Hereditary hair loss is the most common type of hair loss for men and women. It is genetically linked to either side, mother's or father's and men and women. While rapid hair shedding in certain areas may be an indication of genetic hair loss, it's typically more gradual and follows a particular pattern like the Norwood scale or Ludwig scale . Diffuse pattern baldness (hair loss all over the top of the scalp) can also be caused by genes.



Genetic hair loss can be treated with Propecia (finasteride) for men only and Rogaine (minoxidil) for men and women. However, to date there is no hair loss cure and reasonable expectations must be developed. Though Rogaine typically works better for the crown, it is possible that it might have some benefit for the hairline. Hair transplantation is also a viable option for select candidates . Education, research, and choosing the right hair restoration physician is vital to ensure a successful and natural looking hair transplant. Nizoral or Revita shampoo which contain the active ingredient ketoconazole has also been proving to inhibit a small amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - the hormone responsible for hereditary baldness. Thus in my opinion, Nizoral or other ketoconazole based shampoos may be worth consdering as an adjunct hair loss treatment.



There are other non-genetic causes of hair loss like Diffuse Alopecia or telogen effluvium (characterized by hair loss all over the entire scalp). Typical causes of telogen effluvium include:



• Hormonal changes in the body (thyroid disorders)

• Pregnancy or shortly thereafter

• Certain medications (anticoagulants - blood thinning drugs)

• Scalp dermatitis or other inflammation of the scalp

• Severe infections such as pneumonia

• Traumatic Stress (physical or emotional)

• Iron deficiency



Typically treating the condition causing the hair loss will reverse this hair loss process. In most cases, the majority of lost hair returns.



Other non-genetic hair loss conditions include traction alopecia (hair loss in a targeted areas most commonly in the frontal zone caused by accidental hair pulling and stress on the scalp), Alopecia Areata (bald spots in random areas of the scalp caused by an auto-immunity disorder), etc. To learn more about non-genetic causes of thinning hair, click here.



Determining the cause of your hair loss condition is vital in order to determine the proper hair loss treatment. Consulting with a dermatologist / trichologist is a good first step in determining the cause of hair loss and the best ways to treat it.



Bill Seemiller (Falceros)

Managing Publisher of this Community