Hair Loss Fact

Hair loss is  more common than previously thought. Millions of men and women suffer from some degree of hair loss throughout their life time. The average growth rate of healthy hair follicles on the scalp is half an inch per month. Hairs grow naturally for several years then fall out and are replaced by new hair. It is common and normal to notice hair strains coming out while combing, shampooing, or toweling the scalp. Because of the natural cycle of hair growth, it is normal to shed some hair each day. However, if the amount of hair loss is excessive, it might be a problem.

Natural Hair Growth

• About 90 percent of the hair is growing at any one time, and the growth phase lasts between two and six years.
  

• Ten percent of the hair is in a resting phase that lasts two to three months, and at the end of its resting stage the hair is shed.
  

• When a hair is shed, a new hair from the same follicle replaces it and the growing cycle starts again.
  

• Scalp hair grows about one-half inch per month, but as people age their rate of hair growth slows.
  

• Most hair shedding is due to the normal hair cycle, and losing 50 to 100 hairs per day is expected and is no cause for alarm.

How Hair Grows

A hair follicle is a part of the skin that grows hair by packing old cells together. Attached to the follicle is a  sebaceous gland, a tiny sebum-producing gland found everywhere on human body except the palms, soles and lips. Attached to the follicle is a tiny bundle of muscle fiber called the arrector pili responsible for causing the follicle lissis to become more perpendicular to the surface of the skin, and causing the follicle to protrude slightly above the surrounding skin (piloerection). This process results in goose bumps. Stem cells are located at the junction of the arrector and the follicle, and are principally responsible for the ongoing hair production during a process known as the Anagen stage.

What Causes Hair Loss ?

There are several reasons for hair loss among which are thyroid gland disorders, heredity, hormones, excessive stress, chemotherapy, certain prescription drugs, and dehydration. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) produced from the male hormone testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT is the androgen thought to be most responsible for the type of hair loss also known as male pattern baldness. Furthermore psychological factors such as stress, depression, fear, and anxiety are common causes of hair loss and more challenging to diagnoses and treat. In addition to psychological factors, prescription medications can also contribute to hair loss. Use of steroids and going through chemotherapy are two factors that can lead to hair loss. Diuretics such as Sprinolactone which decreases testosterone can also cause hair loss

Hair Loss Treatment Options

If you have notices hair loss, the best thing to do is to get a professional evaluations to determine the cause. Once the cause of the hair loss is identified, your doctor might recommend Minoxidile (Rogaine®) which is the most common and popular topical over the counter treatment. (Rogaine®) can be used by both men and women. In addition to (Rogaine®), Finasteride (Propecia®) which is an oral medication can help prevent hair loss in men. Finasteride is only approved for men.  It is commonly understood that (Rogaine®) and Propecia do a better job at maintaining current hair and reduce hair loss rather then re-growing new hair.

In addition to over the counter and prescription medication such as (Rogaine®)  and (Propecia®), other cosmetic options available include, Wigs, Hair Weaves, and Hair Transplants.

Hair Transplants

Hair transplant surgery is based on the principle of donor dominance, which means that hair from healthy donor sites will take root and grow normally when transplanted into balding, recipient sites. Hair transplantation involves:

• removing small strips of hair-bearing scalp from the back and sides of the head, known as the "donor region," which contains hair that will grow throughout a lifetime

• repairing the donor region, usually resulting in a very narrow scar which is hidden by overlying hair

• harvesting strips of hair-bearing scalp and dividing into grafts for placement in the balding areas

The amount of coverage varies depending on the extent of baldness and the specific procedure performed. Within one month, much of the transplanted hair is shed. About two months later, hair starts to grow and continues to grow at a normal rate. After six months, the transplanted hairs begin to take on a natural appearance. To schedule a free one on one consultation, please fill out the online consultation form or give us a call at 1-888 537-6363

Know the facts about Hair Loss and Hair Transplant Surgery

Troubled by Hair Loss?

Don't Be a Hair Transplant Victim

Medical Breakthrough in the Science of Hair Restoration

Why Choose NewLookMD?