Androgenic alopecia, also known as hereditary baldness, is a condition where hair loss occurs due to hormonal and genetic factors. These factors make hair follicles sensitive, halting their growth and causing them to fall out easily.
Androgenic baldness typically appears after puberty as a receding hairline in men or thinning hair in women. It can be treated with active ingredients such as minoxidil and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and some may opt for hair transplantation.
What is androgenic baldness
Androgenic baldness is a condition where hair loss occurs due to genetic factors that make hair follicles sensitive and weak, leading to easy hair loss. It usually appears after puberty in men and can also affect women, resulting in thinning hair all over the head.
What are the signs of androgenic baldness
The symptoms of androgenic baldness differ between men and women. In men, baldness appears as a gradual thinning of the hairline, eventually leading to baldness at the crown. In women, bald patches appear as a general thinning of the entire head.
What are the causes of androgenic baldness
Hair loss resulting from hereditary baldness is caused by hormonal and genetic factors, and is called androgenic alopecia because it is affected by hormones. These hormones are present in both men and women, but in different amounts.
Age increases the likelihood of developing hereditary baldness, often in men after puberty and in women after menopause. Other factors that increase the risk include autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata and thyroid disorders.
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron and zinc deficiencies, also increase the risk of baldness and hair loss. Psychological stress, tension, and the use of certain medications and high doses of vitamin A can also contribute to this.
Treating Hereditary Baldness at Home
Treatment for hereditary baldness involves several methods. A doctor may prescribe a solution containing minoxidil, which is applied to the scalp daily and massaged in thoroughly. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly after application.
The doctor may prescribe finasteride, available in pill form and taken daily. In some cases, a hair transplant may be necessary, where the doctor takes skin grafts from areas of the body with healthy hair and transplants them to the bald areas of the scalp.
Medications that treat hereditary baldness
- Melanoxidil spray.
- Loniten tablets.
- Perfectodil solution.
- Minoxidil Forte Gel.
- Performa Extra Strength solution.
- AIG Minoxidil lotion.
Natural ways to treat baldness
- Rosemary oil stimulates hair growth and can therefore be used to treat cases of hereditary baldness.
- Garlic contains sulfur and vitamins that nourish hair follicles.
- Using aloe vera gel is effective in moisturizing the scalp.
- Onion juice improves blood circulation.
- Caffeine (coffee) reduces hair loss when used as a topical rinse.
How to prevent hereditary baldness
It's difficult to prevent hereditary baldness because it's a genetic condition linked to genes. However, there are some effective ways to maintain strong and healthy hair for a long time, including alternating between nutritional supplements that support hair health and following a healthy diet.
Consuming sufficient protein is essential for maintaining natural hair growth. This can be achieved by eating meat, chicken, fish, grains, and nuts.
Tips to Reduce Hair Loss
Avoid certain habits to maintain healthy hair, including:
- Avoid pulling your hair and tight hairstyles, as these increase the likelihood of hair loss and thinning.
- Avoid applying perfumed hair creams.
- Avoid excessive use of heat styling tools like hair dryers and straighteners.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hereditary and non-hereditary baldness
Hereditary baldness is caused by genetic factors that make hair follicles thin and weak, leading to gradual hair loss. Non-hereditary baldness usually appears as a temporary reaction to controllable factors such as stress or poor nutrition.
When does hereditary baldness begin to appear
Hereditary baldness may begin to appear in men in their twenties or thirties and in women after menopause.
Can hereditary baldness be cured permanently
There is no permanent cure for hereditary baldness, but it can be managed and the resulting hair loss reduced.
When does hereditary baldness stop in women
Hereditary baldness in women does not stop completely, but hair loss decreases significantly after menopause.
Article Summary
Hereditary baldness is a condition in which hair loss occurs and can affect both men and women due to genetic factors that make hair follicles sensitive and thin, causing hair to fall out easily.
Treatment involves several methods. The treating physician may prescribe a spray containing minoxidil, which is applied to the scalp daily and massaged in well, along with taking nutritional supplements that stimulate hair growth.