Half of Men Face Hair Loss by 50 - What the Guidance Says and Where PRP Fits

Want a doctor to look at your hair? Message us on WhatsApp, book a consultation or call 020 3951 3429.

How common is male pattern hair loss?

NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries, the guidance used by UK GPs, states that in white men roughly 30% are affected by age 30, 50% by age 50 and 80% by age 70 (NICE CKS: Male pattern hair loss). So by 50, about half of white men, not the 85% sometimes quoted online. If your hair is thinning, you are in very large company.

What causes it?

Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is driven by genetics and sensitivity of hair follicles to androgen hormones such as DHT. Over time, affected follicles shrink and produce finer, shorter hairs. It usually follows a pattern: a receding hairline, thinning at the crown, or both. The British Association of Dermatologists has a patient leaflet that explains this well (bad.org.uk).

First-line treatments

The NHS names finasteride and minoxidil as the main treatments for male pattern baldness, and notes that no treatment is 100% effective and not all are available on the NHS (NHS: Hair loss). Both need to be continued to maintain the benefit. A GP can talk through these free-of-charge NHS routes with you, and we are happy to help you decide whether to start there.

Where does PRP fit?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses a small sample of your own blood, concentrated and injected into the scalp. Randomised trials of PRP for hair have given mixed results, including a 2018 JAMA Dermatology trial (PMID 30419125), and study methods vary widely, so we do not promise a result. PRP is not a standard NHS treatment for hair loss. Many men choose it as an option alongside, or when they prefer an alternative to, medication, after a doctor has assessed the cause of their thinning.

Not sure if PRP is right for you? Message us on WhatsApp, book a consultation or call 020 3951 3429.

Free checklist: before you book

- Note when the thinning started and where (hairline, crown, or all over).

- Check for a family history of hair loss.

- List your medicines and supplements.

- Ask your GP about blood tests if shedding was sudden. Sudden heavy shedding can have other causes, such as low iron or thyroid problems.

- Take clear photographs in the same light every month so you can see change objectively.

What a realistic plan looks like

Hair grows slowly, so any plan is measured in months. A doctor will assess your scalp, agree what you are aiming for, and set review points with photographs. At The London PRP Clinic, a single PRP session is £450 and a course of three is £1,215. A consultation is £59 by phone, £150 by video or £220 in person at Unit 4, 10 Portman Square, London W1H 6AZ.

Red flags: see a GP promptly

Patchy or sudden hair loss, an itchy, sore or scaly scalp, scarring, or hair loss alongside tiredness, weight change or other symptoms should be checked by a doctor before any cosmetic treatment.

Frequently asked questions

How many men lose their hair?

NICE CKS reports about 50% of white men are affected by age 50.

Is PRP available on the NHS for hair loss?

No, it is not a standard NHS treatment. The NHS names finasteride and minoxidil as the main treatments.

How much is PRP for hair?

£450 per session or £1,215 for a course of three at The London PRP Clinic.

Ready to take the next step? Message us on WhatsApp, book a consultation or call 020 3951 3429.

Written by The Wellness Team and medically reviewed by The Wellness Clinical Team. This article is for information only and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.