Predicting Hair Loss

“Contrary to popular belief, hair does not grow faster when it is cut. The rate of growth, however, may be influenced by hair length. Growth slow down once th

Normally, the average person’s scalp will have between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs. Each of the hairs on the scalp will have an independent life cycle; at any given time approximately 90% of scalp hairs will be in a growth phase and 10% will be in the resting phase, also called anagen phase, can last between four and five years before entering into a 2-3 week transitional period called the catagen phase. The final phase is a two to four month resting phase or telogen phase. It’s at the end of this resting phase that hair falls out by being dislodged from the follicle by an emerging new hair.

Some hair loss is normal, but when it is too much?

Male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss. It is a hereditary trait influenced by many genetic factors. The presence of balding of one’s parents or grandparents on either the mother’s or father’s side does not by itself predict the likehood of baldness. On the other hand, if you are a man losing hair in your twenties and your father is completely bald, it is most likely that your hair loss will continue.

Genetics plays a role in the pattern, speed, age with which balding begins and extent of balding that will occur. In most cases the earlier the onset of balding, the more extensive the loss will be. Moreover, there is no set age that balding begins; it is a process over time. This process can start at any ages. It can proceed at different speeds, stop and begin again at any time. Hair loss is affected by genetics hormonal influences and time.

Hair Loss: When Is It Too Late?

The American Medical Association reports that 25% of men begin balding by age 30, while 66% begin losing hair by age 60. When you’re young, your scalp is thick and hair follicles have a rich supply of blood. With aging, the regeneration of follicles slows down.

In males, the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) has an increase influence of hair loss. High DHT levels disrupt the normal three-stage hair growth cycle by keeping follicles in the resting or telogen phase. It’s this break in the cycle that causes the follicle to wither resulting in excessive hair loss. With age the scalp thins, blood supply diminishes and the nutrition needed for hair growth is reduced. As a result follicles become smaller and hair shafts are thin. Treating hair loss early will slow this process down resulting in the positive hair growth many patients have experienced.


The Role of the Dermatologist

There are many causes of hair loss. To properly diagnose the cause a consultation with your dermatologist should always be considered.

A doctor will consider your family history of baldness and has the capability of analyzing hair samples under a microscope and checking your scalp for any irregularities. Questions will be asked about your diet, use of skin and health care products, medications and any recent illness. More detailed examinations may involve blood samples and a skin biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. You can also be asked to monitor your hair loss on a daily basis.