With male pattern baldness, the hairline begins to recede into an "M" pattern. At the same time or later, hair loss exposes the crown of the head. As the condition progresses, the point of the "M" continues to recede, while the bald spot at the crown widens. Eventually, the thinning crown and receding point may meet. This leaves only a horseshoe-shaped fringe of hair encircling the back and sides of the head.