Montana Barber Practice Exam 2025 - Free Barber License Practice Questions and Study Guide

The most common form of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, often referred to as male pattern baldness. This condition is characterized by a gradual thinning of hair, typically starting at the temples and crown of the head, eventually leading to noticeable bald spots or a receding hairline.

Androgenetic alopecia is primarily driven by genetic factors and hormonal changes, specifically the sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. This hormonal influence contributes to the shortening of the hair growth cycle and a decrease in hair follicle size over time, resulting in the classic pattern of hair loss observed in many men as they age.

Other types of hair loss listed, such as alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and traction alopecia, while they can occur in both men and women, are not as prevalent when considering male hair loss. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition leading to patchy hair loss, telogen effluvium is often triggered by stress or illness causing temporary shedding, and traction alopecia is related to hairstyles that pull on the hair. Thus, while these conditions are significant, they do not match the overall prevalence and characteristics of androgenetic alopecia in men.