Forms of
Hair Loss
Were you aware that the average person has between 100,000-150,000 hairs in their head? On average a person should expect to lose 80-100 strands of hair daily. Hair must properly go thru a normal hair cycle in order to replenish itself and keep its density. If you are undergoing the experience of excessive hair loss you will most likely notice hair accumulating in your brush, your sink, and in the shower. You may be experiencing this hair loss due to one of the following:
Male Pattern Baldness
Androgenic Alopecia (also known as “male pattern hair loss”) is the cause of more than 95% of thinning in men. This form of hair loss is typically characterized by the recession of the hairline and/or hair loss in the crown of the scalp. Eventually, the hair loss will progress until these two areas meet and a pronounced “horse-shoe” is present on the front and top of the scalp.
Male pattern baldness may vary on genetic background. Studies have shown that approximately 75% of men will experience some sort of hair loss by the age of 80. This form of hair loss affects roughly 40 million men in the United States alone. Around 25% will experience the beginning stages of baldness by the age of 30.
Nearly 60% of all men have the chance of inheriting the balding gene. Hair loss may begin as early as the age of 18 if you are genetically deposed to it. One old wise tale suggests that the hair loss gene comes from the mother’s side of the family, however, studies indicate that both parents contribute to the hair loss gene.
Dihydrotestosterone is the cause for this hair loss which is a production of testosterone in a man’s body; it is often referred to as DHT. Although DHT promotes body and facial hair growth, it adversely affects hair that grows specifically on the top of the scalp. In essence DHT attacks the hair follicle, miniaturizes it, and in time the follicle will become completely dormant. Therefore, the hair will become more fine and thin over time and eventually will stop growing altogether.
Nearly 60% of all men have the chance of inheriting the balding gene. Hair loss may begin as early as the age of 18 if you are genetically deposed to it. One old wise tale suggests that the hair loss gene comes from the mother’s side of the family, however, studies indicate that both parents contribute to the hair loss gene.
Dihydrotestosterone is the cause for this hair loss which is a production of testosterone in a man’s body; it is often referred to as DHT. Although DHT promotes body and facial hair growth, it adversely affects hair that grows specifically on the top of the scalp. In essence DHT attacks the hair follicle, miniaturizes it, and in time the follicle will become completely dormant. Therefore, the hair will become more fine and thin over time and eventually will stop growing altogether.
Different Types of Alopecia
Totalis: This form of alopecia takes its toll on the entire scalp.
Universalis: A medical case where you not only see rapid hair loss from the scalp but eyebrows and eyelashes as well.
Areata: This form of hair loss is due to an autoimmune condition in which hair follicles are attacked in small groups by a someone’s own immune system (white blood cells), disturbing the Anagen growth stage. These affected follicles will eventually stop growing noticeable hairs above the scalp’s surface. Areata is often associated with other medical conditions such as thyroid imbalance, allergies, lupus, and colitis just to name a few. Heredity and genetics may have some role in this form of hair loss as it is often found in other family members.
Traction: Is caused by the continual wear and tear of the hair which can be caused by things such as hat and weave.
Universalis: A medical case where you not only see rapid hair loss from the scalp but eyebrows and eyelashes as well.
Areata: This form of hair loss is due to an autoimmune condition in which hair follicles are attacked in small groups by a someone’s own immune system (white blood cells), disturbing the Anagen growth stage. These affected follicles will eventually stop growing noticeable hairs above the scalp’s surface. Areata is often associated with other medical conditions such as thyroid imbalance, allergies, lupus, and colitis just to name a few. Heredity and genetics may have some role in this form of hair loss as it is often found in other family members.
Traction: Is caused by the continual wear and tear of the hair which can be caused by things such as hat and weave.
