Hairloss PI

Male pattern baldness is a topic near and dear to many men. Actually, it's a topic that most men -- specifically 85% of all men -- will become familiar with at some point in their lives.

Unfortunately, however, it's a topic that's still shrouded in myth, misconception and misunderstanding. With so much confusion, it's no wonder that many men lack answers to even the most basic questions regarding hair loss.

But that's where we comes in. Here are the top 10 most common hair loss questions -- and of course, their answers.

No.10 What causes male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness (or androgenic alopecia) is largely a genetic disorder. It arises in some men because they are genetically predisposed to having higher levels of 5-alpha reductase in their bodies. 5-alpha reductase is an enzyme that converts the male hormone, testosterone, into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT shrinks hair follicle cells over time resulting in thinner hair. As DHT accumulates, hair gradually thins until it is lost entirely in certain areas.

No.9 Who did I get my hair loss genes from?

For decades, a myth has perpetuated that hair loss genes were only passed down from the mother’s side of the family. In truth, however, how we inherit our baldness isn’t entirely clear because many different genetic and environmental factors are involved. Unfortunately, we can’t blame this one on mum, guys.

No.8 What age will I start to lose my hair?

Because of the complex number of factors involved in male pattern baldness, the age at which it strikes will vary between men. Generally speaking, about 25% of men will begin balding before the age of 21. By the age of 35, about 66% of men will experience some degree of hair loss. Finally, by the age of 50, approximately 85% of men will have significantly thinning hair.

No.7 How much hair will I lose?

The amount of hair you lose and where the hair is lost varies considerably from one guy to the next. The typical pattern of male baldness begins at the hairline. The hairline gradually recedes, forming an "M"-shaped pattern. Eventually the hair becomes finer, shorter and thinner, creating a horseshoe pattern of hair around the sides of the head. But, not all men will suffer severe hair loss. The amount you lose depends again on various genetic and environmental factors.

No.6 Does stress influence hair loss?

Stress tends to influence a type of hair loss that is distinct from male pattern baldness. Severe emotional or physical stress, as well as chronic stress, may lead to a sudden and rapid shedding of the hair. Medically, this is known as telogen effluvium. Hair that is lost in this way will typically regrow in a few months, unlike hair that is lost due to traditional balding. Scientists are just now exploring whether acute or chronic stress influences male pattern baldness.

No.5 Can Shampoo, Hair Gel Or Wearing A Hat Influence Hair Loss?

Excessive shampooing, hair drying, colouring or the use of other hair products (or even wearing a hat) may temporarily damage the hair, causing it to become dry, brittle, lusterless or limp -- but the use of these products will not influence the gradual process of male pattern baldness. Any damage through hair care products is typically only temporary since individual hairs fall out and regrow in a consistent cycle over the course of several months.

No.4 What is the Hamilton-Norwood Scale of male pattern baldness?

The Hamilton-Norwood Scale is a pictorial guide that uses a set of images to range how severe a man’s hair loss is. The scale ranges from Type I, or minimal hair loss, through to Type VII, the most severe form of hair loss in which men have little to no hair on the front or top of the head.

No.3 When should I begin treatment for hair loss?

Generally, the sooner you begin treatment, the more likely you are to see results and the more likely it is that you will delay further balding. However, keep in mind that many of the common therapies for hair loss come with unwanted side effects, so it’s important to speak with your doctor early to devise a treatment plan that you are both comfortable with.

No.2 What treatment options are available for hair loss?

As of today, treatment options for male pattern baldness are limited but expanding. Currently, there are only two drugs licensed for male pattern baldness: finasteride (Proscar/Propecia) and minoxidil (Regaine/Rogaine/Loniten). These are the only drugs currently licensed that actually help hair to regrow. Outside of drug therapy, there are additional treatment options, including non-surgical hair restoration (i.e., wearing a hairpiece), surgical hair replacement (i.e., hair transplantation), scalp micropigmentation (tatooing scalp) and low-level laser therapy (e.g., HairMax Laser Comb). New treatments such as hair cloning and gene therapy are on the horizon, but not yet ready for prime time.

No.1 Are The Results Of Treatment Permanent?

For drug treatments like finasterde or minoxidil, results may not appear for several months. As a general rule, you must continue taking these drugs if you want the results to continue. Although it’s possible that results will persist after you discontinue usage, it is likely that hair loss will return. The only permanent treatment for balding is hair transplantation; however, as with any surgery, not everyone is a candidate and there are important side effects to consider.