Understanding Alopecia
The term Alopecia is used widely in our industry and it is often under estimated. Alopecia means hair loss, however, there are several types of Alopecia:
- Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common form of Alopecia, affecting 50% of men and 35% of women worldwide. This pattern is relative to the area of baldness at the front, top, and crown of the scalp. The hair along the occipital ridge is permanent hair. The loss starts when the hormone, Testosterone, is activated to a skin enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. Once merged, Dihydrotestosterone is created at the base of the follicle, which cuts off essential blood flow and nutrients that a hair needs to grow. If left untreated, permanent balding occurs.
- Alopecia Areata is a form of hair loss that develops in patchy appearances and occurs suddenly. The size of the hair loss areas vary and can spread rapidly.
- Alopecia Totalis is a form of hair loss where an individual may lose all of the hair on their head.
- Alopecia Universalis is a form of hair loss where all follicles on the body are affected; eyebrows, arms, legs, arm pits, etc.
- Traction Alopecia is a form of hair loss that is developed by the overuse of tight hair styles, where a follicle becomes weak and eventually dies from lack of blood supply to the area.
If you are experiencing any type of Alopecia, consult with a hair restoration expert before the condition worsens.
Learn about how laser hair therapy can be used to treat Alopecia.
