General Hair Loss

Yes, male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. It’s a genetic condition that is passed down through families and can affect anyone at different stages of their life. Over 50% of men experience at least some hair loss from androgenetic alopecia by the time they’re 50 years old. The condition results from genetics and male sex hormones – particularly DHT. Increased sensitivity to the hormone DHT causes hair follicles to shrink and weaken. The hair growth phase is shortened as DHT binds to the follicles, leading to thinner hair and eventual hair loss. If your parents or other close family members experienced hair loss, you are more likely to inherit the condition.

Yes, making certain lifestyle adjustments can help prevent or manage hair loss. Reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding harsh hair treatments, and protecting your scalp from sun damage can all help prevent hair loss. A balanced diet is vital for healthy hair growth – for instance, a lack of protein can lead to weak and brittle hair so it’s important to include a range of high-quality protein sources such as lean meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, nuts and lentils. You also need to make sure you’re getting enough vitamins in your diet. Vitamin A is essential for producing sebum – a natural oil that moisturises the scalp. Biotin (vitamin B7) is also crucial as a lack of this vitamin can cause thinning hair and brittle nails. You can find biotin in foods like eggs, almonds and spinach. A lack of iron can cause anemia which reduces blood flow to the hair follicles and may result in hair loss, while zinc and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining scalp health. It’s important to manage stress levels, engage in regular exercise and avoid fre quent use of chemical-based hair treatments and heat styling tools. Using straighteners and hairdryers too often can weaken hair shafts and make them more prone to breakage – so it’s best to stick with gentle haircare routines and products. Make sure to protect your hair from sun damage by wearing a hat as UV rays are harmful to the hair and scalp. Finally, you should avoid tight hairstyles like braids, buns and cornrows as this can lead to a condition called traction alopecia – a type of hair loss caused by too much tension on the hair follicles.

Yes, hair loss can be associated with various medical conditions. Some of the most common include an underactive thyroid (hyperthyrodism) and an overactive thyroid (hypothryrodism), because thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating hair growth so imbalances can interrupt the natural hair growth cycle. Iron-deficiency anemia can also lead to hair thinning, as iron produces haemoglobin which helps carry oxygen to the hair follicles. Autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata can trigger the immune system to attack hair follicles resulting in sudden hair loss or bald patches. Also, chronic stress can cause hair loss – it may lead to a condition called telogen effluvium which pushes follicles into the resting phase of the hair growth cycle leading to excess shedding. It’s important to consult a doctor if you think you have an underlying condition that is causing your hair loss.

Some of the early signs of hair loss include thinning at the crown and a receding hairline. You might also notice excessive shedding when brushing or washing your hair. Treating hair loss in it’s early stages is key to managing it and potentially reversing it, so keep an eye out for these signs.

Yes. While both men and women experience hair loss, the patterns and causes can differ between genders. For men, it’s often linked to male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), and is characterized by thinning around the hairline and crown, whereas women typically experience diffuse thinning across the scalp. Hormonal imbalances, genetics and medical conditions can influence the hair loss patterns in both genders.

Hair loss is extremely common and affects millions of people worldwide, especially as they age. Around 50% of men will experience some level of hair loss or thinning by the age of 50. Usually this is due to a condition called male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia. Male pattern baldness involves genetics and male sex hormones – particularly the hormone DHT which causes hair follicles to shrink and can lead to progressive hair loss over time. Other factors such as stress, hormonal changes, medical conditions and lifestyle factors contribute to the widespread prevalence of hair loss, but it can be effectively managed with the right treatments and lifestyle adjustments.