Hair Loss FAQ : The typical characteristics of male pattern baldness begin with the receding of the hairline which eventually leads to bald spots on the top of the head. Male pattern baldness also tend to affect men who possess increased sensitivity to normal levels of testosterone in the body. In individuals with androgenic hair loss, testosterone that converts to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) will trigger the interaction with hair follicles that are vulnerable to the affects of DHT, causing hair to fall out. Women can also experience hair loss due to heredity and age, but they will experience it more especially after menopause and stress. The pattern of female hair loss is different from that of men because women usually have hair loss occurring throughout their scalp while the front remains decently covered and intact.

Why does hair loss occur?

The reason for hair loss resides in the genetic predisposition of the hair follicle itself, rather than that of the scalp. Therefore, transplanted hairs will continue growing because the hair follicle keeps its original genetic coding, and thus these are the follicles that are not affected by Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is the hormone that causes male-patterned baldness. In addition, despite being moved into a formerly bald area, it still maintains its donor hair characteristics, which is to not fall out and keep regrowing hair. When DHT resistant hair from the back of the scalp is transplanted to the top, it will continue to be resistant to DHT in its new location and grow normally. Immediately after the follicular unit hair grafts are extracted and transplanted into the scalp, the surrounding tissue will begin feeding the transplanted follicle and the healing process begins. The hair shaft may also shed, but the hair follicles will stay and often go into telogen (resting) phase. It is surveyed that hair graft survival rates are nearly 100%, although about 85-90% would manifest above the skin at any given time due to cycling.

“The information on this site is solely for purposes of general patient education, and may not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your own physician for evaluation and treatment of your specific condition.”

Hair Loss FAQ — Hair loss from androgenic alopecia can progress to an advanced stage of baldness known as Norwood level 7

Have more questions? Ask Dr Umar

Why does hair loss occur?

Further Reading