Also known as Androgenic Alopecia, this is the most common form of hair loss among men and women. This condition occurs in up to 50% of the population, and is caused by genetic factors. A hormone called DHT, or Dihydrotestosterone, attacks receptors on hair follicles on the scalp. This causes the small blood vessels supplying these follicles to shut down, eliminating the oxygen and nutrient supply to the hair follicle. The hair gradually shrinks until the follicle can no longer produce a hair, and enters into a resting, or dormant, state (It is important to note here that in most cases the hair follicle is not dead, simply dormant). This  is traditional genetic pattern hair loss.

In women, this generally results in a diffuse loss and thinning of the hair, and in men, the hair loss generally follows a pattern of receding in the hairline, thinning and balding in the vertex, and in many cases total loss of the hair on the top of the scalp. The hair on the back and sides of the head does not contain the receptors for DHT, and so generally will not be lost in the same manner as the hair on top of the head.

Alopecia is in fact the term for ‘hair loss’, however there are many forms of alopecia, such as Areata, where certain patches of hair are lost, Totalis, where all of the hair on the head is lost, or Universalis, where a person experiences complete loss of all the hair on the body, including eyebrows, facial hair and pubic hair.

The causes of many of these forms of alopecia are still not fully understood, and they can cause the hair to fall out in a variety of different ways, however it is thought that stress, immune system issues and certain illnesses and diseases can trigger or contribute to these forms of hair loss.

There are some acute and traumatic causes for hair loss, where the scalp or hair follicle is physically damaged as a result of illness or injury.

If you experience a burn or a cut to the scalp, for example, it is possible to damage and destroy hair follicles, and eliminate the possibility of a hair growing in that area again. Similarly, if you experience scarring of an area, again resulting from an injury, or a specific condition like frontal fibrosing alopecia (a common complaint affecting the hairline in females specifically) this can negatively affect the blood supply to the follicles in the area. There are ways of stimulating the growth of new tissue in these areas, however these cases can offer more unique challenges.

This is a non-surgical option which is used to create the ‘illusion’ of hair, by placing small dots of pigment into the scalp which can replicate the appearance of a hair follicle. The type of procedure performed at NuaCell is called Tricopigmentation, and this is a semi-permanent procedure, meaning it will fade over time. Tricopigmentation is best suited to creating the effect of a tightly cropped or shaved head of hair.

Finasteride is a medication known as an alpha-5-reductase inhibitor. This means that it helps to prevent the DHT molecule from attacking the hair follicle and starting the miniaturization and balding process. This is one of the most effective ways of stopping hair loss, and Finasteride is effective at preventing loss in up to 70% of the hair on the head.

There are often concerns over potential side effects surrounding Finsateride, so it is vital to consult with your hair restoration physician before starting this or any new medication.

Dutasteride is a newer progression of the Finasteride medication. Dutasteride is also a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor, however the difference lies in the fact that Dutasteride can prevent loss in up to 100% of the hair as it also works to protect the type 1 receptors with the type 2 receptors, while Finsteride is effective for type 2 only.

There are often concerns over potential side effects surrounding Dutasteride, so it is vital to consult with your hair restoration physician before starting this or any new medication.