Androgenic Alopecia, commonly known as baldness, is basically the continuous loss of hair. Although the term refers to any part of the body, it is mainly used to talk about the loss of hair on the head.
This balding occurs mostly because we suffer biologic changes (promoted by our genes), related to a derivative of testosterone, which wakens our hair; hence why men suffer more frequently than women.
There are many others factors that influence hair loss, such as stress, medical side effects, or poor nutrition.
Typically, hair grows and falls, (or we cut it off) in a regular cycle. The problem arises when in some cases, the cycle is stalled and hair cannot regenerate by itself, leaving the area empty and bare.
Contrary to popular belief, the condition affects almost everyone, but not at the same degree. Currently, 8 in 10 men over the age of 21 show signs of balding, and more than half of males over 40 have a “depopulated crown”.
On the other hand, only 16% of women are affected, and severe cases are rare.
Now that we know what alopecia is and what happens when it comes knocking on our door, let’s see how we can avoid rapid hair loss.
It is impossible to restore hair which has lost its ability to regenerate, so the main solutions are to either introduce new hair in its place, or avoid its fall through preventive care.
It is important to see a specialist when your hair begins to show worrying signs. Specialists, like Victor Salagaray, recommends that we look for hairs on our pillow as a good indicator.
When trying to prevent hair loss, it is also important to use products which are suitable for our particular set of hair.
Another good habit is to treat our hair gently by avoiding careless brushing or rubbing it too hard after a shower.
Hairdryers can also do damage if set on highest temperature. It is best to use moderate power and avoiding too hot air.
If these preventive solutions fail to stop the hair loss, it is perhaps time to seek an expert’s help and consider one of the many treatments available, such as slowing the process with specific creams or gels, or repopulating areas through grafting.
