67% of men experience hair loss by the age of 35
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Causes of Hair Loss
Male and Female pattern baldness is a common condition that causes hair loss in men. It is characterized by the replacement of thicker, darker hairs on the scalp with thinner, shorter, less pigmented hairs. This process is caused by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is derived from testosterone. While it is possible to stop or reverse hair loss caused by male pattern baldness, once the hair follicle loses its attachment to the small muscles in the skin, the hair loss becomes permanent. It is very important to address hair loss as soon as possible in order to try to stop it.
What can you do to prevent hair loss and even regrow hair?
Initiating hair loss treatment at the earliest signs with medications known to prevent hair loss and promote the regrowth of certain hair follicles is crucial. By targeting these follicles early, there is a greater likelihood of maintaining their integrity for a longer period, potentially resulting in thicker hair.
Different types of hair
Androgenetic alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is a common form of hair loss that occurs due to a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. It is the most prevalent cause of hair loss in both men and women.
In androgenetic alopecia, hair follicles gradually shrink and produce thinner and shorter hair over time. This process is influenced by the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. DHT binds to receptors in the hair follicles, leading to a gradual miniaturization of the follicles and a shorter hair growth cycle.
In men, androgenetic alopecia typically manifests as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown of the head, eventually leading to partial or complete baldness. Women with androgenetic alopecia usually experience overall thinning of the hair on the top of the scalp.
While there is no known cure for androgenetic alopecia, there are treatments available to slow down its progression and stimulate hair regrowth.
The effectiveness of treatments can vary among individuals, and early intervention tends to yield better results.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp or other areas of the body. The exact cause of alopecia areata is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While there is no cure for alopecia areata, various treatments are available to help stimulate hair regrowth and manage the condition.
Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium is temporary hair loss caused by stress, illness, hormonal changes, or surgery. It happens when many hair follicles enter a resting phase at the same time and eventually shed, resulting in thinning hair all over the scalp. It’s different from other hair loss conditions and usually resolves on its own once the underlying cause is addressed. If you think you have telogen effluvium, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and guidance.
Typical Treatments
Different FDA approved pharmaceutical solutions can be prescribed to the general population. Some have been approved specifically for hair loss, while other have been FDA approved for other treatments, but have shown in clinical settings to help hair loss.
Minoxidil
Finasteride
Dutasteride
Spironolactone
Latanoprost
Minoxidil is a commonly used medication for hair loss treatment. It is applied directly to the scalp and is believed to promote hair growth through vasodilation and cell proliferation. By widening blood vessels, minoxidil increases blood flow to the hair follicles, providing them with more oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors, thereby extending the growth phase of the hair cycle and potentially stimulating hair growth. However, minoxidil is more effective in slowing or stopping hair loss rather than regrowing lost hair, particularly at the top and back of the scalp. It does not cure baldness, and ongoing treatment is necessary for long-term benefits as the underlying causes of hair loss persist.
Finasteride works by blocking the action of an enzyme in the body called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme converts the hormone testosterone into another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In conditions such as male pattern hair loss and BPH, DHT is the primary hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink.
By inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, finasteride reduces the levels of DHT in the body. This can lead to a slowing or even a reversal of hair loss, and can reduce the size of the prostate in cases of BPH.
Dutasteride, like finasteride, is a medication that works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can cause hair follicles to shrink and, over time, stop producing hair. This process is implicated in androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern hair loss.
However, unlike finasteride which only inhibits one type (type II) of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, dutasteride inhibits two types (type I and type II). This makes dutasteride potentially more effective at reducing DHT levels in the body, and in turn, potentially more effective at slowing or reversing hair loss.
Known for its anti-androgenic effects, which can be beneficial in the treatment of certain types of hair loss.
Hair loss can occur due to various factors, including hormonal imbalances. In some cases, excessive levels of androgens (male sex hormones) such as testosterone can contribute to hair thinning or hair loss. Spironolactone works by blocking the effects of these androgens on the hair follicles.
By acting as an anti-androgen, spironolactone can help reduce the production or binding of androgens in the body. It competes with androgens for binding sites on the androgen receptors in hair follicles, preventing the androgens from exerting their negative effects on hair growth.
Latanoprost is thought to exert its hair growth effects through a similar mechanism as its action in the eye. It is believed to activate prostaglandin receptors in the hair follicles, particularly the EP2 and EP4 receptors. This activation can promote hair follicle proliferation, enhance blood flow to the follicles, and increase the production of certain growth factors.
By stimulating the hair follicles and promoting their growth phase, latanoprost may potentially lead to increased hair density and thickness.
Myths about Hair Loss:
- Your hat is NOT causing your hair loss.
- All hair loss is permanent.
- Only older people suffer from hair loss.
- Genetic hair loss is passed down through your mother’s side of the family.
- Hair loss can be permanently reversed with natural remedies or home remedies.
- Cutting your hair frequently makes it grow faster.
Hair loss is optional.
Avoid generic treatments, and get a custom topical made for you.