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Male pattern baldness

Products for hair loss*

More than 50 % of all men suffer from hair loss. The reasons and causes for this are varied. However, classic hair loss is hereditary in 80 % of men (androgenetic alopecia). This means that hair loss is largely genetically predetermined.

The good news: Hereditary hair loss can be counteracted, and you can do this without medication.

Progression

Hereditary Hair Loss: The Typical Pattern of Progression

In many cases, hair loss and balding in men follow a specific pattern. The Hamilton-Norwood Scale, for instance, outlines various types and stages of hair loss.

Hair loss in men often starts at the temples and the forehead (receding hairline). As it progresses, the hair becomes thinner at the crown and then across the entire scalp.

Schematic illustration of the Hamilton-Norwood scale showing the different stages of hereditary hair loss in men.
Stages 2 to 5 of the Hamilton-Norwood Scale
Causes of Hair Loss

DHT as a Cause of Hereditary Hair Loss

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an active metabolic product of testosterone, is partly responsible for genetically determined hair loss.

Each hair goes through a three-stage growth cycle, during which it falls out and regrows, ensuring that not all hair grows or falls out at the same time.

Chemical structural formula of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as a possible cause of hereditary hair loss in men.
Structural Formula of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

The Three-Stage Hair Growth Cycle

Phase 1

Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)

The hair follicles divide rapidly and form new hair; the hair grows about 1 cm per month; around 81 % of the hair is in this phase.

Phase 2

Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)

The hair stops growing, the cell matrix stops producing cells, causing the follicles to narrow at the lower part; around 3 % of the hair is in this phase.

Phase 3

Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)

After 2 – 6 months, the hair falls out, the hair root can recover, and then form a new hair; around 18 % of the hair is in this phase, also known as club hair.

Shortening of the growth phase activates the shedding process

In people with hereditary hair loss, the duration of the growth phase gradually shortens, and the shedding phase begins earlier. This process is triggered by dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is partly responsible for hereditary hair loss

DHT shortens the growth phase of scalp hair significantly

Hair roots wither and no longer produce new hair

Prevention with Caffeine Shampoos

Prevent with Caffeine Shampoos & Liquids

Hereditary hair loss is often caused by overly sensitive hair roots that react to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Caffeine can counteract this by stimulating the hair root and boosting the energy metabolism. By extending the growth phases of the hair roots, hair growth is supported well into old age.

Want even more power?

A red shampoo bottle labeled "Alpecin Caffeine DMG Wirkkomplex" stands on a smooth, white surface.
New

Caffeine DMG Shampoo

Active complex with caffeine + dimethylglycine (DMG)

  • Effectively reduces hereditary hair loss
  • Can boost hair growth**
  • Only available here in the Alpecin shop
Active Ingredients

The Alpecin Caffeine Complex

Find out about the active ingredients we use to combat hereditary hair loss.

Caffeine stimulates the hair roots

Caffeine has been known for more than 20 years for its growth-stimulating effect on hair roots. It inhibits the breakdown of the intracellular messenger cAMP. As a result, more energy is available to the cells and cell growth is stimulated.

Caffeine is therefore the most researched active ingredient of plant origin against hereditary hair loss.

Complementary active ingredients

Zinc and niacin promote energy metabolism and can improve nutrient supply to the hair roots.

Conclusion

Prevention is better than cure

Men with a family history of hair loss are likely to have a genetic predisposition and are more likely to develop baldness themselves.

It doesn't have to come to that if you start using caffeine early on. Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo keeps hair healthy and counteracts the negative effects of DHT at the hair root. Daily use can break the vicious cycle and ensure healthy, full hair. If you don't want to wash your hair every day, you can also use Alpecin Caffeine Liquid.

Guide

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A cross-sectional view of a hair follicle, highlighted in shades of brown and blue. Black arrows indicate specific dark regions within the follicle, suggesting areas of interest or focus for analysis.

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* hereditary hair loss
** in vivo study, n=15 participants with hereditary hair loss