is common in both male and female. The androgenic alopecia which is found in a male is commonly stated as the male pattern baldness. The hair thinning occurs in a well defined pattern. The hair in the sides and rear of the head are left and this condition may progress to total baldness.

Genetic and environmental factors are the main reasons for male pattern baldness. Some researchers found that this male pattern baldness is related to hormones called androgens and in particular an androgen named dihydrotestosterone (DHT). During puberty and for normal male sexual development before birth the androgens are very significant. It also regulates hair growth and sex drive.

Another cause of male pattern baldness can be the hair follicles’ genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone. The hair follicles shrink when it is exposed to DHT. This reduces their life time and stops them from causing normal hair growth. There are diagnostic procedures that include eliminating all other hair fall causes and undergoing a comparison of the hair fall pattern with the progression of male pattern baldness.