About Alopecia

Male Pattern Baldness or Androgenic Alopecia is the number one cause of hair loss in both men and women. Ninety-five percent of all hair loss is caused by Androgenic Alopecia. In men, hair on the sides and back of the scalp is not affected, whereas hair in the frontal and crown regions of the scalp is susceptible to the balding process under certain circumstances. It starts as a receding hairline, through gradual thinning and finally to truly bald areas. For women, however, Androgenic Alopecia causes an overall thinning of the hair. It will affect two thirds of all men and 35 percent of women under fifty.

In the 1940's, it was established that Androgenic Alopecia is caused by two factors: a genetic predisposition to balding and the presence of the male hormone androgen.

There is no cure for Androgenic Alopecia. However, a number of products are available to treat the disease in the early stages of the disease. The earlier the treatment is started the greater the chance that the treatment will be effective in slowing the progression of the disease.

These types of Alopecia are considered to be auto-immune diseases in that the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles as foreign substances. This causes the hair to stop growing and about 3 months later the hair falls out.

There is no known cure at this time. However, in most cases, the body corrects itself over time, stops attacking the hair follicles and hair begins to grow again. There are specific treatments available for hair loss under 50 percent and for hair loss over 50 percent.

Other types of Alopecia include:

• Autoimmune disease
• Results in hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere
• Starts with one or more small round patches
• Different degrees of alopecia are Totalis: entire scalp and Universalis: entire body.

• Caused by continuous and excessive stress on the hair by using ponytails, buns, braiding, cornrows, etc.
• Hair loss may become permanent

• Self induced hair loss which results from continuous pulling

To find out about hair replacement solutions for people suffering from alopecia, please contact us today to schedule an appointment for your free consultation