Hair Loss Information

Hair loss is a natural condition connected with age and genetics that is suffered by millions of men and women all over the world. Approximately 95 percent of all men who suffer from hair loss do so because of male pattern baldness, otherwise known as androgenetic alopecia, which is caused by genetics and hormones. The consequences of these causes and others can be removed by transplanting one's own hair.

The Norwood scale of male pattern baldness is shown here:

Scientists did not fully understand the exact cause of genetic hair loss until the early 1990s. Then it was discovered that in some hair follicles, an enzyme called 5 alpha reductase combined with testosterone produced dihydrotesterone (DHT). This DHT is harmful to and attacks the hair follicle, slowly breaking it down and reducing the diameter and length, until the follicle falls out, never to be replaced by new hair.

In men, hair that grows near the temple region, front, vertex (top) and crown are most susceptible to hair loss from DHT. Hair on the back and sides of the head are the least susceptible. Male pattern hair loss therefore usually begins in the temple region or the crown, after which the hair on top of the head starts to thin out and later two bald regions can meet.

While hair loss is mainly viewed as a male problem, many women do suffer from it. Female Pattern Baldness can occur in women as young as age 30, often beginning with hair thinning at the part and on the top of the head and becoming more diffuse over time.

The typical hair growth cycle takes place in three stages; (i) a hair grows from its follicle for 2 to 6 years at an average rate of 1 cm per month; (ii) the hair rests; and (iii) then falls out. A new hair soon begins growing in its place. At any one time, about 85% of the hair is growing and 15% is resting.

One of the myths surrounding male pattern hair loss is that it is a trait inherited from your mother's father. This is not true. Nor is true that hair loss in men is caused by clogged pores, poor blood circulation, lack of oxygen to the follices or vitamin deficiency (except in cases of scurvy).

Hair loss can damage the person self esteem and confidence and can make a person look older or less attractive. Of course it depends on the individual, some men look attractive whilst balding or without, others do not like that appearance.