HAIR LOSS
Non-normal Hair Loss
Normally, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day
as a result of our normal hair cycle. Loss more than
this, or outside this random pattern is termed Alopecia.
Certain individuals are predisposed to the types of
hair loss which progress into this state. There are
many causes of temporary
or permanent hair loss.
The most common cause of hair loss and thinning hair
is a condition called androgenic alopecia, commonly
called pattern hair loss or pattern baldness. This condition
is thought to be caused by excessive amount of a testosterone
by-product called dihydrotestosterone [DHT] . There
seems to be a similar process which those experiencing
hair loss and thinning hair undergo. This is referred
to as “the DHT theory”.
DHT Theory of Hair Loss and Thinning
The speed at which hair loss occurs in androgenic
alopecia is dependant on by three things:
- Age
- Heredity tendency
- Levels of (DHT) within the hair follicle
DHT androgen is produced in the prostate, various
adrenal glands, and the scalp and influences many aspects
of male behaviour. It is estimated to be five to ten
times more potent than testosterone. There are two types;
Type I 5AR being more prominent in the scalp than Type
II. Other androgens that may contribute to pattern loss
include androstenedione, androstanedione and DHEA [especially
in women].
During hair loss, DHT begins to treat your follicles
as foreign objects in your body and slowly begins to
reject them. During this time there typically is increased
Sebum production.
There is a ‘standard’ pattern of hair
loss, due to follicles at the front, top, and upper
back of the head in most men being genetically programmed
to become susceptible to DHT. The normal hair cycle
typically lasts 3-9 months and without a DHT inhibitor,
each time your hair cycles, the follicle will become
thinner, shorter, and ultimately it will not grow back
in. Over time, some follicles will gradually die, but
most will simply shrink to the size they were when you
were born which produce weaker hairs. Hence, more hair
is lost, and the remaining hair becomes finer and thinner
until they are too fine to survive.
As the hair thins, it becomes flatter and oilier.
This excessive oil is attributed to an enlargement of
the sebaceous gland, clogging the pore and restricting
nourishment reaching the hair root. Although this condition
could be hereditary, they believe diet is a more prominent
cause. Frequent shampooing can reduce the surface sebum
containing the high levels of testosterone and DHT,
thereby preventing them from re-entering the skin and
affect the hair follicle.
Measuring Hair Loss
Hair Loss Treatment professionals generally refer
to the "Norwood Scale" as a method of identifying
to what extent your loss has progressed.
Norwood Scale of Hair Loss Pattern
Blood analysis can define existing levels of enzymes
and androgens, but there is no definitive test to determine
if a given individual will or will not lose hair.
Next: Hair
Loss Treatment Products
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