Pattern Hair Loss – Dermatologists Recommendations

Losing some hair daily is a part of the normal functioning of the hair growth cycle. You lose around 50-100 hair strands everyday from your scalp and that is totally normal.

However, sometimes some external and internal factors tend to change this cycle, increasing the hair fall count to 150-200 leading to hair loss. Genetics and hormonal imbalances can make the follicles undergo a dormant stage which reduces hair growth potential causing hair loss. One such cause is pattern hair loss which is called androgenetic alopecia. 

This hair problem is common in both males and females and goes by the name male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness, respectively. The explanation behind the hair problem is the over-action of dihydrotestosterone, an androgen or a male hormone. This hormone is present in all of us. But in people who have the genetic makeup for pattern hair loss, the hair follicles become sensitive to this hormone.  The over-release of this hormone attacks the sensitive hair follicles and sends them to a dormant stage which makes them shrink leading to baldness. 

Below are some preventive measures and dermatologists recommendations that will help you slow down the progression along with regrowth to prevent balding. 

• A Balanced Diet and Proper Lifestyle

The best piece of advice that the doctor will give you is to consume a properly balanced diet containing all the essential nutrients. Absorbing zinc, iron, protein and other nutrients will strengthen the hair follicle and promote hair growth. 

Moreover, a lifestyle including regular exercise, a nutritious diet, a proper sleep schedule and stress management is a sure shot way to keep hormonal imbalances at bay. All these lifestyle factors can be responsible for triggering patterned baldness, especially in early ages. Thus a hormonal balance due to decreased levels of cortisol hormone and increased levels of endorphins can minimise the action of DHT and prolong the beginning of patterned baldness. 

• Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a topical drug that is available in the form of lotion, foams or gels.. When applied to the scalp the drug increases the flow of blood to hair roots. The increased blood flow promotes regrowth and helps to recover the lost hair. 

• Finasteride

Finasteride, is a prescription drug that works against the action of dihydrotestosterone or DHT hormone. The drug prevents the binding of the hormone to the hair follicle halting the miniaturisation process and hair loss. . Once the hair follicle recovers, new hair starts to grow out, which is stronger and thicker. 

• Hair Therapies 

PRP, stem cell and low-light laser therapies are some of the most recommended solutions for pattern hair loss. Laser light at a certain wavelength can stimulate hair regrowth and is best suited for hair loss in males. 

• Hair Transplant