What are the main causes of hair loss?

• Genetics

• Hormone Imbalance

• Nutrition

• Stress

• Sickness

• Autoimmune

• Surgery

• Weight Loss

• Aging

The many forms of hair loss

There are many forms and causes of hair loss, the most common are

• Telogen Effluvium - This type of hair loss is often sudden or can be chronic. Could be caused by dietary habits, hormonal issues, exposure to toxins, medications, illness, stress, or surgery. Most often can be corrected once these issues are resolved.

• Involutional Alopecia - This type of hair loss is our bodies natural process in which the hair gradually thins with age.

• Androgenic Alopecia - Or male and female patterned baldness. This is what you most often see and is what you'd think as someone who is balding. It is caused by our genetics and DHT.

• Scarring Alopecia - There are many forms of scarring alopecia, but it is caused by scar tissue covering the follicle and the hair will no longer grow back. This is mostly from burns, cuts, and our autoimmue system.

• Autoimmune Disorders - This is where our own bodies fight against our hair follicles. Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Universalis, Alopecia Totalis, are some more common examples of hair loss from autoimmune issues.

Can hair loss be stopped?

Yes, and No. Many internal and external factors, genetics, and our environment contribute to hair loss. These contributing factors all play a part in our hair loss and hair regrowth. But for many people, hair loss can be reversible if corrected quickly. Sometimes going to the doctor and checking our vitamin and hormone levels can help get hair growing again because our hair follicles are so interconnected to whats going on, on the inside of our bodies. Our stress levels, surgeries, having babies, our diet, rapid weight loss can give us all-over, rapid shedding (Telogen Effluvium). Fortunately, all these factors can be addressed with the proper hair regrowth strategy.

Male and Female pattern balding (Androgenic Alopecia), or what is the most common type of hair loss, and what you would traditionally consider “balding”, stems from your genetics. You currently cannot change your DNA, but, the sooner you notice your hair line receding and your part line thinning, and use the right combinations of products and processes, the more likely you are to reverse hair loss. The bottom line, if you wait too long, you may not be able to grow your hair back at all, unless you undergo hair transplants, and sometimes not even hair transplants will work.

There are also many autoimmune diseases that can negatively impact hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. While sometimes you can grow hair back from these diseases, with nutrition and hair loss treatments, the cycle of hair falling out and growing back continues. These autoimmune diseases that effect the hair follicle can happen at any age or gender.

Its important to find the root cause for your hair loss, so you don't waste money on expensive hair growth products and treatments, that will not work for you. That is why we are committed to properly identifying the specific cause(s) for your hair loss, so you can get the right hair growth treatment from the start.

The big contributor to hair loss… DHT

DHT is the short name for Dihydrotestosterone. An enzyme, 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone to DHT. DHT will bind to androgen receptors in the hair follicle, and DHT essentially sends a signal to “turn off” hair growth. The hair miniaturizes and eventually the hair follicle dies.

What is Minoxidil and Finasteride (Propecia)?

Many people have heard of Rogaine (minoxidil is the ingredient used as the DHT blocker), Finasteride, or Dutasteride. These are all DHT blockers, which means they block the DHT from binding to the androgen receptors, allowing for the hair to continue to grow. BUT, Rogaine has a higher alcohol content and can cause irritation on some peoples scalps, also some clients cannot use minoxidil products due to health reasons. Finasteride (or Propecia) and Dutasteride are prescription drugs that can cause unwanted side effects.

Is a non-medical, multi-therapeutic approach right for me?

Come in and we will talk through your specific hair loss concerns, and what the possibilities are to regrow your hair. Your experience with us will be unique and educational. We work with many medical professionals to help you navigate through your hair growth journey.

What is a Trichologist and what is the benefit of meeting with a Trichologist?

Trichologists are trained to recognize the factors and scalp conditions that lead to hair loss. In the US, trichologists are non-medical professionals, and cannot prescribe medication.

Consulting both a trichologist and a doctor can yield optimal hair growth outcomes. While doctors may not specialized in hair and hair loss, they can provide valuable insight into blood work, nutrition, and medication that may assist with other diseases or disorders that contribute to hair loss. However, they may not be able to provide detailed information on the variety of options available for hair loss nor have the time to answer as many questions. Additionally, they may not be as familiar with non-prescription options that patients are increasingly seeking in their quest for natural solutions with minimal side effects. While doctors often recommend medications like Rogaine, Finasteride or Dutasteride, or Spinonolactone, many individuals prefer alternative natural treatments.