Hair loss can result from many factors including thyroid disease, high fever, diet, childbirth and some medications. Burns and other causes of scalp scarring can also cause permanent hair loss. Stress is only implicated in certain, relatively uncommon, instances. Alopecia areata is an unusual condition involving patches of hair loss that is caused by problems in the immune system. Women can suffer from a condition known as “chronic telogen effluvium” where full-length healthy hair is shed from all over the scalp in continuous “molts” for up to 2 years. The cause is unknown. Aging is known to cause hair loss in some men and women. It affects the entire scalp with gradual thinning being detected, usually after 50 years of age. Most men, and a significant number of women, experience some degree of hair loss in their lifetimes. The most common form of scalp hair loss is termed androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss). In men this can result in entire loss of hair in the upper scalp. It is NOT caused by poor circulation, clogged hair follicles, frequent shampooing, use of hats or helmets and shaving the head does NOT make hair re-grow stronger. Male pattern hair loss (or Male Pattern Baldness) is determined by a combination of heredity and the male hormone (or androgen) dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The tendency for male and female pattern hair loss is genetically inherited from either side of the family and begins to develop after puberty. The pattern of inheritance varies between families and in some cases can “skip” generations. Hair on the scalp that is genetically affected by DHT (usually the front and top of the scalp), starts to shrink until it is lost. This can be a continuous process but commonly occurs as repeated episodes of rapid hair loss. Hair at the back and lower sides of the scalp is permanent because it is not affected by DHT. This lower, permanent, scalp hair can be used as donor hair and surgically moved to the upper scalp to replace the lost hair - for life. Treatment options for male pattern hair loss. Hair restoration surgery offers a permanent, living solution to lost scalp hair in pattern hair loss (or scalp scarring). Effective medical treatments are now offered in the form of a pill (Finasteride) and a spray or gel (Minoxidil). Cosmetic camouflage agents include coloured creams, sprays, and powders that colour the scalp to match the hair colour and help conceal thinning areas, as long as some hair remains present in the area. Hairpieces and weaves are a non-surgical means to restore hair (either synthetic or natural) by covering bald areas of the scalp. |
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