About 50% of men experience noticeable hair loss by age 50, and the process usually starts well before that milestone. If you are in your 40s and noticing thinning at the temples, crown, or both, you are far from alone. The good news is that your 40s represent a strategic window for treatment because your loss pattern is established, your options are well studied, and modern treatments deliver reliable results.
Why Hair Loss Accelerates in Your 40s
Male pattern baldness follows a predictable trajectory governed by genetics and DHT (dihydrotestosterone). By your 40s, the follicles most sensitive to DHT have already begun miniaturizing. This is actually an advantage for treatment planning: your surgeon or dermatologist can see exactly where loss has occurred and predict future progression with reasonable accuracy.
Most men at 40 fall between Norwood 3 and Norwood 5 on the hair loss scale. Here is the typical breakdown:
| Norwood Stage | Prevalence at Age 40 | Grafts Needed | Cost Range (USA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2-3 | 25% | 800 to 2,200 | $3,200 to $13,200 |
| Norwood 3V-4 | 35% | 2,000 to 3,500 | $8,000 to $21,000 |
| Norwood 5 | 25% | 3,000 to 4,500 | $12,000 to $27,000 |
| Norwood 6-7 | 15% | 4,000 to 7,500 | $16,000 to $45,000 |
Medical Treatments That Work at 40
Finasteride
Finasteride remains the most effective non-surgical treatment at any age. It blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the hormone responsible for follicle miniaturization. At 1mg daily, it halts further loss in 80 to 90% of men and produces visible regrowth in about 65%.
Side effects occur in only 2 to 4% of users and are reversible upon stopping. Expect 3 to 6 months before seeing results.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil (5% solution or foam) applied twice daily increases blood flow to follicles and extends the growth phase of hair. It produces moderate regrowth in 40 to 60% of users. It works best when combined with finasteride.
PRP Therapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma injections cost $500 to $2,000 per session and can increase hair density by 30 to 40%. Most men need 3 to 4 initial sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, then maintenance every 3 to 6 months.
| Treatment | Efficacy | Monthly Cost | Time to Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finasteride | 80-90% halt loss | $10 to $30 | 3 to 6 months |
| Minoxidil 5% | 40-60% regrowth | $15 to $40 | 4 to 6 months |
| PRP | 30-40% density gain | $125 to $500 | 3 to 6 months |
| Combo (all three) | Highest response | $150 to $570 | 3 to 6 months |
Hair Transplant Options at 40
Your 40s are an excellent time for surgical restoration. Your loss pattern is stable, meaning the surgeon can place grafts with confidence that surrounding native hair will not recede away from them.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is the most popular method. Recovery takes 7 to 10 days, graft survival runs 90 to 95%, and each session can place up to 5,000 grafts. The procedure leaves small dot scars (0.7 to 1.0mm) that are virtually invisible.
FUT (Strip Method) harvests a strip from the donor area, yielding up to 4,000 grafts per session. Recovery takes 10 to 14 days. It leaves a linear scar that hair covers easily.
For a deeper look at which stage you fall into, read our complete Norwood scale guide.
Age-Specific Considerations
Men at 40 should factor in a few unique variables:
- Donor supply is finite. If you are Norwood 4 or higher, plan for the possibility that loss may continue. A conservative approach preserves donor hair for future sessions.
- Medications still work. Do not assume you are "too old" for finasteride. Clinical data shows comparable efficacy across age groups.
- Grey hair is an ally. Grey or lighter hair provides better contrast with the scalp, making the same graft count look denser than dark hair on pale skin.
Not sure if a transplant is right for you? Check our hair transplant candidacy guide for a detailed breakdown.
Next Steps
The most important action you can take right now is understanding your current Norwood stage and matching it to the right treatment path. An accurate assessment removes guesswork and helps you avoid spending money on treatments that will not address your specific pattern.
Get a free, AI-powered hair loss assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to see your Norwood stage, graft estimate, and personalized treatment options in under 60 seconds.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon before starting any treatment.