Hair loss – questions and answers

Hair loss occurs in the majority of men. As a result of the first signs of hair loss. Many men will question their father’s. Looking for answers. Socially it is considered to be an unwelcome sign of ageing. Consequently seen by many as a flaw to be cured. Hair loss can bring up many questions that need answers.

Q. Does hair loss always lead to baldness?

A. Male pattern hair loss is hereditary. From both the mother and fathers sides of the family. As a result, the hair loss pattern is also genetic. For example, from minor hairline or crown thinning. To advanced hair loss patterns.

Q. No one in my family has male pattern baldness. Are there any other hair loss causes?

A. Hair loss is not only a genetic condition. Many external factors affect hair growth. Some other hair loss causes are a side effect of certain medication, illness, infection, exposure to chemicals, scarring, stress, pulling on hair and damage to hair follicles.

Q. How quickly can male pattern hair loss occur?

Male hair loss often starts in the twenties. It is progressive and often very low. Typically takes 20-35 years for the final pattern to emerge. Half of the fifty-year-old men have lost the majority of their hair over the top of the head.

Q. Will Stressing about hair loss make me go bald faster?

Stress is certainly linked to some hair loss conditions. However, hair loss caused by stress is rarely permanent. Telogen effluvium is a form of hair loss that can be caused by severe stress. As well as other causes. A result of interruption in the hair growth cycle. Causing hair to shed. But in the long term, this process should correct itself.

Q. Can massage, exercise and other activities reverse baldness?

Very simply no they cannot reverse male pattern hair loss. Although massage and exercise, for example, can improve blood and oxygen flow around the body. the hair loss gene has been activated. Treatments can help to stabilise hair growth and balance the hair growth cycle for some.

Q. What treatments are available for male pattern hair loss?

Only three treatments have been given FDA approval for the use as a hair loss treatment for men. Results will vary from person to person. The earlier treatment is started in general the better results can be expected. Always seek professional advice before starting any treatment. Most medications and natural treatments will have side effects.

Q. If a treatment works will it grow all my hair back?

A. Treatment can stabilise male pattern hair loss. In some cases help to improve the hair growth and quality of the hair follicles. A treatment will not lower your hairline though or reverse your hair loss pattern. When starting a hair loss treatment the aim should be prevention and not cure. Often a hair loss treatment is used with a more permanent hair restoration method.

Q. How to rebuild my hairline and hair coverage?

A. The only permanent form of hair restoration is a hair transplant. That said, a hair transplant does not cure progressive hair loss. Surgical hair restoration moves genetically healthy hair follicles from one area to another. These hair follicles maintain their genetic hair growth properties and will continue to grow naturally.

Q. Can everyone have a hair transplant?

A. A full comprehensive consultation is required to assess your suitability for a hair transplant. Aspects such as age, hair loss pattern, family hair loss and your hair characteristics all need to be measured. Firstly, a hair transplant needs a strong donor area to remove hair from. Without this, a hair transplant may not be effective.

Q. Are all hair transplants the same?

Today, there are two recognised surgical hair transplant techniques used. FUT and FUE techniques. They mainly differ in donor hair management. Both use follicular unit grafting to mimic nature in the hair placement. Helping to create natural looking hair coverage. A hair transplant is a highly skilled procedure, requring medical and artistic ability to achieve the most natural results.

Q. Will a hair transplant give me a full head of hair again?

A. It is not possible to replace all the hair that has been lost. Therefore a hair transplant largely works by creating the illusion of more hair fullness. By blocking the scalp from being visible and placing enough hair density the look of fullness and a natural looking head of hair is achieved.

Q. What if my donor hair is not thick enough?

A. Traditionally the donor area is a band of hair around the back and sides of the head. This hair is genetically programmed to grow for life. In some instances. On the right candidate. Hair can be taken from other areas of the body to restore areas of hair loss. Such as using hair from the chest and beard to blend with scalp hair over the top of the head. This technique is known as Body Hair FUE.