The Reasons of Hair Loss (Androgenic Alopecia )

Hair Loss Reasons: 

Men lose hair primarily due to a combination of genetics, hormones, and age. The most common cause is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. Here are some key factors:

1. Genetics: If men have a family history of hair loss, they are more likely to experience it. The genetic predisposition makes hair follicles more sensitive to hormonal changes.

2. Hormones: Androgens, like testosterone, DHEA but More importantly Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone, play a significant role in male hair loss. DHT binds to hair follicles, causing them to shrink over time, leading to thinner, shorter hair until the follicles eventually stop producing hair altogether.

3. Age: As men age, hair follicles become less active, and the growth phase of hair (anagen phase) shortens. This contributes to thinner hair and slower regrowth

To Measure the amount of hair follicles that you are loosing you can Count the hairs by using this Hair Catcher.

Pathway 1: Androgens

Pathway 2: Blood Flow 

How Blood Flow Affects Hair Loss:

1. Nutrient and Oxygen Supply:

   • Hair follicles rely on blood to supply them with essential nutrients (like vitamins, minerals, amino acids) and oxygen. Reduced circulation means fewer nutrients and less oxygen are delivered, weakening the follicles and stunting hair growth.

2. Waste Removal:

   • Proper blood circulation helps remove waste products and toxins from hair follicles. Poor circulation can lead to the buildup of harmful byproducts around follicles, affecting hair growth and health.

3. Growth Factor Delivery:

   • Blood flow delivers important growth factors and hormones that regulate the hair growth cycle. Reduced circulation may result in fewer growth signals reaching the follicles, contributing to hair loss.

4. DHT Accumulation:

   • Poor circulation may exacerbate the local accumulation of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is known to shrink hair follicles and contribute to androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).

Top Methods to Improve Blood Flow and Combat Hair Loss:

1. Scalp Massage:

   • Method: Regularly massaging the scalp stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles by increasing circulation in the area.
   • Benefit: Scalp massage has been shown to help improve hair thickness by enhancing blood flow and loosening tight scalp tissues that may restrict circulation.

2. Microneedling:

   • Method: Microneedling involves using a roller or device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the scalp.
   • Benefit: This process stimulates the healing response, increases blood flow to the scalp, and boosts collagen production, which can help improve hair growth. Microneedling is often combined with topical treatments like minoxidil for better absorption.

3. Exercise:

   • Method: Cardiovascular exercise (e.g., running, cycling, swimming) improves overall blood circulation, including to the scalp.
   • Benefit: Increased heart rate and improved blood flow help deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently to hair follicles.

4. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT):

   • Method: LLLT devices use red light to stimulate hair follicles and improve blood flow to the scalp.
   • Benefit: It is thought to improve cellular activity in the hair follicles, enhancing blood flow and promoting hair regrowth.

5. Hot Towel or Heat Therapy:

   • Method: Applying a warm towel to the scalp or using a steam treatment can help dilate blood vessels and increase circulation.
   • Benefit: Heat opens up blood vessels and improves the delivery of nutrients to hair follicles.

Top Compounds to Improve Blood Flow and Combat Hair Loss:

1. Minoxidil (Topical):

   • Mechanism: Minoxidil is a vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels, allowing more blood to reach the hair follicles.
   • Benefit: This increased blood flow helps to stimulate dormant hair follicles and promote hair growth. Minoxidil is FDA-approved for treating hair loss.

2. Nitric Oxide Boosters:

   • Mechanism: Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels, improving blood flow throughout the body, including the scalp.
   • Compounds: L-arginine, L-citrulline, and beetroot extract are common supplements that increase nitric oxide production.
   • Benefit: Increased scalp blood flow can enhance nutrient and oxygen delivery to hair follicles.

3. Ginkgo Biloba:

   • Mechanism: Ginkgo biloba is known for improving circulation by increasing blood flow to various parts of the body, including the scalp.
   • Benefit: Better blood circulation can promote healthy hair growth and prevent thinning by delivering more nutrients to the follicles.

