Hair Loss Info Center
Hair Loss Myths and Facts
Male Pattern Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness, generally speaking, is genetic. It is caused by a chemical called Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which builds up around the hair follicle and eventually kills both the follicle and the hair. The hair follicle’s resistance to DHT is genetic. The weaker the resistance level the sooner one will experience hair loss. If you have relatives on either your father’s or mother’s side who have experienced hair loss, there is a fairly good chance at some point you will experience the same causes of male pattern baldness or hair thinning.
About 40 million men are experiencing male pattern baldness in this country.
At least half of all men will experience hair loss of some kind by the age of 50.
After age 50, the number of men experiencing male pattern baldness climbs significantly, since hair loss is progressive.
Male pattern baldness can begin at a very early age, even as young as the teens or early 20’s. Signs of male pattern baldness include a receding hairline at the temples and thinning at the top or crown of the head, which can eventually result in baldness. Female hair loss usually consists of an overall thinning of the hair in a diffuse manner, leading to increased scalp exposure.
DesignX thoroughly understands these differences. Our treatments and solutions for men are uniquely designed only for men. And our hair loss treatments and solutions designed for women specifically address a woman’s discriminating needs.
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Hair loss in women is fairly common. Close to 30% experience at least some form of hair loss or thinning hair during their lifetime and 50% will experience hair loss before age 50. An estimated 30 million women in the U.S. are going through it right now. Female hair loss is typically more diffuse (meaning less hair all over), rather than displaying the common alopecia that is characteristic of men’s hair loss. Because of this difference and the fact that a woman’s frontal hairline stays relatively in tact despite the hair loss, many people believe female hair loss is rare and not the norm. Quite the opposite is true. It is very common and normal.
The emotional and psychological effects of hair loss for women can be quite devastating for obvious reasons. It is unacceptable in today’s world, especially given that most people are not even aware that it is normal for women to experience hair loss. Because of this, the subject matter itself is very difficult for women to begin to address. DesignX is changing all of that one woman at a time.
- Androgenetic Alopecia. Androgens are male hormones that are typically present in small amounts. Any number of factors may cause androgenetic alopecia: high androgen birth control pills, ovarian cysts, hormones, menopause and pregnancy are all potential causes.
- Hormonal Imbalances. Hormonal imbalances can occur during menopause, postpartum, chemotherapy treatments, stress, depression, or as part of a disorder such as Alopecia Areata.
- Medication. Certain over-the-counter and prescription medication can contribute to temporary hair loss. Medications for blood pressure, heart conditions, birth control and depression have been known to cause hair loss.
- Chemical hair relaxers. Hair relaxers can damage hair and cause hair loss.
- Tight hair braiding. Pulling hair too tight can damage the hair follicle, preventing hair from growing back properly.
- Hair pulling. Hair loss can result from a compulsive hair pulling disorder such as Trichotillomania.
- Poor nutrition. Eating the wrong foods or getting insufficient nutrition can lead to hair loss.
- Genetics or aging. If your family has a history of hair loss, you are more likely to have it as well. The likelihood of hair loss also increases with age.
Children’s Hair Loss
Aside from body trauma and cancer, the most common cause of hair loss in children is Alopecia Areata. This is an auto immune condition in which the body mistakenly forms antibodies against its own hair follicles. This commonly begins with the rapid onset of bald spots over the scalp. Although one smooth bald spot is most common, there could be more in some cases. And some patients may experience hair loss throughout their entire body. The most common approaches to treating this distressing problem include injections of cortisone and UVA light, in combination with topical medicine, like minoxidil and anthralin.
While surgical methods work for those with baldness caused by trauma, a non-surgical approach should always be selected for Alopecia Areata sufferers. Non-surgical hair replacement is a safer way for hair restoration in children, avoiding painful surgery.
DesignX provides customized and comfortable options for children. The hair systems that DesignX provides for children are just as undetectable as our adult hair systems. And they are made more durable to withstand the rigors of youth. Our children get more than just their hair back…they get their happy and playful lives back. Your child will be able to brush or comb their hair into any desired and creative style. They will be able to shower, wash their hair and swim without fear. They will be very active and be able to live their lives without any concern about their hair!
Causes of Hair Loss
Hair Loss Causes
A variety of genetic, medical, hormonal and environmental factors can lead to hair loss in both men and women. Knowing what may be causing your hair loss can help you decide on the proper treatment for your needs.
- Stress from illness or surgery. This is generally a temporary condition.
- Hormonal imbalances. An overactive or underactive thyroid gland, as well as anomalies in androgen or estrogen levels, can cause hair loss. Women in particular may experience hair loss after having a baby, although this is typically temporary.
- Medication. Medications for blood pressure, heart conditions, birth control and depression have been known to cause hair loss.
- Infection. Fungal infections, in particular, have been known to cause hair loss. Fortunately, they are treatable with medication.
- Disease. Hair loss can sometimes be an early sign of an undiagnosed condition such as lupus and diabetes.
- Age or heredity. Genes can play a major role in whether or not you experience hair loss. If someone in your family has experienced it, it increases the odds you will too. Additionally, hair loss is a common effect of aging.
Additionally, hair loss may also occur in patches (a result of conditions such as Trichotillomania, Traction Alopecia, and Alopecia Areata), or it may affect the entire scalp, as is often the case during cancer treatments that include radiation and chemotherapy.
It is important to note that some hair loss is normal. In fact, the average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs per day from the scalp.
Types of Hair Loss
Hair loss comes in many forms. Here are some of the most common.
Hair Loss Prevention
In cases where hair loss occurs due to hair care or hair styling habits, medications, stress, or diet, there are preventative steps. Often times, hair loss prevention involves altering your habits (for example, eating healthier foods or opting for a more relaxed hairstyle). In cases where loss is due to a medical condition, consult with your doctor to determine if alternate treatment options are available.
Unfortunately, genetically inherited hair loss cannot be prevented, but it can be treated. DesignX offers an array of solutions personalized to fit your specific type of hair loss. In particular, our Hair Therapy and Growth Treatment and our Laser Comb are proven to prevent future hair loss while also helping to grow new hair from living follicles. Call, email or submit an inquiry for more information.
Minoxidil (a topical medication) and Finasteride (an oral medication) are the most popular hair loss medications/drugs and are the only ones that (1) are FDA approved and (2) have been proven to stop hair loss and/or grow new hair from living follicles. While they can be effective for most, they may not work for everyone. Most importantly, any results gained using them will be lost once you stop using them; therefore, continued and ongoing use is recommended.
Hair loss can have a significant impact on your self-image and your confidence. If you are experiencing hair loss symptoms and are considering treatment, our treatment experts can help you determine the factors affecting your hair growth to prescribe the most effective treatment possible. We have experience treating all types of male and female hair loss causes and can help personalize your treatment to achieve the desired results and re-establish your confident lifestyle.
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