Breaking Down DHT Hair Loss
Posted by Lark B on
According to a government study, androgenetic alopecia or DHT hair loss affects around 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States alone. This baldness pattern is very common, especially among men and at least 50% of them are likely to develop it after the age of 50. Most people struggle to admit that they experience considerable anxiety when faced with DHT hair loss. Knowing what it is and how it works can help ease some of the anxiety involved and approach the problem reasonably.
What is DHT and How Does it Influence Hair Loss?
Dihydrotestosterone is an androgen hormone found in both men and women. Androgen hormones have many functions and influences biologically male characteristics like increased muscle mass, deeper voice, and hair growth. DHT has a big negative impact on hair growth. However, the reasons and causes aren't entirely clear.
Researchers have determined that DHT attaches itself to the androgen hormone receptors at the hair follicle and causes them to shrink down. This doesn't just affect the thickness and texture of the hair, but also its growth cycle. Shrinking follicles shorten the growth period of the hair cycle known as anagen. This decreases hair length over time so you have shorter strands without cutting.
Reducing the length of the anagen phase increases the length of the telogen phase, which is when the hair follicle doesn't facilitate growth. This problem grows worse over time until there's no hair growth and clear bald areas. This also weakens the hair strands because thinner hair is more vulnerable to breakage.
How Does DHT Affect Men?
When DHT causes hair loss in men, it is called male pattern baldness. It is a very common sign of the problem and can manifest at almost any age, especially if an individual's family has a tendency for hair loss. Some people notice signs like excessive hair loss, receding hairlines, etc., in their teen years. Around 40% of men experience male pattern baldness in their mid to late 30s.
The problem starts with thinning hair on the crown of the head, along the hairline, and around the temples. It often resembles a horseshoe or an inverse ‘U' shape. Men are left with a ring of hair around the sides and back of the hair.
How Does DHT Affect Men?
Male pattern baldness gets a lot of attention because it is so visible and prevalent. But this doesn't mean there's no female pattern of baldness. Women have low levels of androgenic hormones, and inbalance in or sensitivity to these hormones can trigger female pattern of baldness. It manifests differently in women than in men so you should be on the lookout for different kinds of signs. In women, hair loss happens because hair becomes thin and eventually stops growing. Most don't experience a receding hairline or the ‘U' shape pattern described above. Women also notice their hair part has become wider and less even, which is a clear indication of hair loss. You might notice your ponytails or braids are thinner due to thinning hair.
What are The Causes?
In most cases, DHT hair loss occurs if an individual has a genetic predisposition towards it. Hormone imbalance or sensitivity can cause trigger hair loss, along with some other skin conditions. Excessive stress, depression, lack of proper nutrition, and poor hair care can lead to hair loss. Irritation and fungal infections on the scalp also lead to excessive hair loss, but this condition isn't related to DHT.
What are the Solutions?
If your hair loss is related to DHT, you can invest in DHT blocker like Finasteride. These solutions can slow down, and in some cases, reverse hair loss. The medication reduces the prevalence of the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. However, it is important to take note of all the side effects involved because this is an essential hormone that impacts several body functions.
There are alternatives available if you have thinning hair or bald spots, but don't want to consume any medication for it. A good-quality, well-fitted wig can disguise the baldness effectively. You can also use hair fibers to add volume to thinning areas, which give your hair dimension and disguises bald spots. Hair fibers are both quick and effective so you don't need to experiment with other solutions.
If you're worried about thinning hair on your head, we at Hair 2.0 recommend our natural keratin fiber solution. Want to know more? Contact our customer care for queries or browse through our website for information on different products.