The most common type of hair loss men experience is androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness. Commonly referred to as “alopecia,” it accounts for 95% of all hair loss in both men and women

 

Typically, men first experience a slightly receding hairline and/or some thinning in the crown or vertex area of the scalp. The loss usually continues over a period of time and in some cases individuals will lose all their hair in the affected area leaving only bald tissue.

 

What is alopecia?

The simplest answer is genetic predisposition. Three factors generally influence the rate and degree of hair loss – advancing age, genetics and dihydrotesterone (DHT). DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is the most potent naturally occurring androgen and is produced from free testosterone through the action of 5-alpha-reductace. 5-alpha-reductace concentrations are highest in the peripheral tissues (genital skin and hair follicles). Male and female pattern hair loss is thought to be due to the effects of DHT on genetically predisposed hair follicles. Binding of DHT to the hair follicle eventually results in gradual miniaturization of the hair and eventual hair loss.

 

As an individual begins to age into their 20’s, 30’s and so on the DHT causes the hair follicles on the scalp (with exception to the hair on the sides and back of the head because the genetic coding in follicles within these areas of the scalp are not susceptible to the (DHT) to begin to slow and break down the healthy life cycle of the hair shaft. Over time, the follicle will only produce a fine, unpigmented, vellus hair and eventually may stop producing a hair shaft at all. Low Level Laser Therapy is very effective in treating this type of hair loss.

 

Click to See a Norwood Hair Loss Scale for Men

 

Alopecia Areata

This type of hair loss occurs when an individual experiences small bald patches on the body and/or the scalp. The factors that activate this form of hair loss are not fully understood by science. It is theorized, however, that alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where cells of an individual’s own immune system prevent hair follicles from producing healthy hair shafts.

 

Alopecia Totalis

This form of hair loss is extremely rare. It occurs when an individual experiences total (or near total) hair loss on the entire scalp.

Hair Follicle Shrinking caused by DHT binding to the hair follicle.

Men’s Hair Loss

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