The Science of Hair Loss: How to Prevent & Regrow Lost Hair

Summary

This video delves into the causes and treatments of hair loss, focusing on male and female pattern hair loss caused by androgens. It explains the hair follicle's growth phases and the role of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in follicular miniaturization. The script reviews various treatments, including minoxidil, finasteride, low-level laser therapy, and hair transplants, discussing their effectiveness, pros, and cons. It also touches on emerging treatments like PRP and micro needling, providing a comprehensive guide for those concerned about hair loss.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The most common type of hair loss in males is male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia, which is linked to male sex hormones called androgens.
• 👩‍🦰 Females can also experience androgenic alopecia, but it is less common and has a different pattern of hair loss compared to males.
• 📚 Hair follicles go through different phases of growth, including an active growth phase (anagen), a regression phase (catagen), and a resting phase (telogen).
• 🔍 Hair loss is often due to a shortening of the growth phase, leading to the production of thinner, shorter hairs known as vellus hairs, a process called follicular miniaturization.
• 🧬 Genetics play a significant role in hair loss, with a predisposition required for androgen-dependent hair loss to occur.
• 💊 Two main treatments for hair loss are topical minoxidil, which promotes hair growth by extending the anagen phase and enlarging miniaturized follicles, and oral finasteride, which inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
• 🚫 Some potential side effects of finasteride include sexual dysfunction and gynecomastia, although these are not commonly experienced by all users.
• 🤔 Combining minoxidil and finasteride can be more effective than using either treatment alone, but discontinuation may lead to loss of regrowth.
• 🌈 Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is another treatment option that may stimulate hair growth through various mechanisms, including increased cellular activity and blood flow.
• 💰 Hair transplant is a surgical option for hair loss, involving the extraction and transplantation of follicular units from non-balding areas to balding areas of the scalp.
• 🚫 Surgical procedures like hair transplant carry risks such as infection and scarring, and are best suited for individuals with stable hair loss.
• 🔑 Early intervention in hair loss is ideal, as the sooner treatments are started, the better the chances of preventing further loss and potentially restoring some hair.

Q & A

What is the most common type of hair loss in males?

The most common type of hair loss in males is referred to as male pattern hair loss or androgenic alopecia.

What role do androgens play in hair loss?

Androgens, which are male sex hormones, are involved in producing masculine characteristics and are also part of the cause of hair loss.

How does the pattern of hair loss differ between males and females?

Females can also have androgenic alopecia, but it is less common and the pattern of hair loss is different, meaning where on the scalp the hair is lost from varies between the sexes.

What is a hair follicle and what is its function?

A hair follicle is an invagination or a downward growth of the epidermis that occurs during development. It pushes into a structure called the dermal papilla, which contains blood vessels providing nutrients for the cells at the base of the follicle, contributing to hair growth.

What are the different phases of hair follicle growth?

Hair follicles have an active growth phase (anagen), a regression phase (catagen), and a resting phase (telogen).

What is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and how does it contribute to hair loss?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent metabolite of testosterone that, when bound to the androgen receptor in the follicle, activates genes causing the transformation of a large terminal hair follicle into a smaller one, leading to hair loss.

What is the term used to describe the process where hair follicles transform from larger to smaller ones?

The process is known as follicular miniaturization.

What are the two main goals for treating hair loss?

The two main goals for treating hair loss are to prevent further hair loss and possibly restore some of what has already been lost.

What are the two most common treatments for hair loss supported by data?

The two most common treatments for hair loss with the most data to support their effectiveness are topical minoxidil and oral finasteride.

How does minoxidil work to promote hair growth?

Minoxidil is thought to promote hair growth by increasing the duration of the anagen phase, shortening the telogen phase, and enlarging miniaturized follicles. It also acts as a vasodilator, helping to maintain the vascularity and size of the dermal papilla.

What are some potential side effects of finasteride?

Some potential side effects of finasteride include sexual dysfunction such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and gynecomastia.

What is low-level laser therapy and how is it thought to stimulate hair growth?

Low-level laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses red or infrared light to stimulate hair growth, possibly through acceleration of cellular mitosis, stimulation of the mitochondria within the cells of the follicle, increasing ATP production, enhancing blood flow, or minimizing inflammation.

What is a hair transplant and how is it performed?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves the extraction of multiple follicular units from non-balding areas of the scalp, typically the occipital region, and transplanting them to areas affected by hair loss.

What are some other treatments mentioned in the script that are used to combat hair loss?

Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) and micro needling are other treatments mentioned that have been used to combat hair loss, although their effectiveness is still under study.

What should be considered before deciding on a hair transplant?

Before deciding on a hair transplant, one should consider whether they have stable or medically controlled male pattern baldness, as transplanting hair during active hair loss may not be advisable.

What is the importance of the dermal papilla in hair growth?

The dermal papilla is important because it contains the blood supply for the hair follicle, and a reduction in its size during follicular miniaturization can lead to hair loss.