Male Pattern Hair loss

Men, are you concerned and want to know a little more about thinning hair?

For many years, male pattern hair loss was always referred to as male pattern alopecia (MPA). Nowadays it is more frequently diagnosed as androgenic hair patterning. These terms can be use interchangeably. 

There are many types of hair loss and so, it is important to identify what you are suffering from. Having a detailed examination of your scalp by a registered trichologist can help ascertain if there are active follicles present on the scalp to support hair growth. The trichologist will then be able to advise on treatment.

So, what is the cause of androgenic patterning (MPA)? 

When levels of testosterone in the blood increase, more of it is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This hormonal process has a destructive action on the hair follicles within the vertex (top), crown, frontal and temporal margins.

The hormonal changes in the pattern area usually appear slowly.  Every growing hair is in a growth phase called Anagen. Without the presence of DHT, this phase for each hair can vary between 5 and 11 years, dependent on individual factors. Some people have more hair which stays in this phase for longer than others do. Hence some people can grow their hair longer than others.  When the individual hair ceases to grow, the hair follicle will then go into a resting phase call Telogen and the existing hair will then be shed.  The telogen phase lasts until a new hair is formed within the follicle. The level of DHT influences the lifespan and quality of this new hair and can cause it to have a shorter lifespan ( a shorter anagen phase) and to be finer in texture. This cycle will then be repeated with each subsequent new hair having a shorter life, leading eventually to the individual follicle shutting down causing complete and permanent hair loss in the affected areas.

As this condition is cumulative and irreversible, it is important to seek advice in the early stages so that treatment may be offered which may be able to extend the anagen phase in each cycle of the hair follicle, therefore delaying the complete loss in that follicle. The older you are, then the outcome is likely to be poor and any topical or oral treatments will be ineffective.  However, if you are just noticing that your hair is getting thinner in the pattern areas, this may be the ideal time to try a topical treatment (a  DHT inhibitor )before there is significant atrophy. If you do find the treatment to be effective in delaying hair loss (and this will take 12 months of daily applications to be sure) , then you will need to continue that treatment indefinitely as, if you cease, the DHT will resume its effect on shortening the lifespan of hairs and the pattern loss will start to progress again. You therefore need to consider the ongoing cost implications of using this treatment. 

If you are concerned about any of the issues raised above regarding hair loss, then you should seek a consultation with a registered Trichologist.

Carol Walker FIT LCGI Cert.Ed 

Consultant Trichologist  

Fellow of Institute of Trichologist (London). 

For more information please visit our website or call our office on 01543 670717. 

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The Hairgrip

BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester on air question.: Have we been using hairgrips incorrectly?

It was suggested in an article that over the years people have used the hairgrip (hairpin) incorrectly. It was said that, while most people use them with the flat side to the scalp, it should be with the corrugated side to the scalp.

So how should you use a hairgrip? 

The hairgrip is generally made from a flexible plastic-coated wire, which is folded in half   and has a corrugated side. Contrary the suggestion, this should be uppermost and the smooth side should flat on the surface of the scalp.

The hairgrip should slide into position with ease.  If the hairgrip is used incorrectly it will not slide so easily and can feel uncomfortable and painful for the wearer. 

The hairgrip, also known as hairpin, has a very long history, as far back as the 3rd millennium BC.  There is evidence from carved figurines showing elaborate hair styles which would require hairpins. In some cultures, men are also depicted with elaborate hairstyles, suggesting that they also used some form of hair grip.

Archaeologists over the years have found many examples of different styles of hairpins, made from different materials. Some hairpins were made from precious materials, such as gold and silver but bronze, ivory and wood were also used.. Most of the wooden hairpins which have survived were delicately carved. The hairpins presumably for the more well off would be embellished and encrusted with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and other precious stones.  The hairpin has been a very important part of many cultures but, as it would be the most well off who had the leisure to have their hair elaborately styled, so too they would have had the greatest use of hair pins.

In ancient China the wearing of a hairpin denoted the passage of a young girl into adult hood. Prior to her coming of age at 15, her hair would have been worn in plats. After this, hair would be worn up and styled, required the hair pin

In more modern times, hairpins have become readily and cheaply available to everyone due to mass production.  They are mostly metal and come in a variety of colours and sizes. They may have a shiny or matt finish, the latter being preferred for stage, film and TV work, because they do not reflect bright lights.  In modern hair grips, the two ends of the prongs are guarded by a plastic covering which resembles a small blob, protecting the scalp from what would otherwise be sharp ends. The blobs also make the opening of the grip easier.  

A final point : if in the USA and shopping for hair pins, you would ask for Bobby Pins, while in the UK they are now commonly referred to as Kirby Grips, as the manufacturers Kirby, Beard and Co took out a patent early in the last century on what is now the most popular style. 

www.birminghamtrichologycentre.co.uk

Carol Walker FIT LCGI Cert.Ed 

Consultant Trichologist                                  

Fellow of Institute of Trichologist (London). 

How I started on BBC Radio

Have you ever wondered how some people get onto the radio?

Over the past 30 years I have been asked to help and give advice on hair and scalp matters, some in a light hearted vein and some more serious.  This came about around 1990 when I was listening on BBC Radio WM to a consumer programme which was presented by Ed Doolan.

I chanced to hear a caller to the programme responding to an previous caller who had been asking how to lighten a very dark permanent colour which she had applied at home, as she did not like the outcome. The advice that was given was to use Borax and to leave this on the hair, The person giving the advice said that this would not cause any damage no matter how many times the Borax was used.

This advice given live on air was incorrect and I was concerned that other listeners might also try to do the same.  I contacted the radio station straight away and I was put on air.  I explained that the advice given would likely cause damage to the hair.

Ed Doolan asked me how I knew that this would cause damage and what experience in hair I had, so I gave a brief overview of my experience as a hairdresser and Trichologist. Ed then asked me to send in my C.V.  A few days later I was contacted by the producer and was asked if I would like to go on air to answer any questions regarding hair and scalp issues from callers. I first started at the Pebble Mill Studios at Edgbaston and  then at the Mail Box in Birmingham City.  When Ed was later doing the ’Ed Files’ on BBC television, he asked if I would go on his programme to take about hair issues of the day and of course I said yes.

It was a privilege and pleasure to work on Ed’s programmes for so many years and he took a chance by inviting me to join him onto his programme. From one chance opportunity I am called upon from a number of radio stations in the UK and at times from around the world. I Have over the intervening years, been asked to contribute on Radio2, Radio 4, Radio 5 Live, Asian Network, Radio Scotland various local BBC stations.

Carol Walker FIT LCGI Cert.Ed 

Consultant Trichologist  

Fellow of Institute of Trichologist (London). 

www.birminghamtrichologycentre.co.uk