There are a number of different conditions that can lead to hair loss, but the most common by far is alopecia. It’s estimated that more than 90 percent of all male hair loss cases have alopecia at their root; the number is a bit lower for women, but it’s still very prevalent.

Despite how common alopecia is, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about what it is and how it affects your scalp and follicles. In this post, we’re going to offer some basic information about this condition, helping you get a better sense of hair loss and its underlying causes.

Different Kinds of Alopecia

The first thing to note is that there are actually a number of different conditions that exist under the alopecia heading.

For example, there’s what’s known as involutional alopecia, which is the process by which hair gets thinner as we age. This is a simple result of the follicles getting older and becoming less productive; hairs may become shorter and fewer in number.

There are also conditions known as alopecia universalis and alopecia totalis, both of which can lead to hair loss all over the body… not just on the scalp. These are autoimmune disorders, which means the body actually attacks its own follicles, treating them as though they were foreign invaders. These two conditions are rare, but they can occur, and they bring extreme results.

But mostly, when we talk about alopecia, we’re talking about androgenetic alopecia. Or, as it’s more commonly known, male and female pattern hair loss.

About Androgenetic Alopecia

This is the condition that accounts for an overwhelming majority of male hair loss cases, and also many instances of women’s hair loss. It’s a genetic disorder, and those who experience it may start to notice their hair thinning while they’re still in their teens or early 20's. The results typically exacerbate over time and are usually characterized by a receding hairline and loss of hair at the crown of the head.

Most doctors now believe that androgenetic alopecia has a lot to do with DHT, which is a byproduct of testosterone. Too much DHT can impede your follicles from their normal growth/rest rhythm, meaning you’ll grow fewer and shorter hairs and eventually stop producing new hairs altogether.

The bad news about androgenetic alopecia is that there isn’t a cure for it; the good news is that there are a number of safe and effective treatments that can slow the effects of hair loss, and even restore you to a full and healthy head of hair.

Treating Androgenetic Alopecia

To find out which treatment is best for you, we welcome you to make an appointment with New-U Hair Restoration Specialists in Rochester, NY. We’ll be more than happy to discuss your hair loss situation and to guide you toward some treatments that fit your needs as well as your budget.

For those who catch their hair loss in its early stages, there are several promising treatments such as laser hair therapy, topical thickening agents, and nutritional supplements. Whether individually or working in tandem, these treatments can help make your scalp a clean and healthy environment for new hair growth. 

If you’ve already seen more substantial effects of androgenetic alopecia, you may want to look into options such as toppers, custom hair systems, or perhaps even a hair transplant.

The important thing to remember is that even those who have alopecia can find a way to regain their appearance and their confidence. To find out more, contact New-U and schedule an appointment with us today.