What
causes hair loss?
Alopecia is the general medical term for
hair loss, and it has many different causes.
Normal human hairs can be classified according
to their phases of growth. Anagen is the
growing stage of hair, while telogen is
the sleeping stage of hair. About 80 percent
of the hairs in the human scalp are growing
hairs and about 20 percent of them are
sleeping hairs. It has been estimated
that the scalp normally contains about
100,000 hairs. Therefore, the average
number of hairs that can be lost in a
day is about 100. Contrary to popular
belief, neither shaving nor hormonal changes,
such as menstruation, has any effect upon
hair growth.
Hair loss can be broken down into several
different types, including alopecia areata
(temporary hair loss in a coin-shaped
patch), telogen effluvium (temporary hair
loss secondary to a stressor on the system),
and androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern
hair loss). For the purposes of our discussion,
we will focus on male-pattern hair loss.
It generally shows itself in the 20s or
early 30s by gradual loss of hair, chiefly
on the top of the head and in the angles
at the frontal hairline. There are several
different patterns to this hair loss,
but male-pattern hair loss is the most
frequently encountered type. The exact
mechanisms are still unknown.
We have no doubt, however, that inherited
factors and the effect of androgens (male
hormones) on the hair are most responsible.
Is stress a factor in hair loss?
Stress does not cause hair loss—it
simply makes a bad situation worse. Telogen
effluvium, for example, occurs after an
insult to the system. The most common
cause is pregnancy. This can result in
extensive and worrisome hair loss in women
in the first few months after the birth
of a baby. It is, however, temporary and
returns completely.
What is DHT and how is it involved
in hair loss?
DHT stands for dihydrotestosterone. This
is the active form of the male hormone
testosterone. It has been suggested that
high DHT levels in genetically predisposed
hair follicles initiate baldness. It is
this chemical conversion from testosterone
to dihydrotestosterone that is blocked
by hair restoration products, such as
finasteride, which is a prescription medicine
and the active ingredient in Propecia,
another prescription medication to treat
hair loss. Finasteride blocks the
formation of active testosterone and allows
those hairs predisposed to inactivity
to become active again and make new hairs.
What is the relationship between
genetics and hair loss?
Although not the primary cause of male-pattern
hair loss, genetics does have a significant
role in male-pattern hair loss. It is,
however, polygenic, in that there is more
than one factor at work. It is unclear
whether having an affected mother or an
affected father predisposes descendants
to greater risks.
Can hair loss occur in young adults?
Male-pattern hair loss can occur as early
as 15, although it typically begins anywhere
from the 20s and early 30s. Familial history
may help determine if this is going to
occur, as parents with a history of early-onset
male-pattern hair loss may increase the
risk for this to occur in descendants.
Alopecia areata and telogen effluvium,
two other forms of temporary hair loss,
can occur in children as young as one
year of age. Other precipitating factors
may also be involved.
What can be the cause of a sudden
loss of a large mass of hair?
Stressors to your system, such as illness,
high fever, pregnancy, extreme weight
loss or gain, and drug use, can cause
temporary hair loss. This occurs when
the ratio of growing to resting hairs
is upset and more of the growing hair
shifts into a resting phase. A greater
quantity of normally sleeping hairs falls
out, prompting a visit to the dermatologist.
This type of hair loss is temporary and
full regrowth should be expected.
Does PROVILLUS
have any side effects?
No.
PROVILLUS
does not have any known side effects.
Do shampoos and other hair products
cause hair loss?
An allergic reaction to any constituent
in shampoo or hair products can cause
hair loss. Shampoos are designed to be
as safe as possible, although there is
always someone who will react to them.
Caustic hair dyes, straighteners, and
other products can certainly cause inflammation
of the scalp and result in hair loss.
Can my hairstyle cause my hair
to fall out?
Certain hairstyles can contribute to hair
loss, most notably styles involving tight
braids or pull-backs. This form of hair
loss is called traction alopecia. This
occurs when the hair is pulled tightly
back and fastened at the base of the skull,
or braided into tight braids or rows.
Exposure to this type of hairstyle over
long periods can result in a scarring
alopecia, with no potential for regrowth.