Hair Loss
Understanding the Cause, Progression, and Types of Hair Loss
Hair loss can impact men of all ages, with two-thirds of men experiencing visible balding by the age of 35. The causes can vary and can include genetics, age, or hormonal changes. Regardless of the cause, balding can be frustrating and lead to insecurity. Understanding the causes, the severity, and the different types of alopecia can help with finding the right treatment. Whether you’re noticing early signs of thinning, or experiencing more advanced stages, we’re here to help you.
Understanding The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair loss occurs when the natural hair growth cycle becomes disrupted, leading to prolonged and shorted phases. The hair growth cycle consists of four phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding). Each hair follicle follows this cycle, and disruptions in the cycle can then lead to thinning and shedding. Several factors can influence this cycle, including genetics, hormones, and stress. These factors can shorten the anagen phase and extend the telogen phase, leading to visible thinning and baldness.
Treatments aim to target different stages of the growth cycle. This can be done by promoting hair growth and extending the anagen phase, or by reducing the effects of DHT and shortening the telogen phase. The natural growth cycle plays a vital role in treatments targeting hair growth.
Norwood Scale
The Norwood Scale is the most common tool for categorizing androgenetic alopecia. This is a classification system that tracks the progression for male pattern baldness. It categorizes balding patterns into seven different stages. The first stage on the Norwood scale is stage 1, which represents minimal hairline recession and thinning. It goes up to stage 7, where loss is extensive, and hair remains only on the sides and back of the scalp. This scale helps to monitor the progression of thinning and recession, and is used to tailor treatment options accordingly.
Types of Alopecia
While androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) is the most common form of hair loss, there are many other forms. This can range from alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune condition, to alopecia universalis, which is full-body hair loss. Some types are hereditary, while others are the result of lifestyle, hormonal change, or autoimmune conditions. Each type has unique causes, progression patterns, symptoms, and treatment options. Proper diagnosis of the type of alopecia is essential for determining management and treatment options.
Reclaim not only your hair, but your sense of confidence and well-being.
