FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HAIR LOSS

Q:  Is stress a factor in hair loss?

A:  Sometimes stress can play a role in diffuse loss.  Stress does not cause hair loss—it simply makes a bad situation worse.

Q:  How long does it take to see results from any hair treatment program?

A:  Results are often seen after the 3 month mark.

Q:  What is DHT and how is it involved in hair loss?

A:  DHT stands for dihydrotestosterone.  This is the active form of the male hormone testosterone.  High DHT levels in genetically predisposed hair follicles initiate baldness.  It is this chemical conversion from testosterone to DHT that is blocked by hair restoration products.

Q: What is the relationship between genetics and hair loss?

A:  Genetics does have a primary role, but may not be the primary cause of hair loss.  

Q:  Can hair loss occur in young adults?

A:  Male hair loss can occur as early as 15, but it may begin from the 20s or early 30s.  Family history could be relevant here.  Alopecia areata and telogen effluvium (both temporary) can occur in children as young as one year of age.

Q:  What can be the cause of a sudden loss of a large mass of hair?

A:  Stressors like illness, high fever, pregnancy, extreme weight loss or gain, and drug use, can cause temporary hair loss.  This occurs when the ratio of growing to resting hairs is upset and more of the growing hair shifts into a resting phase.  A greater quantity of normally sleeping hairs falls out.  This type of hair loss is temporary and full re-growth should be expected.

Q:  Can my hairstyle cause my hair to fall out?

A:  Certain hairstyles can contribute to hair loss, most notably styles involving tight braids, corn rows, or pull-backs.  This form of hair loss is called traction alopecia.  Exposure to this type of hairstyle over long periods can result in a scarring alopecia, with no potential for re-growth.