Researchers from the University of Southern California found that male pattern baldness is caused by hormones not only in the hair follicles, but also in the tissues surrounding the follicles, indicating a similarity between hair loss and animals shedding their coats, reports ABC News.

Referring to the findings of the research, the lead study author, Cheng-Ming Chuong of the University of Southern California told the American news portal that hair follicle stem cells listen to the voice coming from inside as well as outside the stem cell.

For the purpose of study, researchers studied the hair growth pattern in animals and found that hair growth is triggered both by hormones in the skin as well as signals from the body.

The New York based news channel notes that previous studies found stem cells to be the underlying cause of male-pattern baldness, but the new research has turned hair loss treatment towards tissues around the hair follicles.

Explaining about the stem cell treatment, the news channel tells that study conducted in January 2011 found that activating the stem cells to make secondary cells was required for hair regrowth.

Supporting the previous research, Chuong told ABC News that for baldness treatment working on the tissues along with the stem cells will help in improved hair regrowth.

It may be noted that presently, minoxidil and finasteride, marketed under the names Rogaine and Propecia, are the two approved treatments for male pattern hair loss. Surgical hair transplant, which involves transplanting follicles from an area of dense hair to the bald patch, is another therapy for baldness but is out of the reach of most people due to its high cost.