Understanding Hair Loss

Throughout history, hair has represented power, prestige and confidence.  Even today, hair remains an important symbol of health, vitality and self-esteem.  Yet, according to the American Hair Loss Association, by the age of 35, two-thirds of American men will experience appreciable hair loss.  By the age of 50, approximately 85% of men have significantly thinning hair. 

Although there are many potential causes of hair loss, the most common form of hair loss--androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness)--accounts for nearly 95% of all hair loss.  Male pattern hair loss is determined by a combination of heredity and hormones, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  The tendency for hair loss can be genetically inherited from either side of the family. 

For women, hair loss is different.  Up to 40% of hair loss sufferers are women.  Although hair loss for both men and women is influenced by hormones, women generally experience thinning in no particular pattern or part of the scalp.  Also, in many cases, women experience patchy hair loss due to stress, poor nutrition, hormonal changes during pregnancy or due to certain eating disorders.  In these cases, the hair will generally grow back.  

Hair loss can affect many aspects of your life, including interpersonal and professional relationships.  At Chicago Hair Transplant Clinic, we don't think you should have to suffer through traumatic hair loss.  Due to medical and surgical advances in the last ten years, there are numerous options and solutions, including:

• Follicular Unit Transplantation Surgery:  Where your own hair is transplanted from a donor section to the hair loss area, offering a permanent, natural solution.

• Medications may offer a non-surgical option to slow or prevent further hair loss.  For example, Minoxidil spray (commonly known as Rogaine) can be applied directly to the scalp and is available with a prescription.  Minoxidil/Rogaine can be used by both men and women.  Another medicine, Finasteride (commonly known as Propecia) is available in a prescription pill; however, it is used only for men.  Often, Propecia is used in conjunction with and as a complement to surgical hair restoration.

• Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT):  Usig an FDA approved laser light on the scalp and hair follicles provides a high level of light, which is used by hair and scalp cells to assist in the normal chemical processes performed by those cells.  Laser light improves hair quality, sstrenght and thickness without surgery and is used by itself or in conjunction with other treatments.