Male and female hair loss pattern is a slowly developing kind of hair loss that does not result in scarring of the scalp. Hair follicles reduce in size and are eventually lost yielding in thin hair or baldness in a characteristic pattern. Pattern hair loss is one of the most common forms of hair loss that is experienced by males or females.
Pattern hair loss is caused by many factors, and they differ for males and females. Genes, hormonal imbalance, make hormones etc. are some of the factors that result in male and female hair loss patterns.
Pattern hair loss has many names like androgenic alopecia, hereditary alopecia, androgenetic alopecia, and many more. Male and female hair loss patterns have many social and psychological effects. To know more about pattern hair loss read the article below.
Causes of Male and Female Hair Loss Pattern
Many components can influence or result in pattern hair loss in males and females. Some of them are stated below.
Genetic Background
Studies prove that male and female hair loss patterns are greatly affected by a person’s genetic history. Many individuals have pattern hair loss in their hereditary. Many genes have been identified that can lead to a pattern of hair loss i.e., genes for enzyme aromatase, genes for estrogen receptors, and many unidentified genes. Some of these genes are located on the X chromosome so a male can inherit a hair loss pattern from his mother while a female can inherit it from both of her parents.
Age as a Factor of Pattern Hair Loss
Generally, you are more likely to lose hair with increasing age. Male and female hair loss pattern is most caused by advancing age. Hormonal imbalances that occur as we get old are the reason for this hair loss. There is no specific age limit after which you start losing your hair, but it is affected by many elements and is different for different individuals.
Hormones Linked Male and Female Hair Loss Pattern
Hormones play a key role in pattern hair loss. This is the reason why males are more prone to pattern hair loss than their counterparts’ females. Research have proved that an increase in androgens results in early hair loss mainly in the vertex and frontal scalp in males.
Females also contain a very small number of androgens in their body but the relation between female pattern hair loss and androgens is unclear. Many females with pattern hair loss have normal levels of androgens while others have shown increased levels of androgens. Menopause can accelerate hair loss but the relationship between pattern hair loss in females and estrogen is still unclear.
Hairstyles
Various hairstyles that exert force on your hair follicles can result in pattern hair loss. Hairdos like tight and high ponytails, cornrows, or attaching extensions to hair can cause traction alopecia and pattern hair loss. If you have thin hairs and weak hair follicles, then traction alopecia can cause hair loss that progresses into baldness. So, caring for thin hair and avoiding such hairstyles is necessary to prevent male and female hair loss patterns.
Is Male and Female Hair Loss Pattern Permanent?
Pattern hair loss results in sunken hair follicles and makes them incapable of growth. So regrowing hair on the areas that are affected by hair loss is not possible. So male and female hair loss pattern causes permanent hair loss and baldness. But some products can cause increased growth and can make them regrow back in the initial stages of pattern hair loss.
Treatment for Pattern Hair Loss
Pattern hair loss can be treated in its initial stages. Hair loss and baldness can be reduced by using various treatments and methods listed below.
Treating Pattern Hair Loss
Increase your hair growth and regrow hair in hair loss or reduce hair fall. “Minoxidil” is the most used to restore hair and decrease hair fall. Applying minoxidil to the scalp regularly can increase hair growth. It should be noted that it takes at least 6-12 months for its action.
Finasteride, spironolactone, dutasteride etc. can cause hair regrowth to some extent and reduce pattern hair loss.
Modifications in Diet
Studies have proved that deficiency of some components in your diet can cause hair loss and baldness. Iron deficiency is the most common cause, especially in women. Your doctor may prescribe you an iron supplement because of the important role of iron to increase hair growth and reduce hair loss.
Other Options to Treat Male and Female Hair Loss Pattern
Many other treatments can be performed to increase hair growth and decrease pattern hair loss. Some options include Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment. When permanent damage has occurred then a hair transplant can be a better option to restore hair in the bald regions.
A Few Takeaways
Pattern hair loss can occur both in males and in females. Most of the reasons that cause male and female hair loss pattern is common to both genders. Usually, pattern hair loss is permanent, but it can be treated. Several options are available for treatment and depend on the progression of pattern hair loss and the damage that is already done. Healthy and balanced diet, PRP treatment, and finally, hair transplants are the treatments available for pattern hair loss.