Androgenetic alopecia is defined as hair loss that is due to an androgen hormone which inhibits the process of the healthy hair cycle and leads to shorter hair cycles which produce progressively shorter and thinner strands of hair. This type of hair loss - also referred to as male & female pattern balding - can be easily identified as it occurs in very predictable patterns in men and women. Hair loss in androgenetic alopecia occurs through the natural process of miniaturization.
HOW DOES HAIR LOSS OCCUR?
Understand the hair growth cycle, identify the various types of hair loss, and learn about the different types of treatment options.
How Hair Loss Occurs in Androgenetic Alopecia
How Does Hair Loss Occur in AGA?
Miniaturization - The Root Cause of Pattern Hair Loss
Miniaturization is the progressive deterioration of a hair follicle. A healthy hair follicle is capable of producing healthy, terminal hair which is thicker and darker in appearance. Over time the follicle shrinks with each cycle of hair and is no longer capable of producing healthy terminal hairs; instead it produces thinner, weaker strands of hair, referred to as vellus hair. Eventually a miniaturized follicle dies and ceases to produce hair altogether, resulting in balding.
What Causes Miniaturization of Hair?
The Hair Growth Cycle: How Hair Grows
-
- Heritability (genetics)
- Thyroid imbalance
- Excessive DHT production
- Certain prescription medications
- Physical trauma (traction alopecia)
Hair Growth, Loss, & Treatment
The Structure of Hair
The Growth Cycle of Hair
-
- Anagen Phase: The first of the three stages is the anagen phase. This is also called the growth stage. In this stage of the hair cycle, the hair shaft is actively growing inside the follicle, with rapidly dividing new cells being supplied by the dermal papilla. This stage typically lasts between 2 and 6 years.
- Catagen Phase: The second of three stages of hair growth is called the catagen phase. This is also called the degradation phase and is a transitional phase where the hair follicle pulls away from the dermal papilla. Since the hair follicle is no longer being supplied with the new cells from the dermal papilla, the hair stops growing. This stage is brief, usually lasting several days.
- Telogen Phase: The last of the three stages is called the telogen phase. This is also known as the resting phase. During this stage, the hair follicle remains inactive and the hair shaft usually stays in place until the follicle cycles back to the anagen phase where the new hair shaft emerges and pushes out the old one. This lasts about 3-4 months.
Follicle Health & Hair Growth
Hair follicles are the foundation on which healthy strands of hair are grown. It is the follicle that supplies the root of the hair with the oxygen, nutrients, and support needed to flourish during the anagen phase. The follicle also plays a vital role in supporting hair as it transitions through the catagen phase. During telogen phase, the hair follicle rests in preparation for new hair growth.
Though much is still being discovered about the root causes of hair loss, research shows that many hair loss conditions are associated with certain conditions that impair hair follicle health and function. To illustrate, consider:
-
- Telogen effluvium (stress-related hair loss) occurs after a stressful event causes enough trauma to “shock” the follicles into an inactive state [ii]. The hair loss condition receives its name from the telogen phase in which follicles become stuck.
- Androgentic alopecia (pattern baldness) is correlated with high levels of DHT (the androgen dihydrotestosterone) on the scalp [iii]. DHT is thought to penetrate the scalp and cause hair follicle miniaturization, a phenomenon in which follicles become smaller and eventually incapable of supporting a healthy hair growth cycle.
Recognizing Hair Loss Early
Hair loss physicians agree: Early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to restore areas of thinning or receding hair. When caught early, both men and women have a strong chance of restoring their luscious locks.
Some hair loss is normal. It is normal to lose about 50-100 hairs each day as they enter the telogen phase described above. These hairs are typically found on hair brushes, in the shower, and/or on the floor.
Excessive hair loss is NOT normal. Losing more than 100 hairs each day is a sign of abnormal hair loss in both men and women. Excessive hair accumulation may occur around the shower/sink drain, on combs and brushes, on your pillows, on furniture, and in your car.
Treating Hair Loss with Capillus®
No matter what the cause of hair loss, one thing remains certain: The best way to reverse the signs of thinning, shedding, and balding is to treat it early. Low-level laser therapy devices are recommended tools designed to help strengthen hair follicles and produce all-natural healthy hair from the inside, out.
Receive a free hair loss consultation. Visit our hair loss evaluation form to receive a complimentary diagnosis from a Capillus hair health expert. For immediate assistance, call 1-786-888-6249 or email us.
Related Product: Capillus Laser Caps Help Hair Regrow & Treat Hair Loss
[iii] “Causes of Hair Loss.” American Hair Loss Association. URL: http://www.americanhairloss.org/women_hair_loss/causes_of_hair_loss.asp