HAIR LOSS

What causes hair loss?

The most common cause of hair loss for both men and women is heredity. Either or both parents can pass on the gene that causes hair loss. Typically, men are more susceptible to hereditary loss of hair because of testosterone. When broken down to dihydrotestosterone, it acts as a catalyst to activate the hair loss gene. Both men and women are susceptible to this condition, which has been labeled as androgenetic alopecia. This means hereditary loss of hair with androgens (dihydrotestosterone).

Other reasons for hair loss may be underlying medical or hormonal problems, medications, excessive weight loss, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Also, traumatic injuries, scarring scalp conditions, or burns to the scalp can cause permanent hair loss.

What is male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness is a hereditary balding pattern, which generally starts in the twenties with a recession of hair in the temporal peaks and/or thinning in the crown. If left untreated, the extent of the baldness can extend from the front top of the head back to the crown, leaving a fringe of hair around the sides and back of the scalp.

Is male patterned hair loss or baldness different from female patterned loss?

Yes, the patterns are generally very different but do have their similarities. In female patterned baldness, hair is most commonly lost on the top of the scalp while sparing a rim of hair along the front border. In women, only 12% will show any temporal thinning, while in men this is seen in over 80% as one of the first signs of loss. Like men, the crown in women may thin but the loss is highly variable. Crown thinning in men or women is considered one of the patterns of hair loss associated with the balding gene and androgens.

I'm just starting to bald. How much hair will I lose?

No one can make such a prediction—even after studying your family tree. Because the expression of your genetic makeup is unpredictable, the best forecast is only a guess. Generally, the younger you start to notice baldness (before 20), the more baldness you can expect to have.

Would it be better to begin hair restoration as soon as I start losing my hair or should I wait?

The best advice for this complex question is whenever the balding process begins, that is the best time to start preventive treatments. Unfortunately, baldness is progressive and unpredictable. Yearly consultations may be necessary to evaluate the best time to begin the surgical process.

Creative planning is essential to protect the young patient and ensure that you will not run out of donor hair, which could potentially limit surgical options, as you grow older and balder. Care must be exercised, especially with patients under 24 years of age for these reasons. Factors such as insecurity or immaturity may in part influence a patient’s demands. It is the doctor’s responsibility to give sound guidance that will most efficiently utilize the donor hair; which has a limited number, to produce a lifelong enjoyable cosmetic improvement.

Regarding hair loss, elements of panic, a “life or death” situation, or a “state of emergency” thought pattern should be avoided. The surgical option may hold an unrealistic expectation for complete and total hair restoration for someone who feels desperate to get their hair back. A hairpiece is an option for men and women, and may be the best non-invasive approach until the right doctor is found, or during re-growth following surgery. When surgery is the option of choice, prudence and patience is a more ideal state of mind.