Progressive hair loss is common in both men and women. The most common type of hair loss is known as androgenic alopecia. Other terms include "male pattern hair loss" and "female pattern hair loss."  For many people, losing their hair is a frustrating experience. Fortunately, treatments are available that can help to regrow hair or prevent further hair loss.

 

CAUSES

The hair follicle is a structure that encases the lower part of the hair shaft (the shaft is the part you can see outside your scalp). Each follicle contains blood vessels that nurture new hair growth. All hair follicles are present at birth; throughout a person's lifetime, each follicle grows and sheds single hairs in a repetitive cycle. The growth phase for a single new hair lasts two to three years. At the end of this time, growth ceases, and the follicle enters a resting phase. After three to four months in the resting phase, the hair is shed and the next growth cycle begins.  On a normal scalp, approximately 80 to 90 percent of follicles are growing at any time. Each day, about 75 follicles shed their hair while the same number enter a new growth phase. In men, hormones related to testosterone (also called androgens) cause hair follicles to have a shorter-than-normal growth phase, resulting in hair shafts that are abnormally short and thin. These follicles are said to be "miniaturized." This also happens in women, although it's less well understood exactly what factors contribute to this process.

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SYMPTOMS

In men, alopecia is characterized by gradual hair thinning that most often affects the crown and frontal areas of the scalp.  Hair loss in women usually affects the crown and frontal areas of the scalp. Typically, the hair loss is more diffuse than in men; women rarely develop completely bald areas.

 

DIAGNOSIS

Androgenic alopecia can usually be diagnosed by examining the scalp. In some cases, you will need blood tests or a biopsy of the scalp to look for other causes of hair loss.

 

PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF HAIR LOSS

Losing your hair can be frustrating and upsetting. While it's normal and common to lose hair with age, it can still be distressing, especially as people often feel that society reinforces the message that a youthful appearance is more attractive.

 

TREATMENT

• Several medications are available for the treatment of androgenic alopecia:

  • Men can be treated with minoxidil or finasteride.

  • Women can be treated with minoxidil or spironolactone.

• ​Surgery — Options include hair transplantation and scalp reduction is another procedure sometimes performed.

• Products to camouflage hair loss — While they do not treat hair loss directly, there are products that can make thinning hair less obvious. They include thickening shampoos, hair dyes, and sprays that make your scalp appear the same color as your hair. Some people also choose to wear a wig, toupee, or headpiece.

• Laser light devices — Combs or other devices that deliver a type of light called "low-level laser light" to the scalp may help to grow hair. These devices are typically used approximately three times per week for several minutes.

• Platelet-rich plasma — This treatment involves removing plasma from your own blood and injecting it in your scalp. The idea is that the concentration of platelets, which are involved in wound healing, may stimulate hair growth.  Stem cells and Exosomes are other options.

• There are a number of topical hair follicle stimulators as well.  See our treat page on Hair Restoration for more information.