Why me – this is one of the most obvious questions that strike the heads of people dealing with alopecia. They spend hours reading the science behind balding and also discuss various treatment options with medical professionals to cure their patterned hair loss.  

Sadly, alopecia or hair loss is an alarmingly common clinical condition. In fact, nearly 2% of the global population is known to have faced this issue at some point in their life. If you are also losing the thickness of your hair or are worried about receding hairline, it’s important to understand the root cause of alopecia, which deeply lies in genetic predispositions. 

In today’s blog, we’ll share the common symptoms and causes of genetic hair loss, aka androgenic alopecia. We’ll also share some of the best treatment options to beat this disease and reclaim your lost confidence. Let’s get started. 

Understanding Androgenic Alopecia and Its Symptoms

Androgenic alopecia, more commonly known as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) and Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL), is known to be triggered by genetic and hormonal factors. In this case, the hair loss progression is gradual and continuous, and with age and time, one can notice a significant reduction in their hair density. Some common symptoms of androgenic alopecia are:

• Thinning crown (top of the head)
• Fragile hair
• Receding hairline
• Patchiness and/or visible scalp
• Miniaturisation or regression of hair follicles, where you notice slow hair growth and a noticeable reduction in hair volume

When dealing with this condition, one can notice many hair strands falling out while shampooing or combing their hair. Also, the scalp becomes visible, especially under light sources or while doing some specific hairstyle or hair parting. This becomes very distressing, making people seek solutions such as Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to treat their hair problems.

Genetic Factors of Hair Loss – What Causes Hereditary-Patterned Baldness?

As aforesaid, in androgenic alopecia, the hair follicles become miniaturised, which causes progressive hair loss and reduction in hair density and scalp coverage. 

As per studies, genetic predisposition plays a significant role in hereditary hair loss. Though the topic is complex and under research, it’s said that pattern baldness involves more than one gene. Variations in specific genes, precisely those that impact hormone regulation and hair follicle sensitivity to androgens, lead to the development of genetic hair loss. These genes are often inherited by parents, and when topped with nutritional deficiency and environmental factors, lead to the development of androgenic alopecia.

To put it simply, many genetic factors influence hair growth, and so far, there’s no known solution to prevent hereditary hair loss. 

Best Treatment Options for Androgenic Alopecia

It’s a sad fact that there’s no cure for genetic hair loss. However, this doesn’t mean that all hope is gone. There are many treatment options available that can stimulate hair growth and help you manage your symptoms. From topical medications to invasive and non-invasive solutions like Scalp Micropigmentation, we have curated a list of effective treatments that can work in your favour:

Topical Minoxidil

Australians have been using minoxidil since 1970. It’s a topical solution that works to strengthen the hair follicles and slow down hair loss effectively. With continuous use, one can observe a positive change in their hair thickness. The solution is available in various strengths (mild to extra strength), however, the results can vary from one person to another. 

Scalp Micropigmentation

Also known as hair tattoo, Scalp Micropigmentation is a non-invasive and painless procedure that can be used to cover bald patches or thinning hair with relative ease. In SMP, a skilled hair tattoo artist injects natural pigments into the scalp – the idea is to mimic the appearance of natural and thicker-looking hair. 

Anyone who’s facing hair loss due to male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss can benefit from Scalp Micropigmentation. When done right, this cosmetic procedure can positively impact one’s self-esteem and confidence without having to route for expensive surgical procedures. 

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP is yet another effective solution to kiss goodbye to hair loss and stimulate hair growth. 

In PRP therapy, the patient’s own blood is used to reduce premature hair shedding, resulting in fuller and dense-looking hair. In the procedure, a small amount of blood is drawn, which is then processed to isolate platelet-rich plasma, and later injected into the affected or balding scalp. Do note that PRP isn’t a cure for androgenic alopecia but it can be used to promote hair growth and maintain the results achieved over time. 

Hair Transplantation Surgery

The last solution on our list is the surgical hair transplant. Surgeons start this hair restoration process by extracting healthy hair follicles from the backs and/or sides of the scalp (the spots where hair is less likely to fall out) and transferring them to balding areas. All hair follicles are strategically moved on the hairless patches, typically on the top of the head, in a way that they receive enough blood flow to heal successfully. Do note that the process is expensive and might take several hours to complete. 

We hope this blog was useful in explaining alopecia genetics, and how you can manage the symptoms to dumb down the emotional toll of hair loss. If you are facing genetic hair loss, consult with a professional and seek the most suitable option for your case.