" There are two effective ways to stop and reverse genetic hair loss. First, lower the dihydrotestosterone levels in hair follicles. Second, ... " Henry Tianus
The average adult has between 90,000 and 150,000 hair follicles on their scalp. People with blonde hair have an average of 150,000 hair follicles and those with red hair have an average of 90,000 hair follicles while people with brown or black hair have around 100,000 to 110,000 hair follicles on the scalp.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair grows about half an inch per month or 6 inches per year. Your hair grows faster in warm weather. Just like regular exercise, the warm weather increases the blood flow to hair follicles. Blood contains nutrients to keep hair follicles active. Rather than growing continuously, hair grows in four stages over a three-to-five year cycle.
1. Anagen (Growing) Stage
During the anagen stage, the cells at the hair root are dividing rapidly to form a new hair. In healthy individuals who don't suffer from hair loss, this new hair will grow continuously at about a half inch per month for 3 to 5 years. In a healthy scalp, up to 90% of hair follicles are in the anagen stage.
2. Catagen (Transitional/Intermediate) Stage
At the end of the growing stage, the deeper part of hair follicle called papilla starts to collapse and the hair will fall off during this two-week transitional period. Up to 3% of hair follicles are usually in the the catagen stage.
3. Telogen (Resting) Stage
During the resting stage, the hair follicle rests and hair stops growing for about 100 days. In a healthy scalp, up to 15% of hair follciles are in telogen stage.
4. Exogen (Shedding) Stage
Some scientists include the exogen stage in the telogen stage. During the shedding stage, after the hair falls out and the hair follicle will start grow hair. In average, up to 100 telogen hairs are shed daily. Once the shedding happened, the hair follicles will re-enter the anagen stage. In those affected by hair loss, the hair follicles often struggle to grow hair after shedding.
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Hair Loss Mechanism
At any given time, about 85% to 90% of hairs on the scalp are at anagen stage. It is normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day. It is more likely that hair loss or thinning hair is caused by the high number of dormant hair follicles and the disrupted anagen (growing) stage. Most people affected by genetic hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) experience a phase when the hair follicles can only grow baby hairs, the short and fine hairs unlike the hairs that they used to have.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a powerful sex hormone that's naturally present in both men's and women's body. For yet unknown reason, DHT adversely affects the hair growth cycle in some people. It shortens the anagen (growing) stage and lengthens the telogen and exogen (resting/shedding) stages of the hair. Dihydrotestosterone increases the number of dormant hair follicles. Over time, it causes hair follicles to shrink until they can no longer grow hair. Due to higher dihydrotestosterone levels in their body, men are more likely to suffer from hair loss, nevertheless, DHT can cause thinning hair in women too (Female Pattern Baldness).
How to Stop Hair Loss
There are two effective ways to stop and reverse genetic hair loss:
1. Lower The Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Levels in Hair Follicles
Finasteride and alfatradiol are prescribed drugs to reduce DHT levels in the body. Due to the potential side effects including erectile dysfunction, anxiety and depression; seek a medical advice before using any of these drugs.
For a safe alternative to finasteride and alfatradiol, a study published in the International Journal of Trichology suggests that topical application of caffeine prevents hair follicles from shrinking. Another study showed that rosemary extract reduces dihydrotestosterone levels in hair follicles by up to 94.6%.
2. Stimulate Hair Growth
Hair follicles need nutrients to grow hair. Minoxidil, niacinamide, peppermint and rosemary essential oils have been shown to revitalise hair follicles. Studies suggest that peppermint oil is almost twice more effective than minoxidil in stimulating hair growth. Menthol, the main active compound in peppermint oil increases the blood circulation in the scalp.
It is crucial to treat hair loss as early as possible. When the hair loss has reached an advanced stage, it is not possible to fully restore the hair density.
Treatment for Thinning Hair and Hair Loss
There has been growing number of people who experienced the adverse effects of finasteride and minoxidil. For those who can't minoxidil and finasteride due to the effects, try Anti-Hair Loss Serum. This overnight hair growth serum has been formulated with caffeine, niacinamide, panthenol, menthol and rosemary essential oil to restore hair density and thicken individual hair. It took 15 years to develop Anti-Hair Loss Serum. It is highly recommended for both men and women.
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Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Specialist with 2 decades experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list.
Scientific Sources: (1) Role of Caffeine in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia, International Journal of Trichology, 2012 Jul-Sep, 4(3): 185–186. (2) A pilot study evaluating the efficacy of topically applied niacin derivatives for treatment of female pattern alopecia, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2005 Dec, 4(4): 258-61. (3) Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata, Archives of Dermatology, 1998 Nov, 134(11): 1349-52. (4) Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs, Toxicology Research, 2014 Dec, 30(4): 297–304. (5) Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract. Phytotherapy Research, 2013 Feb, 27(2): 212-7. (6) Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial, Skinmed (Dermatology for the Clinician), 2015 Jan-Feb, 13(1):15-21.