Hair Loss Types
Androgenetic Alopecia
A type of hair loss from thinning and shortening of scalp hairs over time. It is also known as male and female pattern hair loss. It is the most common type of hair loss affecting both men and women. It starts in the mid to late 40’s but can begin earlier in life. Genetics likely play a part from androgens (sex hormones), such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), binding to its receptors on the scalp leading to miniaturization and thinning of the hair follicles.
Telogen Effluvium
This is hair loss that leads to excessive shedding of hairs. It is thought to be a hair cycling disorder where the hair follicles are prematurely kicked into the shedding (or telogen phase). This type of hair loss can occur at any age and is seen in both men and women. Possible triggers include emotional stress and physical stress such as a recent illness, surgery, and medications such as birth control.
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
This hair loss is commonly seen in men and women of color. It is due to the body’s immune system attacking the hair follicles. If not treated, the end result is permanent destruction of the hair follicles. It commonly starts on the vertex scalp (top of scalp) and spreads outward eventually attacking the hairs on top and sides of the scalp. It is often seen in women in their 40’s and up but can begin earlier in life.
Lichen Planopilaris
Lichen planopilaris hair loss is due to the body’s immune system attacking hair follicles. The end result is permanent destruction of the hair follicles if it is not treated. It often involves the eyebrows and other hairs on the body. It is usually seen in women in their 40’s and up but can begin earlier in life.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
This form of alopecia is a subtype of lichen planopilaris (LPP) that results in hair loss in the frontal scalp causing recession of the entire hair line. This leaves the front of the scalp completely bald and scarred. Similar to LPP, it often involves the eyebrows and other body hairs.
Traction Alopecia
A type of hair loss resulting from hair styles that put excess tension on the hair follicles. It is often seen on the frontal scalp and temples. Hair styles such as braids, weaves, and ponytails commonly cause this type of hair loss.
Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss resulting from immune cells attacking hair follicles leading to circles of bald patches on the scalp. This condition can spread to involve the entire scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair.
Hair Treatment Ingredients
Minoxidil
An FDA-approved medicine for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. It is thought to work by increasing blood flow and lengthening the growth phase (anagen) of the hair follicle. It can be applied to the scalp topically or taken as a pill.
Finasteride
This is a medication that blocks testosterone from being converted to its active form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The body uses DHT to cause thinning of hair follicles. There are two (2) enzymes responsible for converting testosterone into its active form. The enzymes are type I and II alpha reductase. Finasteride blocks the type II enzyme. It can be applied to the scalp topically or taken as a pill.
Dutasteride
Dutasteride is similar to finasteride, but it blocks both types of the enzymes (type I &II) that convert testosterone to its active form. It has been shown to be more effective than finasteride. It can be applied to the scalp topically or taken as a pill.
Spironolactone
A medication that is anti-androgen (hormones that promote male characteristics). It reduces testosterone production and blocks its negative effects on hair follicles. It works well to treat androgenetic alopecia in women. It is not recommended for use in men.
Biotin
A vitamin that is also known as vitamin B7. It plays an important role in protein production. A protein that biotin supports is keratin, which is key for healthy skin and nails. It is found in many hair loss supplements.
Vitamin D
This vitamin is important in maintaining healthy levels of calcium and potassium in the body. It is also necessary for the healthy growth of hair follicle keratinocytes (skin cells). In diseases such as Rickets type II where patients develop vitamin D resistance, they often end up with hair loss not just of the scalp but the entire body.
Zinc
This is an element often found in meats and fish. It plays an important role in the maintenance of healthy hair. Patients who do not have enough zinc often develop hair loss. After taking zinc, the hair grows back.
Iron
Plays an important role in the development of healthy red blood cells. These cells carry nutrients to the hair follicles. Having low iron levels has been associated with shedding hair.
Hair Texture Types
A curl pattern refers to the shape and structure of the natural curls or waves in a person’s hair.
There are four (4) main types of curl patterns and three subtypes under each of the main types. Within each subtype is subtype a, b, and c which shows the degree of curl within that type. The higher the subtype, the tighter the curl.
It is important to know your curl pattern or type because it plays a role in the type of products that are best for your hair.
Type 1
Straight hair.
Type 2
Wavy hair.
Type 3
Curly hair
Type 4
Coily hair
