Hair Restoration

Last Updated on Friday, 26 February 2010 14:55

Male Pattern Baldness

In today’s world, hair is increasingly identified with youth, vitality, even virility. For a man to lose his hair prematurely can be emotionally devastating, affecting his confidence, work and personal relationships.

If this is you, then you are not alone! By the age of 50, as many as 50% of men have suffered some degree of hair loss. As with any medical condition, early detection is vital and will also help alleviate the problem.

Some hair loss, or 'alopecia', is just part of the normal hair-growth cycle. Other forms, such as Male Pattern Baldness, are down to genetic or other factors.

Growth among different hair follicles is not synchronous, so any given day we will usually shed 50-100 hairs which are at the end of their growth cycle. This is quite normal and is not a cause of concern.

While nothing can generate or bring back hair once it is lost apart from a hair transplant, there are hair loss restoration treatments such laser hair therapy and medications for hair loss.

Hair transplant costs vary and depend on the individual’s stage of hair loss and a transplant may not be the only option depending on the cause of the hair loss. As with most things in life the earlier the cause is identified the sooner remedies are taken the better.

Androgenetic alopecia

This is the most common form of male hair loss, accounting for about 95% of cases. It is also known as Male Pattern Baldness. Hair usually falls in the front, upper and top area of the scalp, while the back and sides retain a good ratio of productive follicles. Hereditary and genetic factors, both detectable through H+ Genetic Testing, along with aging, are the three main causes. For androgenetic alopecia, the most effective solution is hair transplantation, ideally a minimally-invasive technique such as the H+ Procedure.

Alopecia areata

A rapid form of hair loss, which results in patches on one side of the scalp, or on the whole scalp. It is often caused by a disorder in the immune system and calls for immediate medical examination; usually the pattern is reversible under proper medical supervision.

Anagen effluvium

A significant and rapid loss of hair shafts during their active growing phase. Causes include chemotherapy drugs, radiotherapy, poor diet, seborrhoeic dermatitis and other localised dermatoses, vitamin A poisoning, iron deficiency and chronic infection. Typically, hair regrows spontaneously once the problem is resolved. A medical check is vital to identify the cause and to alleviate the condition.

Telogen effluvium

Hair shafts are shed from follicles which have prematurely entered the resting phase of their growth cycle. Losses can be swift and significant, reducing a full healthy head of hair to 1-2cm of stubble within weeks. Causes include fever, severe infection (particularly blood poisoning), major surgery, protein deficiencies, severe psychological stress and certain drugs including beta blockers and anti-depressants. Usually, hair growth will revert back to normal in no time.

Triangular alopecia

Loss of hair in the areas above the temples can begin as early as childhood, it may be a complete loss resulting in scanty hair. Medical or surgical treatment is possible.

Loose-anagen syndrome

Hair sits loosely in scalp follicles and is easily shed through combing or pulling. This condition occurs mainly in people with excessive fair hair, especially in childhood, and may ease as the person ages.

Cicatricial alopecia

Also known as ‘scarring alopecia’, this is a group of rare disorders that destroy the hair follicle, replace it with scar tissue and cause permanent hair loss. The effects can be very rapid and are accompanied by severe burning and itching, or can be slow on-going and otherwise symptom-free. Affected areas of the scalp may show little signs of inflammation or may display redness, scaling, increased or decreased pigmentation or other abnormalities. Cicatricial alopecia occurs in otherwise healthy people of all ages, worldwide.

Trichotillomania

This form of self-induced hair loss results from continuously pulling or plucking one’s hair. It is relatively rare among men, and is usually treated with counselling or psychiatric help.

Traction alopecia

This is caused by continuous stress on the hair, due to hairstyles such as ponytails, buns, braiding and cornrows. It is relatively rare among men and can be cured by changing to a more relaxed hairstyle.

Causes of Male Hair Loss

There are many common causes of hair loss. According to research, there are four factors which are the cause severe hair loss in men.

• Genetic factors: As announced in 2008, scientists at Bonn and Düsseldorf Universities have discovered an important genetic variation leading to hair loss. Researchers investigated more than 500,000 positions in the human genome, establishing a gene variant which occurs frequently in men who are bald than in others. The breakthrough may help explain similarities in cranial hair growth between fathers and sons. Hair restoration information will tackle the hair loss problem.

• Hormonal factors: Imbalances in the male and female hormones that your body naturally produces may also be a factor. Likewise, an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can lead to hair loss and can be the cause of sudden hair loss. Correcting such imbalances can prevent hair loss. It is an effective men hair loss treatment.

• Ageing: Losing some part of your hair is a completely normal part of the ageing process. It is a part of the picture of androgenetic alopecia, which accounts for around 95% of the cause of all male hair loss. In men, the condition is often known as Male Pattern Baldness. It is characterised by a receding hair line with baldness on the top of head.

• Stress: Anxiety and other forms of stress can be major factors. For instance, post illness or major surgery, may cause a sudden loss of a large amount of hair. Such symptoms are normally temporary and will reverse once you return to your normal physical health.

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