Overview

People use the phrase male pattern baldness often, but there is much more behind that phrase than meets the eye. Contrary to popular belief the science extends far beyond examining our father’s and grandfather’s hairlines. Scientist believe that male pattern baldness has been with mankind since the very beginning. Hair loss that occurs around the crown of the head is labeled as male pattern baldness.

Causes

- Genetics are a driving force in male pattern baldness, That said, the exact genetic link is yet to be identified. Certain genes are believed to be at fault, but nothing is 100% conclusive yet. Scientist have linked the gene for baldness to both mother and father.

- Age plays a role because it leads to overproduction of DHT, DHT causes hair to become thinner, weaker, grey and in some cases non-existant.

-Stress, diet, sleep patterns, smoking and drug use can all have an effect on your hair. In fact, researchers in Amsterdam noticed a significant acceleration in hair loss in places where Marijuana was legal.

- Medical conditions like lupus, diabetes and  heart disease can also cause hair loss.

Hair Cycle

Hair grows in cycles like any other type of human cell. It may grow for a period of up to 6 years, and then it may stop growing. It goes into a rest phase for a few months and new hair grows to take its place. This causes old hairs to shed. Then, the cycle begins again. The natural shed rate of hair is about 100 hairs per day. Hair that sheds at an accelerated rate or does not regrow after it sheds leads to hair loss. DHT deprives your hair of oxygen and nutrients causing them to slowly thin and stop growing.

Norwood Scale

Male pattern baldness is measured on the Norwood Scale. This ranges hair loss from minor top severe.  The Norwood Scale is used by doctors and hair loss specialists in order to classify you hair loss. It is useful in determining the progression and treatment of hair loss.

Treatment Options

Shampoos. topical treatments and pills, hair restoration is big business now. Generally, most people turn to over the counter products such as Rogaine as the first offensive step in the battle against hair loss. However, studies show these products require a long-term commitment because when use of them is discontinued hair loss resumes.

Some natural remedies for hair loss are applicable; including caffeine, saw palmetto, Chinese knotweed. All three have shown some promise in curing baldness.

Male pattern baldness can also be treated with laser technology. The laser helps increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the hair follicles. This helps improve nourishment of the follicles. Although laser therapy has a 90% success rate, that is only based on patients who still have living hair follicles.Once a hair follicle has died and altogether stopped hair production there is little chance it will be revived.

Follicular transplants are the gold standard of hair loss treatment. That said, they are also the most costly. This procedure uses hair harvested from one part of you head and moves it to the section that is bald. It generates natural results that can be treated naturally. No maintenance or up keep.

Summary

No one wants to be bald. Being bald can lead to a decrease in self-esteem and even depression. If you are dealing with hair loss consider visiting a hair restoration clinic near you. The clinic will be able to help you determine your best treatment option.

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