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Hair Loss Causes
There can be a number of reasons for the onset of hair loss.
It is always a good idea to check with your doctor to make
sure there aren't any medical reasons. However, Androgenetic
Alopecia or pattern baldness causes 95% of all hair loss.
This type hair loss is driven by DHT (DiHydroTestosterone).
Hair follicles have receptors for DHT which allow the DHT
to attach itself to the hair follicle shrinking it and eventually
keeping it from producing more hair.
The DHT Factor
The most
widely accepted theory of what causes Androgenetic Alopecia
is the DHT factor. DHT is produced when the enzyme 5 alpha
reductase combines with testosterone. DHT then attaches it
self to the hair follicle eventually causing it to stop producing
hair. Apparently, the inherited genetic trait for hair loss,
makes some hair follicles more susceptible to DHT.
In addition to this DHT factor there are other secondary factors
that may also contribute to the hair loss. While they may
not cause pattern baldness, they may affect how susceptible
the hair follicle is to the effects of DHT. By being aware
of these additional factors, we can increase our chances of
preventing and halting hair loss through the blocking of DHT.
Secondary Factors
- Excessive Sebum
The accumulation of sebum in the scalp is believed to block
hair follicles and contribute to hair loss. Recently, a
group of Japanese researchers reported a correlation between
excessive sebum in the scalp and hair loss. Excessive sebum
often accompanying thinning hair is attributed to an enlargement
of the sebaceous gland. They believe excessive
sebum causes a high level of 5-alpha reductase which
is then converted to DHT and also to pore clogging which
would lead to malnutrition of the hair root.
- Poor Circulation
The lack of good blood circulation to the scalp may contribute
to hair loss. When the hair root is well supplied with blood
it is stronger and less susceptible to the shrinking effects
caused by DHT. Good blood flow strengthens and rejuvenates
the small blood vessels in the scalp. Stronger blood vessels
Increases the longevity of the hair follicles specially
in thinning areas and encourages hair growth.
- Aging
There is evidence that the production of the enzyme 5 alpha
reductase is triggered by age. Many scientist believe that
the free radical damage caused by our continuous exposure
to pollutants, stress, and various stimuli is what accelerates
the aging process in many of us. This aging process is what
triggers the beginnings of hair loss. If we can keep our
bodies from aging prematurely, then we can at least delay
hair loss. Also, in a recent study of emu oil's anti-aging
properties, researchers applied emu oil to the skin of depilated
mice. After two weeks they found a 20% increase of the skin
thickness. This is important because simply increasing skin
thickness can smooth out wrinkles. And they also found that
the hair follicles in the mice were much more robust and
that 80% of telogen resting hair follicles were activated
and began growing hair again.
- Daily Stress
While it is widely accepted that chemical treatments, pollution,
hair-styling products, etc. DO NOT cause hair loss (Androgenetic
Alopecia), they can dry and weaken all the hair increasing
breakage and making the hair loss seem worse.
The Solution
Based on what we learned about the primary and secondary
factors affecting hair loss. We know that to prevent, slow
down and even stop hair loss we must:
The Strategy
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