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Hair Loss
Modern Science has determined that hair grows in three genetically-programmed phases; there
is the growth phase, the resting phase and the shedding phase. The growth phase (Figure 1), medically termed the Anagen phase, effects over 85% of the hair on your scalp at any given time.
 Recent clinical findings suggest that during the Anagen phase, hair grows at a rate of 1/2 an inch per month, with an
accelerated growth rate during the summer time, and a slower rate of growth in the winter. The growth phases normally last four to five years long. When the growth phases end, the hair shaft undertakes a rest period, the Catagen phase (Figure 2), that lasts only a few months and then sheds.
 The new growth cycle occurs in the third stage, called the Telogen (shedding) phase (Figure 3). Utilizing a three-month shedding period, doctors explain that a new hair shaft begins to grow from the root embedded inside the hair follicle, pushing out the old hair shaft as it grows. Clinical studies explain that when the shedding cycle significantly exceeds the new hair growth cycle, hair loss will occur.
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| Normal Hair Loss |
| Doctors explain that the average individual experiences the loss of 50 to 100 hairs each day. As hairs are shed at the end of their growth cycle, some degree of hair loss should be considered natural. Keeping in mind that the
average scalp holds over 100,000 hairs, the loss of 100 hairs per day is not considered excessive or abnormal.
Studies indicate that most hair loss is normal and part of everyone's genetic calendar. If you feel your daily hair loss is excessive you should first consult your doctor and have a thorough diagnosis performed.
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| Abnormal Hair loss |
90% of all hair loss - Dihydrotestosterone
For over 20 years, modern science has debated the clinical cause for abnormal hair loss. The contentions
vary depending on your locality and the doctor you may have consulted. Fortunately, with recent developments in medical research, doctors have recently attributed 95% of abnormal hair loss to a medical condition called ANDROGENETIC
ALOPECIA. This diagnosis contends that the conversion of the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone
(DHT) is the clinical instigator of abnormal hair loss.
The key to the conversion of testosterone to DHT is an enzyme called 5-alpha
reductase, which is produced in the prostate, adrenal glands and the scalp. When the
DHTs are metabolized with testosterone, it converts the hormone into a "follicle killing"
DHT. Over time, these active DHTs cause the hair follicle to shrink and weaken. As these follicles shrink, the hair growth cycle shortens and the hair resting phases is lengthened. Eventually, more hairs are shed, becoming so thin and fine that they are unable to survive and die.
2% of all hair loss - Alopecia Areata
Studies indicate that approximately 2% of all people will experience Alopecia Areatea at some
point in their lives. Said to be an immune system disorder, Alopecia Areata causes hair follicles to stop producing hair in small patches of the scalp area. There is no know cure for this disorder. In most cases, this condition goes away on its own.
Hair Loss from Stress - Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is a slowing of the new hair growth cycle resulting in a large amount of hair
falling out. Research indicates that sudden sever emotional, physical or hormonal stress is the clinical instigator for this disorder.
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