Western GTA Convergence Centre

What Causes Hair Loss

Androgenic Alopecia is a common form of hair loss which can be caused by a variety of genetic condition and some environmental factors, and it is also generally known as male pattern baldness. This type of hair loss found from man to man has a general pattern and is usually starts with the thinning from the crown of the head. Then, a ring of hair is left on the sides and rear of the head. In certain cases, this condition may even lead to complete baldness.

The causes of male pattern hair loss are highly related to a hormone called testosterone. Typically, when men are suffering from baldness, they will have higher amount of free testosterone and will develop an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme will convert a portion of the free testosterone into a type of androgens known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the real factor which causes hair loss.

What we see on our head, the hair, is actually made up of a material known as keratin. Our hair grows from the follicles located on top of the head and the receptors on the follicles seem to be overly susceptible to bonding by the DHT. Bonded follicles will eventually become weak and it will slowly stop producing keratin. If the follicle has gone into a state which is too weak, it will break off and chances for it to be restored are very slim.

Now, we can easily find hair loss solution products in the market that consist of various forms including shampoos, conditioners and oral supplements. Another solution for male pattern baldness is through surgery. Due to the fact that there are good chances of hair left on the side and back of the head, cosmetic surgeons can use a transplantation technique to move the good follicles to the balding spots. Make sure you are consulting a specialist if you are unsure of which method or products to use.