4. Peppermint Oil (Topical):

   • Mechanism: Peppermint oil has been shown to improve blood flow to the scalp due to its vasodilatory effects.
   • Benefit: Increased blood circulation can help nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth. It also has a cooling effect that stimulates blood flow.

5. Caffeine (Topical):

   • Mechanism: Caffeine blocks DHT and stimulates blood flow to hair follicles.
   • Benefit: Caffeine-containing shampoos and treatments can boost circulation and promote hair growth by increasing follicle stimulation.

6. Niacin (Vitamin B3):

   • Mechanism: Niacin helps dilate blood vessels and improves microcirculation, allowing better blood flow to the scalp.
   • Benefit: Increased blood circulation can lead to improved nutrient delivery to hair follicles, promoting healthier hair growth.

7. Ginseng:

   • Mechanism: Ginseng has vasodilating properties that improve circulation and is often used in hair loss treatments.
   • Benefit: It may help stimulate hair follicles and improve the health of the scalp by boosting blood flow.

8. Cayenne Pepper Extract (Capsaicin):

   • Mechanism: Capsaicin stimulates blood flow to the scalp by increasing circulation and has been shown to promote hair growth.
   • Benefit: When used in hair products or mixed with oils, capsaicin can help improve follicle health by promoting nutrient delivery.

Pathway 3 : Nutrition 

Nutritional deficiencies can play a significant role in hair loss. Hair is sensitive to changes in diet and overall nutrition, and certain deficiencies can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to thinning or shedding. Some common nutritional causes of hair loss include:

1. Iron Deficiency: Low iron levels, especially in cases of anemia, can reduce oxygen supply to hair follicles, weakening them and causing hair loss (telogen effluvium).

2. Protein Deficiency: Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein. A lack of dietary protein can slow hair growth, leading to thinning. Severe protein deficiency may cause the body to conserve protein by shutting down hair growth.

3. Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D helps stimulate hair follicles, and low levels may be linked to hair thinning or slower hair growth.

4. B-Vitamin Deficiency (Biotin): Biotin is essential for hair strength, and a deficiency can result in hair thinning or brittle hair. Other B vitamins like B12, riboflavin, and folate are also important for healthy hair growth.

5. Zinc Deficiency: Zinc helps with tissue growth and repair, including hair. A lack of zinc can cause hair shedding and even disrupt the structure of hair follicles.

6. Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3): These are necessary for maintaining healthy scalp and hair. A deficiency can cause dry, brittle hair and promote hair loss.

7. Vitamin A Excess/Deficiency: While vitamin A is crucial for cell growth, too much can lead to hair loss, as can a severe deficiency.

8. Vitamin C Deficiency: Vitamin C helps with collagen production, which is crucial for hair structure. It also aids iron absorption, so a deficiency can indirectly contribute to hair loss.

9. Magnesium Deficiency: Magnesium is important for overall hair health, and a deficiency can contribute to hair loss.

Consider supplementing with a multiVitamin to make sure you have a balanced nutritional profile. Here is the one I use; Nature's Multivitamin.

Pathway 4: Life style factors 

Several lifestyle factors can contribute to hair loss as well , including:

1. Stress: Chronic stress can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase.
2. Lack of Sleep: Inadequate rest can affect overall health, including hair health, potentially leading to increased hair loss.
3. Smoking: Tobacco use can impair circulation and reduce blood flow to the scalp, negatively impacting hair growth.
4. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinking can lead to nutritional deficiencies and dehydration, both of which can affect hair health.
5. Poor Hair Care Practices: Overuse of heat styling tools, harsh shampoos, and chemical treatments can weaken hair and cause breakage.

Pathway 5: Styling 

Certain hairstyles can lead to hair loss, particularly those that involve tight or constant pulling on the hair. Examples include:

1. Tight Ponytails: Pulling the hair back tightly can cause traction alopecia, weakening the hair follicles.
2. Braids: Especially when tightly braided or left in for long periods, they can put stress on the hair roots.
3. Buns: Tight buns can create similar tension as tight ponytails, contributing to hair loss.
4. Cornrows: These closely braided styles can strain the scalp and lead to hair thinning.
5. Extensions: Heavy or improperly applied extensions can pull on natural hair, leading to breakage and loss.