What is hereditary baldness?
Hereditary-pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss. Though many published works are stating that hereditary-pattern baldness stems from the maternal genes, further studies say this is more myth than fact.
It may be common to find hereditary-pattern baldness in men, but women also suffer from it. Hair loss for men is typically known as “male-pattern baldness” and for women “androgenetic alopecia.” Historically men begin to lose hair around the temples and the crown. Over time the two areas converge, creating a larger bald patch. Women typically will lose hair all over and will be more noticeable on the part-line.
What determines if you’re going to be bald?
Hereditary-pattern baldness is a perfect fusion of genetics, aging, and hormone levels. Everyone will experience hair loss. It’s natural to lose up to 100 hairs per day. Just seeing dead follicles on the pillow after you’ve slept and in the sink, after you’ve brushed your hair, isn’t enough to determine hair loss.
Males receive the X chromosome from their mothers, which carries the androgen receptor. It’s no wonder why the myth of looking at the fate of one’s maternal grandfather’s hair is a belief. According to a professor of dermatology, Dr. Amy McMichael at Wake Baptist Medical Center, “Androgenetic hair loss can come from either side of the family.”
Many factors can determine hair loss. Though genetics can still have a stronger pull in the hair loss direction, it’s still not a 100% chance. The other factors, like stress, medication, and diet, are not to be forgotten when tracing the origins of hair loss.
What age does the average man begin to experience hair loss?
While some teens may begin to experience hair loss right after puberty, most people will not experience hair loss until their 20s and 30s. According to Dr. Alan Bauman of Bauman Medical Group, “Hair loss can occur twenty percent in your 20s, 30 percent in your 30s and so on, including any time after puberty”.
Is there a cure for hair loss?
As a preventive measure, when some men and women first notice they are losing hair, minoxidil (Rogaine®) has been the answer. It can help slow the hair loss process and even promote regrowth. The results may vary with men and women; but, it’s warned that if someone stops using the medication, they may begin to lose any hair retained and restored. There are other treatments for hair loss, but the only proven permanent solution is hair transplant. With hair transplants, the hair follicles are permanently restored.
Contact us today!
If you’d like to get a head start on restoring your hair, begin your journey today. Contact Dr. Varona, and he’ll start you on a treatment to restore your hair.