Some Myths About Baldness

Recent research suggests that the most common type of hair loss, male pattern baldness, can be triggered by faulty hair-making progenitor cells in the scalp. Researchers long believed that men whose hair progressively thins—starting with a receding hairline, and then stretching to the crown—lacked a sufficient number of these cells. Rather, it appears that the cells are merely unable to complete their normal development and mature to a fully-functioning state. That finding, published last month in theJournal of Clinical Investigation, could help researchers develop a treatment that reactivates and restores the malfunctioning cells.

Myth: Hair loss is passed down from your mother's side.

Not entirely true. While the primary baldness gene is on the X chromosome, which men get only from their mothers, other factors are also in play. The hereditary factor is slightly more dominant on the woman's side, but research suggests that men who have a bald father are more likely to develop male pattern baldness than those who don't.

Myth: If you're balding, you're old.

On the contrary, hair loss can strike in the teens and is common among 20- and 30-year-olds. The earlier it begins, the more severe it will likely become.

Myth: Wearing a hat strains hair follicles, causing hair to fall out.

Good news for men who rely on caps to cover their shiny crowns: They're not causing any harm. Dirty hats can, however, lead to a scalp infection, which in turn accelerates hair loss, so either make sure yours is clean or rotate frequently.

Myth: Trauma can cause hair loss.

True—with a catch. Physical or emotional stress "will never cause you to lose hair you wouldn't have lost anyway. "If the hair is not meant to be lost, it will grow back." That said, it can accelerate balding. Rapid shifts in weight—whether pounds are gained or lost—can also contribute to the likelihood of hair loss.

How to Prevent Hair Loss

Hair loss has multiple causes, including diet, mineral deficiency, medications, stress, pollution, and your genetics. Wearing helmets and caps can also increase hair loss. Up to one third of the population suffers from hair loss, and of that third, thousands are women. Whatever the cause of hair loss that might be worrying you, it's important to understand what is hair loss, how hair grows, and what you could be doing before hair loss even becomes an issue for you. In this article, you'll find out all three answers, as well as some short advice on what to do if hair loss does become an issue for you.

Take care of your hair

There are no guarantees that you can prevent hair loss that is genetically programmed or hair loss caused by factors not within your control. However, you can do the best by your hair at all stages to give it the greatest chance of staying in top condition and not leaving your head sooner than it needs to. There are a number of things you can do to take good care of your hair :

What causes hair loss?

Hair loss is believed to be primarily caused by a combination of the following:

• Aging
• Change in hormones
• Illness
• Family history of baldness
• Burns
• Trauma
• Untreated ringworm of the scalp
• Deficiency in iron or protein intake
• Excess vitamin A intake
• Rapid weight loss

However, hair loss is not caused by the following:

• Poor circulation to the scalp
• Dandruff
• Excessive hat-wearing

Generally, the earlier hair loss begins, the more severe the baldness will become.

Wash hair regularly with mild shampoo and be gentle with your hair

Hair washing can form a part of preventing hair loss as it can keep your hair and scalp clean (preventing the chances of infections, etc. that might cause hair loss), and provided you use a mild shampoo, clean hair will give the impression of more volume than dirty hair, which tends to sit flatter and more parted than clean hair.

·         Avoid brushing wet hair. This snaps off a lot of hair that could still be growing! If you must comb wet hair, use a very wide-toothed comb. Also avoid brushing hair too frequently as doing so can injure hair and increase loss. Use your fingers to undo tangles, not a comb or brush.

·         Avoid rubbing hair vigorously with a towel after washing it. This can also lead to hair breakage. Pat it dry gently instead.

          Protein-enhanced shampoos and conditioners are an eye-trick, not a hair solution. They make hair smoother and thicker temporarily because they fill in gaps on the hair shaft. However, they do not repair damaged hair, so hair that is going to fall out from poor care or other reasons, will still fall out. Shampoo does not increase hair amount either. When your hair is dried, use a soft-bristled brush to brush it.

What are the different types of baldness?

Baldness can be classified into various types, depending on the cause. Several of the many different types of baldness include the following:

• Female-pattern baldness
  Although less common, female-pattern baldness differs from that of male-pattern baldness in that the hair generally thins all over the head, but the frontal hairline is maintained. Female-pattern baldness rarely results in total hair loss.
  
• Male-pattern baldness
  Male-pattern baldness usually is a hereditary condition. The condition may begin at any age. Hair loss often begins on the front, sides, and/or on the crown of the head. Some men may develop a bald spot or just a receding hair line, while others may lose all of their hair.
  
• Alopecia areata
  This hair loss disorder is characterized by sudden loss of hair in one particular area, which grows back after several months. However, if all body hair is suddenly lost, regrowth may not occur. The cause of this type of hair loss is unknown.
  
• Toxic alopecia
  Toxic alopecia may occur following a high fever or severe illness. Certain medications, especially thallium, high doses of vitamin A, and retinoids, may cause toxic alopecia. Medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, and after giving birth may also trigger toxic alopecia. The condition is characterized by temporary hair loss. Also, some cancer medications can cause hair loss.
  
• Scarring alopecia
  Scarred areas may prevent the hair from growing back. Scarring may occur from burns, injury, or x-ray therapy. However, other types of scarring that may cause hair loss can be caused by diseases such as lupus, bacterial or fungal skin infections, lichen planus, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, or skin cancer.
  
• Trichotillomania (hair pulling)
  Hair pulling, a habit most common among children, may cause hair loss.
  
  •                 

Treatment For Baldness:

Specific treatment for baldness will be determined by your physician based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• Extent of the condition
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies
• Expectation for the course of the disease
• Your opinion or preference

Most forms of baldness have no cure. Some types of baldness will disappear on their own. Treatment may include:

• Certain medications to promote hair growth (such as minoxidil and Arganrain)
• Corticosteroid injections (when treating alopecia areata)
• Treating any underlying condition or disease
• Hair transplants
• Scalp reduction
• Skin lifts and grafts