HAIR LOSS CAUSES
This is the most common type of hair loss in men, in which genetic factors cause progressive miniaturization of hairs in specific areas of scalp, forming one of the 11 hair-loss patterns defined on the Norwood scale. This occurs as a result of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) acting on hair follicles in very specific areas in people with a hereditary predisposition.
This type of baldness does not affect the back or side of the head; therefore, a hair micro-transplant can yield excellent results. Because it is the most common type of alopecia, those who suffer from it are constantly falling victim to false promises to revert it with miracle cures ranging from lotions to laser rays.
This is a very unique, though relatively common, type of hair loss. Like male-pattern baldness, it is caused by the action of DHT and genetic factors, but in this case, hair loss is not as noticeable or well-defined. Instead, the hairline remains unaffected, but hair density diminishes; in other words, there are fewer hairs per square inch. An expert clinical eye is needed to identify how this type of baldness will progress on the Norwood Scale over the years.
In most of the cases, this type of baldness can be resolved by a hair micro-transplant performed by specialists. It is essential to be able to differentiate this type of baldness from other diffuse hair loss which is not caused by androgens and genetic factors, but is instead directly related to endocrine, metabolic, or nutritional imbalances.
It is characterized by one or more oval or round areas of complete hair loss, with a smooth, shiny, scale-free scalp. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as sensitivity, itching, burning, or pain. However, in most cases, the lesions are completely asymptomatic. It affects approximately 2% of patients who come in for consultation. It occurs more frequently on patients between 20 and 50 years of age, and it affects men and women equally.
This type of baldness cannot be solved through a hair transplant. In the majority of cases, it can disappear by itself, or with appropriate medical treatment. Its onset can be triggered by stressful events, such as a robbery, lawsuits, divorce, or other unexpected incidents, as well as health/work-related issues, which can increase the risk of developing this type of hair loss.
Type of focalized baldness caused by the appearance of a birth mark or a scar resulting from a hit, burn, or infectious skin sore which causes severe damage to the skin on the scalp, permanently affecting the pilous follicles and leaving a visible area without hair. Can be successfully resolved through a hair micro-transplant performed by specialists.
Trauma-induced hair loss caused by a consistent pulling force being applied to hair, usually associated with certain hairstyles worn by girls and women, in most cases. When detected on time, it can be solved by avoiding the consistent or compulsive pulling of hair and changing to a different hairstyle. In other cases, it can only be solved through a hair micro graft to restore the affected area.
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH TYPE OF ALOPECIA I HAVE?
The first step is to put yourself in the hands of a qualified professional to determine the cause of your hair loss.
A personalized evaluation by a hair-loss professional will determine the cause behind the loss of hair in order to assess solution alternatives on a case-by-case basis. At the initial screening, in addition to a visual check-up, you will be asked a few questions to further narrow down the diagnosis, such as:
– When did you start losing hair?
– Appearance of lost hair: is it broken/thinned? Does it fall in bunches?
– Location of hair loss
– Have you experienced increasing hair growth elsewhere in your body?
– Medications you may be taking (especially hormonal agents such as anabolic steroids)
– Personal and/or family medical history, such as: thyroid disease, anemia, diagnosed stress, allergies, and immune diseases
– Family history of hair loss
– Normal daily hair care routine (as well as bleaching, dying, or perms)