From receding hairline to Mediterranean hair loss, there are all types of interesting names people have come up with to describe the different stages of Norwood Scale, which is a set of images depicting the severity of men’s hair loss problem. Scientific terms aside, let’s talk about men’s hair loss issues in layman terms that any Tom, Dick and Harry would understand.

M-shaped
In this type of male pattern baldness, hair loss is most apparent at the hairline. The hairline gradually recedes, forming an ‘M’ shape and the illusion of a higher forehead.

O-shaped
Commonly known as Mediterranean hair loss, it is characterized by an ‘O’ shape on the top of the head. Hair thinning starts from the crown and the scalp becomes increasingly obvious gradually. In some men, that balding area may even turn into a shiny patch overtime as the hair follicles shrink, affecting hair growth eventually.

U-shaped
The most severe of the three, a ‘U’ shape hair loss pattern is actually a combination of both ‘M’ and ‘O’ shaped hair loss. Depending on one’s condition, it is more common among men aged 50 and above. The hair becomes finer, shorter and thinner and eventually, the hair loss area expands, leaving only a rim of hair around the sides and back of the head.

What you didn’t know about male pattern baldness
Hair loss is extremely common among men these days. It affects approximately 7 in 10 men and male pattern baldness accounts for more than 95% of the hair loss population. According to the American Hair Loss Association, by the age of 50, about 85% of men will have significantly thinning hair! For more information on the causes and symptoms of male pattern baldness, click here.