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There are many different causes of hair loss all with different treatments. We will cover the more common causes below. The most common cause of hair loss, or alopecia, is often referred to as male patterned baldness. More appropriately, this condition is termed androgenic alopecia, and can effect women as well as men. 25% of men aged 25 years have some degree of clinically apparent androgenic alopecia and over 40% of men will develop androgenic alopecia at some point in their life. Androgenic alopecia results from progressive shortening of the anagen cycle with resultant decreased time for hair growth. Hair loss usually begins with the frontoparietal scalp and then the vertex. Female-pattern baldness is similar but more diffuse, without complete baldness and maintaining the anterior hairline. Fortunately hairs on the sides and back of the scalp are androgen-independent and thus do not suffer from androgenic alopecia – it is these hairs which are used for hair transplants and why hair transplants last. Androgenic alopecia is genetically determined and its development is related to age and presence of hormones and the corresponding receptors.

Alopecia areata is the next most common form of hair loss. This form of hair loss results in rapid loss of hair in circular or oval patches. It may be episodic or persistent. Alopecia areata will generally resolve within six months to a year. Should it persist for longer, the chance of recovery is minimal. The condition will recur in approximately one third of patients. The exact cause of alopecia areata is unknown. There are multiple theories and the current leading theory is hair loss due to an autoimmune condition, where the body attacks its own hair follicles.

Approximately 3 months after surgery, childbirth, crash dieting, and other stressful events, hair can enter an extended resting cycle referred to as telogen effluvium. Usually <50% of the scalp is affected and recovery is complete once the triggering event is resolved. Full recovery take takes six months or longer to occur.

Nutritional deficiencies can present as hair loss. Generalized malnutrition, zinc deficiency, and iron deficiency are the most common deficiencies causing hair loss. The loss is generalized over the entire body. Once the deficiency is corrected, the loss will generally resolve.

The most common cause of childhood alopecia is trichotillomania. It is an impulsive disorder in which the patient must pull their hair. Onset is in the early teens. Treatment relies on counseling, behavior modification techniques, and hypnosis. Once the behavior is stopped, the hair will generally regrow as long as scarring has not occurred.

For more information about hair transplant dallas or male pattern hair loss visit Dr. Verret’s web site today or call for a consultation 972.608.0100.

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