Frequently Asked Questions about Hair Loss
Below is a list of the most commonly asked question about hair restoration and hair transplant surgery. Simply click on the question to find an answer.
If you a specific hair loss question that is not listed here please call us at (908) 222-0700 or toll free at (888) HAIR-220 or fill out an online contact form.
- How common is hair loss among men and women?
- Is hair loss inherited from the mother's side?
- Can hair loss be prevented?
- Can women develop a male pattern of baldness?
- Can men develop a female pattern of baldness?
- Why is my hair loss more prevelant at the parting of my hair?
- Is pattern baldness a progressive form of hair loss?
- Does washing my hair increase may rate of hair loss?
- Is it true that you lose 100 strands of hair per day?.
How common is hair loss among men and women?
While there is no extensive research to define the frequency of male pattern baldness or female hair loss generally speaking, male pattern baldness can be expected to occur in 25% of men aged 25-30, 40% of men aged 40, and 50% of men aged 50 or more.
Is hair loss inherited from the mother's side?
The majority of hair loss in both men and women are genetic, which means hair loss is a hereditary trait and can be inherited from either the mother's or father's side.
Will the tranplanted hair ever fall out?
Hair that is transplanted from the donor area is resistant to the effects of DHT, the hormone that causes hair loss. No matter where that hair is moved to, it will maintain it's resistance to DHT and continue to grow.
Can hair loss be prevented?
The most common cause of hair loss is genetic and cannot be prevented. However there are many other possible causes, especially for women, in which hair loss is temporary and can be reversed.
There are only 2 FDA approved drugs for the prevention of hair loss - Rogaine and Propecia. While both drugs have been found to halt the onset of hair loss, they must be used topically or taken orally for the remainder of your life. In the event that medication is stopped any prevention of hair loss will be reversed and once again your genetics will dictate the amount of hair you retain.
Can women develop a male pattern of baldness?
Yes. While most women with androgenetic alopecia have a diffuse hair loss pattern all over the top and sides of the scalp as indicated in the Ludwig Classification Chart, it is possible for women to develop hair loss that looks similar to the Norwood Classification of male pattern baldness. It is however, not very common and can develop when high levels of testosterone are produced. If you experience large amounts of hair loss unexpectedly you should see a physician as it may be a symptom of a larger underlying problem.
Can men develop a female pattern of baldness?
While is is most common for men to develop a distinct pattern of hair loss with a recession of the frontal hairline and thinning of the crown area, it is possible for some men to develop a more diffuse hair loss like that of a female pattern. While there is no concrete scientific evidence it is believed that such hair loss may be caused by a hormone ratio similar to that of female baldness.
Why is my hair loss more prevelant at the parting of my hair?
Parting your hair in the same area can cause traction on the hair along side the part. Over time, such traction can pull out hairs, causing the part to look even thinner with genetic hair loss.
Many dermatologists recommend regularly changing the part in your hair, reducing the traction stress placed on hair follicles in any one particular are of the scalp allowing hair folicles to recover.
Is pattern baldness a progressive form of hair loss?
No, though male and female pattern baldness is classified in stages it does not necessarily mean that every individual will go through each stage. While there are several factors that can affect hair loss such as hormone levels and seasonal changes, it is mainly reliant on genetics. If your family has a history of a ceratin type of baldness, chances are you will experience the same degree.
Does washing my hair increase may rate of hair loss?
Unless they are done excessively, blow drying and washing your hair frequently will not cause hair loss. However, heat damaged hair is often brittle and prone to shedding. Too much heat can also permanently damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Similarly, physical damage to hair due to overaggressive shampooing or toweling can lead to a hair loss condition called traction alopecia.
Similarly, coloring hair, perming, and styling, when done properly, do not lead to hair loss.
Is it true that you lose 100 strands of hair per day?
Your hair grows and falls out according to its normal growth cycle. In this cycle, a hair follicle would grow for approximately four to five years, entering a rest stage in the fifth year. By the beginning of the sixth year, the hair strand would fall out and the growth cycle would begin again.
The average number of follicles in your scalp is between 100,000 to 150,000, 90% of which is in the growth cycle at any given time. It has been said that we shed about 100 strands of hair per day. Although the exact number of hair shed varies from person to person, new studies have indicated that such a number may be too high.