What cause hair loss and baldness?

In the United States, about 40 million men are affected by male pattern baldness, which presents as receding hairlines from the lateral sides of the forehead. In terms of age of incidence, about 25% of men are balding or thinning by the age of 30, and two-thirds of men have hair baldness or hair thinning by age 60. Despite some misconceptions, male pattern baldness does affect women as well but at about half the incidence rates. Genetically, there is a DNA component to this male pattern baldness. Environmental factors and stimuli does not seem to affect the outcome and incidence of genetic background baldness. About 4 out of 7 people have the baldness gene.

There are generally two major types of baldness. One is the previously mentioned male pattern baldness. The other type of baldness occurs at the top of the head also known as the vertex. This type of baldness is called androgenetic alopecia and is triggered by DHT. DHT or dihydrotestosterone is a hormone and produced by 5-alpha-reductase from testosterone. DHT causes hair follicle miniaturization and eventually hair follicle damage, although the exact mechanisms of this are not fully understood. The levels of DHT are targeted by different hair regrowth and hair restoration products by blocking the actions of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme.

Many other factors can affect, accelerate, or cause hairs loss. These factors include such things as stress, sleep deprivation, tight hats leading to scalp damage, and emotional frustration.

The common prevalence of different types of baldness, hair loss, and hair thinning highlights the need for hair restoration and hair replacement solutions. In fact, in the United States alone, the hair restoration and hair replacement industry is a $1 billion per year industry.

What are some misconceptions regarding hair loss and baldness?

Previously, it was widely believed that all hair loss and baldness depended on genetics and was inherited from the maternal grandfather. There is some basis to this “misconception” but it does not tell the whole story; in fact, both parents contribute to the genetics and likelihood of an offspring going bald.

What are the different hair restoration or hair replacement solutions for treating hair loss?

There are many solutions to baldness, hair loss, thinning hair, or male pattern baldness that should be investigated and considered for each person:

• Hair transplant procedure which is a surgical option but also the most effective and expensive option for treating hair loss or hair baldness. The most well known companies with hair transplantation surgeries and technologies are Bosley and Hair Club For Men. It is generally recognized that the newest and most naturally looking method of hair transplant surgery is the microscopic hair transplantation with older methods being minigrafts, micrografts, plugs, skin flaps, and scalp reductions.
• Oral prescription medicine is finasteride (brand name Propecia) which works as an anti-DHT and indicated for androgenetic alopecia by blocking the actions of 5-alpha-reductase enzyme to product DHT from testosterone.
• Topical medicines which are applied to the scalp such as minoxidil (brand name Rogaine and Regaine)
• Herbal solutions and remedies for hair loss and baldness usually include some combination of caffeine, black cohosh, or saw palmetto such as Procerin and Advecia.
• Hair replacement solutions also known as toupees, wigs, hairpieces, units, or hair systems. Hair club offers the most well known hair replacement systems. The toupees are usually matched for the user’s original hair color, can be secured via using a hair weave method, and is generally passed over for a hair transplantation solution for those that can afford it. Hair club offers a strand by strand matching system for hair replacement that is personalized, tailored, and fitted with the Polyfuse technology. Hair replacement systems are generally natural looking and can be cut and styled like normal hair.
• Low level laser therapy using a laser phototherapy device which has been approved in Australia but not so far in by the FDA in the United States.
• Dietary and lifestyle changes such as daily and vigorous aerobic exercise and a diet moderate and adequate in fat and total calories. Stress reduction can also be helping in slowing hair thinning or hair loss.

What are some general tips for hair regrowth?

• Use only brushes with soft bristles
• Allow your hair to dry naturally after washing and showering. Avoid using hairdryers on hot and do not rub your hair vigorously to dry.
• Use a conditioner or detangler, and avoid pulling your hair with a comb.
• Wash daily with a mild shampoo since dirty hair looks flatter and sparser.

How do I make the right choice regarding solutions for thinning hair or baldness?

The first step is to understand all your options. Talk to your doctor about your options as a doctor will probably be the best person to answer any technical or medical questions you may have especially regarding the surgical and presciption options. Also, speaking to friends and family who may have some experience with baldness and hair loss treatments may yield you some important information and experiences. There is a lot of information on the internet regarding all the treatment options, so do your research, read the information, and get educated.

When choosing the treatment solution in the end, you will want to consider factors such as cost, comfort with the treatment, length of downtime, and invasiveness of the treatment. Cost is not always paramount as effectiveness and personal comfort are important factors as well. Once you have all the information you want and feel comfortable in making an educated choice, go ahead and choose the best baldness and thinning hair treatment option for yourself.