Hair Loss

Hair specialist (examining person's head). "Well, I am sorry, Mr. Rao, but your baldness has gone too far. I am afraid the only cure is a transplant. "Don't be daft man, I'd look bloody stupid with a kidney on my head."

Hair loss is one of the common problems among all of us. All hairs are shed at the end of their growth cycle, so some degree of hair loss is normal. If you have excessive hair loss, it makes sense to first understand the possible causes. There are many possible causes of hair loss, however most hair loss is normal, and part of each person's genetic program.

The most common type of hair loss is related to both genetic and hormonal make up, and is called androgen-dependent hair loss. About 50% of children with a balding parent of either sex will themselves become bald over a period of time.

Commonly used name for this type of hair loss is male or female pattern baldness:-

Male pattern baldness: Is characterized by a receding hairline, and moderate to extensive loss of hair, especially on the crown area.

Female pattern baldness: causes an overall thinning of hair on the head, and a moderate loss of hair on the crown or at the hairline.