Hair loss follows distinct patterns depending on its cause. Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) accounts for roughly 95% of hair loss in men, but other conditions like telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and traction alopecia require completely different treatment approaches. Identifying your pattern correctly is the first step toward effective treatment.
Over 60% of men searching for hair loss solutions have misidentified their own stage or condition. This symptom checker helps you narrow down your pattern before seeking professional evaluation.
How to Use This Symptom Checker
Work through each section below and note which pattern matches your symptoms most closely. Pay attention to the location, speed, and characteristics of your hair loss, as these details distinguish one condition from another.
This is not a substitute for a dermatologist's evaluation, but it can help you arrive at your appointment with the right questions.
Pattern 1: Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness)
Prevalence: Affects approximately 50% of men by age 50.
Key symptoms:
- Gradual thinning that progresses over months or years
- Receding hairline at the temples forming an M-shape
- Thinning at the crown (vertex)
- Miniaturized hairs (shorter, thinner, lighter) in affected areas
- Family history of hair loss on either side
Norwood staging: This pattern is classified on the Norwood scale from 1 (minimal) to 7 (most extensive).
| Norwood Stage | Pattern Description | Grafts if Surgical |
|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2 | Slight temple recession | 800 to 1,500 |
| Norwood 3 | Deep M-shaped recession | 1,500 to 2,200 |
| Norwood 3V | Temples plus vertex thinning | 2,000 to 2,800 |
| Norwood 4 | Enlarged bald area at crown | 2,500 to 3,500 |
| Norwood 5 | Front and crown nearly merged | 3,000 to 4,500 |
| Norwood 6 | Horseshoe pattern | 4,000 to 6,000 |
| Norwood 7 | Narrow band remaining | 5,500 to 7,500 |
Treatment options: Finasteride (halts progression in 80 to 90%, regrowth in 65%), minoxidil (40 to 60% regrowth), PRP therapy ($500 to $2,000/session, 30 to 40% density increase), FUE hair transplant (90 to 95% graft survival, 7 to 10 day recovery).
Pattern 2: Telogen Effluvium
Key symptoms:
- Sudden, diffuse shedding across the entire scalp
- Noticeable increase in hairs on pillow, in shower, and on clothes
- Typically follows a trigger event by 2 to 4 months
- No receding hairline or bald patches
- Hair pulls out easily
Common triggers:
- Severe illness or surgery
- Extreme stress or emotional trauma
- Rapid weight loss or nutritional deficiency
- Hormonal changes (thyroid, postpartum)
- Medication changes (including starting or stopping certain drugs)
Key differentiator from androgenetic alopecia: Telogen effluvium causes uniform thinning everywhere, not patterned recession. The hairline does not recede.
Prognosis: Usually self-resolving within 6 to 12 months once the trigger is addressed. No surgical treatment needed.
Pattern 3: Alopecia Areata
Key symptoms:
- Sudden appearance of round, smooth bald patches
- Patches are well-defined with clear borders
- Skin in patches appears smooth (not scarred)
- Can affect any hair-bearing area (scalp, beard, eyebrows)
- May find "exclamation point" hairs at patch edges (short, tapered)
Key differentiator: The circular, discrete patch pattern is distinct from the gradual recession of androgenetic alopecia. Alopecia areata is autoimmune, not hormonal.
Prognosis: Many cases resolve spontaneously within 12 months. Severe cases may progress to alopecia totalis (full scalp loss) or universalis (full body). Treatment involves corticosteroid injections, topical immunotherapy, or JAK inhibitors.
Pattern 4: Traction Alopecia
Key symptoms:
- Hair loss at the margins of the hairline (front, temples, or sides)
- History of tight hairstyles (braids, ponytails, buns, extensions)
- Gradual onset corresponding to hairstyle habits
- Small bumps or redness at the hair follicles in affected areas
- May see broken hairs at varying lengths
Key differentiator: The loss pattern corresponds directly to where tension is applied. It is not hormonal and does not follow the Norwood scale pattern.
Prognosis: Reversible if caught early by changing hairstyle practices. Prolonged traction causes permanent follicle scarring.
Pattern 5: Scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecia
Key symptoms:
- Permanent hair loss with visible scarring of the scalp
- Affected areas may appear shiny, smooth, or discolored
- Possible itching, burning, or pain in active areas
- No visible follicle openings in affected zones
- May progress if left untreated
Key differentiator: Unlike all other patterns listed here, scarring alopecia destroys follicles permanently. The skin texture in affected areas is visibly different.
Prognosis: Requires prompt dermatological evaluation. Early treatment (corticosteroids, antibiotics, or immunosuppressants depending on subtype) can halt progression but cannot regrow hair in scarred areas.
Symptom Comparison Table
| Symptom | Androgenetic | Telogen Effluvium | Alopecia Areata | Traction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pattern | Temples/crown | Diffuse, all over | Round patches | Hairline margins |
| Onset | Gradual (years) | Sudden (weeks) | Sudden (days) | Gradual (months) |
| Scalp appearance | Normal | Normal | Smooth patches | Redness/bumps |
| Reversible? | Treatable | Usually yes | Often yes | If caught early |
| Age of onset | 20s to 30s typically | Any age | Any age | Any age |
| Family history | Often present | Not relevant | Sometimes | Not relevant |
What to Do After Identifying Your Pattern
Once you have narrowed down your likely pattern, the next steps differ:
For androgenetic alopecia: Determine your Norwood stage accurately. This dictates whether you need medication, surgery, or both. Treatment decisions at Norwood 2 are fundamentally different from those at Norwood 5.
For telogen effluvium: Identify and address the trigger. Monitor recovery with monthly photos. If shedding persists beyond 12 months, consult a dermatologist to rule out chronic telogen effluvium or underlying androgenetic alopecia.
For alopecia areata: See a dermatologist. Treatment is medical (immunological), not surgical.
For traction alopecia: Change hairstyle practices immediately. Consult a dermatologist if hair does not recover within 6 months.
Get an AI-Powered Assessment
For androgenetic alopecia, the most common pattern, accurate Norwood staging is the foundation of every treatment decision. Upload your photos for a free AI analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze and get your stage classification in under 60 seconds.
The tool uses computer vision to provide decision-support staging from any phone browser, removing the guesswork from self-assessment.
Medical disclaimer: This symptom checker is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a medical diagnosis. Hair loss can have multiple causes, and accurate diagnosis requires evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist. If you experience sudden or severe hair loss, seek medical attention promptly.