Pattern hair loss

Pattern hair loss is a gradual reduction in scalp hair density in characteristic distributions, most often caused by androgenetic alopecia.

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Androgenetic alopecia: A hereditary, androgen-influenced condition that progressively miniaturizes susceptible scalp hair follicles. It is the principal biological cause of patterned scalp thinning.
Norwood scale: A classification system describing stages of male-pattern hair loss by frontal recession and crown thinning. It names the common progression of patterned loss in men.
Trichoscopy: A magnified examination of scalp and hair using a dermatoscope or digital imaging device. Variation in hair-shaft diameter can support diagnosis of patterned follicle miniaturization.
James B. Hamilton: An American anatomist who studied male-pattern baldness and its relationship to androgen exposure. His observations linked the condition's expression to androgenic development.
Scarring alopecia: Hair loss caused by permanent destruction of follicles and their replacement by scar tissue. Pattern hair loss is usually nonscarring, with follicles miniaturized rather than destroyed.
Hair follicle miniaturization: The progressive reduction in hair follicle size, producing shorter, finer hairs over successive growth cycles. It converts terminal hairs into increasingly fine hairs in affected scalp regions.
Ludwig scale: A grading system for female-pattern hair loss based on the extent of crown thinning. It describes a common diffuse pattern with relative preservation of the frontal hairline.
Minoxidil: A topical or oral medication used to promote hair growth in several forms of hair loss. It can increase hair density and slow progression for some people with pattern loss.
Eugenia C. S. L. Ludwig: A physician whose work described the characteristic pattern of female-pattern scalp hair loss. The Ludwig classification takes its name from her description of crown thinning.
Anagen effluvium: Rapid hair shedding caused by interruption of actively growing hair follicles, often by chemotherapy or toxins. Its abrupt diffuse loss differs from gradual patterned thinning.