Hair loss can have an overwhelming impact on a person’s confidence and self-image. Unfortunately, hair loss is an inevitable outcome for many people who see it running in their families. But what causes hereditary hair loss, and is there any way to prevent or slow it?
At Balance Hair Restoration, Dr. Pramit Malhotra and our team of experts can help you learn more about hereditary hair loss and help you find the right way to help you slow it down. The earlier you start hair restoration treatment, the more effective it will be.
What Is Hereditary Hair Loss
Hereditary hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia. Pattern baldness. Though the condition has many names, what exactly is it?
It’s the most common form of hair loss affecting millions of men—and women, to a lesser extent—worldwide. It is typically caused by genetics and aging.
Most men begin to experience hereditary hair loss by the time they are in their 50s or 60s, with some men starting as early as their late 20s. It’s typically characterized by a receding hairline, then significantly thinning hair on the crown and sides of the head. Thinning can gradually lead to total baldness in some cases. Unfortunately, without treatment, hereditary hair loss is permanent.
Androgenetic Alopecia Causes
While environmental and genetic factors can contribute to androgenetic alopecia and its severity, more often than not, it boils down to family history and your individual genes.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a type of androgen hormone, is often to blame for the impact of hereditary hair loss. DHT is derived from testosterone, and in unusually high amounts, it can exaggerate hereditary hair loss by shrinking hair follicles and impeding the scalp’s ability to maintain a healthy amount of hair.
Too much DHT can shorten your hair’s growth cycle as well, making the hair appear thinner and prone to breakage.
Treatments for Hereditary Hair Loss
Is hereditary hair loss permanent? While the short answer is yes, androgenetic alopecia is permanent, and it’s not a condition that cannot be cured. However, there are a variety of treatments to help slow or reverse its effects.
Supplements
Biotin—This B vitamin is an effective DHT blocker that helps decrease hair loss and promote hair growth. It can be found in hair growth supplements.
Vitamins B12 & B6—These B vitamins also work similarly to biotin for hair growth; they can also improve scalp health.
Diet
Another important factor aiding in the health of your hair is your diet. Include a variety of vitamin and mineral-rich foods in your diet every day for healthier hair, skin, and nails. Try including food rich in biotin, B vitamins, and lean proteins, and avoid too much sugar.
Medical Treatments
At Balance Hair Restoration, we have plenty of treatments that use medications, lasers, and other therapies to help slow hair loss. These less-invasive techniques are often most effective when you start them early in the hair loss process.
Hair Transplantation
When hereditary hair loss becomes a significant problem, hair transplant is often the best solution. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is an effective technique for hair rejuvenation. Hair follicles are harvested from a donor area, typically the back and sides of the scalp. These hair grafts are then implanted in areas where fullness is needed.
Schedule Your Consultation with Balance Hair Restoration Today
Ready to take control of your hair restoration journey? At Balance Hair Restoration, our expert plastic surgeons are committed to providing the best results with the industry’s newest and most effective treatments. Interested in learning more?
Partner with Ann Arbor’s best hair loss solution providers by contacting us today or call (734) 913-5100. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
