Androgenetic alopecia: what is it and how to recognize it?

Androgenetic alopecia (or hormonal hair loss, baldness) is the most common cause of chronic hair loss. It affects up to 70% of men and nearly one in two women after the age of 40.

Often progressive, silent, and misunderstood, it is nevertheless linked to a precise hormonal mechanism: DHT (dihydrotestosterone).

In this article, discover how to recognize androgenetic alopecia, what differentiates it from other types of hair loss, and most importantly, how to act effectively with a complete hormonal hair loss protocol.

What is androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia is hormonal hair loss.
It results from a genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT, a hormone derived from testosterone.

💡 The mechanism:

• The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone).

• This DHT binds to the receptors of hair follicles.

• In predisposed individuals, it causes a progressive miniaturization of the hair: it grows thinner, shorter, and then eventually falls out.

It is this process of follicular miniaturization that eventually leads to baldness in men or a diffuse weakening of the hair in women.

How to recognize androgenetic alopecia?

Symptoms vary by gender, but the pattern is often typical.

🧔 In men:

• Progressive thinning of the temples and crown (sparse crown)

• Thinner hair on the top of the skull, lateral areas preserved

• Slow onset, from 20-25 years old

👩 In women:

• Thinning hair on the top of the scalp (widening part)

• Overall reduced volume, without completely bald areas

• Thinner, more brittle hair

• Onset after a hormonal imbalance: menopause, PCOS, etc.

Not to be confused with:

• Telogen effluvium (reactive hair loss linked to stress, deficiency, childbirth, or seasonal changes)

• Scalp dermatoses (psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis…)

The central role of DHT

DHT is the main hormone involved in hormonal hair loss.
It is not "bad" in itself, but when it is produced in excess or the scalp is too sensitive to it, it leads to a reduction of the hair cycle.

Result:

• The bulb wears out faster

• Hair becomes increasingly thin

• Regrowth becomes sparse

To stop this mechanism, it is necessary to act on DHT itself using natural inhibitors called DHT Blockers.

The MakeMyMask hormonal hair loss protocol

At MakeMyMask, we have developed a complete protocol to act on all the levers of androgenetic alopecia — from the inside and the outside.

1. The Anti-Hair Loss Active Scrub

The first step in the anti-hair loss protocol, the Anti-Hair Loss Active Scrub is an essential step that gently exfoliates the scalp, oxygenates the hair follicles, and prepares them for other treatments.

Enriched with anti-hair loss active ingredients, it frees the scalp from impurities and boosts hair growth thanks to its prolonged application time.

Dosage: apply part by part to dry scalp, leave on for 15 min, and rinse. Once a week.

2. The pH5 Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo

The 1st pH5 anti-hair loss shampoo that fights all causes of hair loss, thanks to the unique combination of patented exosomes & biotin.

It stimulates hair growth & reduces hair loss by 89%.

Dosage: Shampoo twice with each wash for more effective cleansing.

3. The Patented Anti-Hair Loss Serum

A real alternative to Minoxidil, this patented serum developed by a Doctor of Pharmacy for all types of hair loss (AGA, stress, post-graft, postpartum, baldness, etc.) remarkably stimulates hair growth.

Non-greasy, no rebound effect, no irritation, maximum tolerance, OK for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Dosage: Mild to moderate hair loss: 2 to 3 times/week - Severe hair loss: every day - Do not rinse (duration of use: 1 month, to be renewed for at least 3 months).

4. Hormonal Hair Loss DHT Blocker

The 1st Hormonal Anti-Hair Loss Supplement that effectively inhibits DHT, enriched with probiotics to boost its effectiveness, and the highest dosed on the market! Designed by a Doctor of Pharmacy & Trichologist.

Dosage: 2 capsules/day for 3 months at mealtime.

How to know if you suffer from androgenetic alopecia?

Some signs should alert you:

• Persistent hair loss beyond 3 months

• Localized thinning or loss of density

• Family history of baldness

• Onset after a hormonal event (PCOS, menopause)

The diagnosis can be confirmed via a trichological assessment or a hair analysis with a trichoscope, allowing evaluation of hair density, diameter, and vitality.

In summary

Androgenetic alopecia is hormonal hair loss linked to DHT, which progressively weakens the follicles.
While it cannot be completely "cured", it can be effectively slowed down and stabilized through targeted treatment.

👉 The MakeMyMask hormonal hair loss protocol acts on all stages of the process. A natural, scientific, and complete approach to slow down baldness and lastingly preserve hair density.