What causes hair loss?
In most cases (men & women), the culprit is DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a bi-product of testosterone, carried in blood vessels. DHT shrinks the diameter of hair follicle shafts, causing thinning and eventual loss.
In some cases, however, prescription medications, various illnesses and nutritional deficiencies can also be to blame.
Nutrition and illness-related causes of hair loss:
- Iron deficiency
- Anorexia
- Pregnancy
- Hormones
- Tricotillomania
- Alopecia Aerata
- Alopecia Totalis
- Alopecia Univeralis
- Effuvium Telogene
What is male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness is the gradual thinning and eventual loss of hair. It generally starts in the temporal region of the scalp (receding hair line), followed by the vertex (crown area), then the frontal region (between temporal and vertex areas).
As the condition progresses, the person will eventually lose hair in all regions except the occipital, or the very back of the head.
Although the name seems gender-specific, male pattern baldness affects both men and women. In women, however, thinning tends to happen more uniformly over the entire top of the scalp.
Why doesn’t the hair at the back of the head fall out?
The hair in the occipital area of the scalp has a different genetic composure than the rest of the hair on the head. For this reason, it is unsusceptible to the effects of DHT.
With the exception of certain medical conditions, this hair will never be lost. That is why it will not fall out once it has been transplanted to other areas of the scalp.
What should I do now?
It is never too early to ask questions!
If you suspect you may be experiencing hair loss, seek treatment as soon as possible. Catching hair loss in its early stages means you’ll have more treatment options.
Call to schedule a free consultation with Larry at Hairfax today.
