About Hair Loss

Each and every follicle on your head possesses its very own and specific genetic program. This program determines hair's qualities and behavior. Because it is genetically encoded (inherited), it is, therefore, inescapable.

For men and women, this hereditary hair loss condition is called androgenic alopecia. If one or both of your parents, their siblings or other family members have experienced hair loss, you will be prone to inherit this hair-losing tendency as well.

Predisposition to hair loss may manifest itself even in teenage years. In fact, hair loss will be continuous and relentless in its nature, regardless of when it started.

Hair loss in men is often referred to as male pattern baldness and may progress, in severe cases, to the familiar horseshoe-shaped fringe of hair. This is typically classified as Norwood 7.

In women, it is referred to as female pattern baldness and usually takes the form of thinning hair over the entire top of the scalp. Nevertheless, some females with hair loss may display the "male" pattern.

Besides the genetic etiology, which makes up over 90%, there are many other reversible (reversible causes) and irreversible forms of hair loss. Some examples of these other types of hair loss may include but are not limited to stress, iron deficiency, thyroid disease, traction alopecia, trauma and medication. A proper diagnosis to figure out what is causing the hair loss is key to selecting a proper treatment choice.