The most common form of hair loss affecting both men and women, although more commonly seen in men.
Genetic in origin and inherited either from the mother or father's side of the family, the condition is also known as "female pattern baldness", "female pattern hair loss" or "male pattern baldness".
In women, this type of hair loss results in an overall thinning of the hair. It typically begins as a diffuse (i.e. not localised or patchy) thinning at the crown, but with time becomes more pronounced to include most of the top of the head. It affects around 40% of women by the age of 50.
Unlike the male pattern, most of the time female hair loss will stop behind the hairline.
Male pattern baldness also typically begins at the crown of the head, but unlike female pattern baldness extends to include the front hairline and over time, generally extends lower down around the head in a horseshoe pattern.
Genetic hair loss usually begins during the mid to late 20's, but can occur at any time with a variety of triggers.
Changes in hormonal balance affect the hair follicle and lead to hair loss. This is due to something called DHT toxicity (DHT is a by-product of the hormone testosterone).
High levels of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) combined with an oversensitivity of the hair follicle to this hormonal product cause shortening of the hair growth cycle and miniaturisation of the hair follicle.
Whilst medical science still searches for an effective solution, at the moment little can be done to prevent the progression of female pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia as it's "in the genes".
Minoxidil is a drug which, in some cases, can slow the process of hair loss or lessen the severity in some sufferers. Other forms of medication are called anti-androgens and these drugs work against the formation of DHT and there is some research to suggest they can be effective in women.
How we can help
The first step, of course, is to ensure the condition is properly diagnosed by your doctor or consultant so you can be sure that nothing else is causing your hair loss.
Our Kinsey System for female hair loss is, in most cases, a perfect cosmetic solution for female androgenetic alopecia and we've successfully worked on thousands of clients with the condition.
We can advise accordingly during a free consultation at our London studio.
