1. Most Kings Lose Their Crowns
Most men experience some degree of male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia. This permanent hair loss generally begins around the temples and near the crown of the head and continues until these two areas meet, leaving hair only around the lower portion of the scalp. In some cases, it can result in total baldness. You can inherit male pattern baldness from both sides of the family, and it can begin anytime after puberty but usually doesn't start until adulthood. Unfortunately, this gradual loss of hair isn't preventable.
2. Not For Men Only
Female pattern baldness is not as common as its male counterpart, but it still occurs. In women, the hair typically thins on top of the head but doesn't stop growing altogether. Instead, the roots still grow hair that is very short and practically invisible. Female pattern baldness is also hereditary and can begin anytime after puberty, but is more common after a woman has gone through menopause.
3. Other Hair Follicle Factors
While your family may pass on the likelihood of baldness, there are other causes too. Cicatricial alopecia, or scarring, damages hair follicles and prevents new hair production. This occurs as the result of a number of skin conditions. Other factors that may cause hair loss include autoimmune diseases like lupus and thyroid disorders, emotional or physical shock that can cause your hair roots to go into a "resting state," and hairstyling that pulls your hair excessively tight. Poor nutrition, hormonal changes due to pregnancy or a change in birth control, scalp infections like ringworm, some hair treatments and medications can also cause permanent and temporary baldness.
4. Losing More Than Just Hair
The physical effects of baldness are obvious, but the emotional effects can be even more serious. Studies show most men are very distraught about losing hair, viewing it as a loss of control of their lives and aging. Some men even limit their social lives and change career paths because of their hair loss. The psychological and emotional effects of hair loss are usually greater for women. Many women are more concerned with their looks. Losing hair makes women feel less self-confident and more insecure about themselves. Fortunately, there are treatments for some types of hair loss.
5. Hide or Treat
There are different ways to hide and treat baldness. Some bald or balding people choose to cover their hair loss with a wig or a toupee. Others want to re-grow their own hair and use medications such as Propecia or Rogaine to help do this. Still other people suffering from hair loss turn to surgery to solve this problem. Hair transplant, tissue expansion, scalp reduction and flap surgery are all surgical solutions to baldness.
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