Hair Loss Facts

What You Need To Know About Hair Loss

Billions of people suffer from hair loss with it impacting not just their appearance but also their self-esteem, confidence, and sense of self-image. At La Mesa Medical Hair Restoration, we believe in educating our patients because understanding the reason behind hair loss creates a better experience and forges better long-term treatment.

How Common Is Hair Loss?

Hair loss affects both men and women and can even start in the teen years. Studies show:

40% of men will experience visible hair loss by age 35.

20 million American women suffer from some form of thinning hair.

84% of men report being mentally preoccupied by their hair loss.

78% feel self-conscious about their appearance.

51% believe hair loss makes them less attractive.

How Hair Grows—and Why It Stops

The typical person is born with 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles on their scalp. These follicles go through a natural growth cycle consisting of three phases:

Anagen

(Growth Phase) lasts 2–5 years.

Catagen

(Transition Phase) lasts 2–3 weeks.

Telogen

(Resting & Shedding Phase) lasts 2–4 months.

Shedding 50–100 hairs per day is perfectly normal on a person with no prior hair loss. Problems occur when hair is shed in greater amounts than the hair regrowth rate. Another potential problem is hair follicle miniaturization, which is when new hair grows in thinner and shorter, which decreases overall hair volume and over several growth cycles, ends with the hair follicle dying off all together.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Androgenic alopecia, more commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss. Androgenic alopecia is triggered by a combination of one’s genetic history and hormones (most noticeably hormones of the testosterone class). If people in your family have experienced hair loss, the odds are increased that you will, too.

The Role of DHT in Hair Loss

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a derivative of testosterone, which is present in men and women, though testosterone is primarily associated with men. For those with a genetic sensitivity to DHT, it will cause hair follicles to shrink over time. The speed and severity of hair loss is directly proportional to the number of DHT receptors located on your hair follicles. The greater number of DHT receptors, the earlier and more severe the ultimate hair loss will be without proper treatment.

In men, this hormonal sensitivity affects follicles located primarily on the front of the scalp and the crown of the head. In women, the effect is often more diffuse across the scalp, causing hair thinning. This is due to a difference in the distribution of DHT receptors between the scalps of men and women.

Male Pattern Baldness (MPB)

Usually first appears with a receding hairline at the temples.

Hair loss continues, forming an “M” shape at the hairline.

Thinning at the crown usually starts to present next.

Eventually, the two areas connect, forming a U-shaped or horseshoe pattern with hair on the sides and back of the head.

Hair becomes finer, shorter, and lighter until the scalp becomes visible. This visibility occurs sooner if there is a large contrast between the color of the hair and the color of the skin.

Female Pattern Baldness (FPB)

Often presents as diffuse thinning across the entire scalp.

Most noticeable where the hair parts, the crown, and temple areas of the scalp.

Hormonal shifts often cause it to worsen after menopause due to the drop in estrogen and progesterone.

Rarely leads to full baldness, but hair density can be significantly reduced.

Other Causes Of Hair Loss

While androgenic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss, other conditions may contribute to or accelerate hair thinning:

Androgenic Alopecia

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes sudden, patchy hair loss in circular patterns. This can often be treated with Kenalog shots to lessen the inflammatory response in the affected scalp regions.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen Effluvium is triggered by physical or emotional stress, illness, major surgery, or hormonal shifts. This form of hair loss is usually temporary and may on its own within 3–6 months. Long COVID and hospital stays are also associated with this form of hair loss.

Traction Alopecia

Traction Alopecia is caused by a long period of constant tension or pulling on the hair, such as from tight braids, ponytails, or weaves. This can damage hair follicles leading to permanent damage and therefore hair loss if not addressed early. The constant tugging of hair in these areas eventually leads to scarring connective tissue, which no longer produces viable hair.

Medications & Hormonal Imbalances

Medications & Hormonal Imbalances are another cause of hair loss. Certain prescriptions (including blood pressure medicine, antidepressants, and chemotherapy) can lead to shedding. Thyroid issues (both high and low), Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOS), and menopause can also disrupt hair growth cycles.

Can You Prevent Or Reverse Hair Loss?

While you cannot yet change genetics, early intervention can slow or even reverse hair loss in many cases. At La Mesa Medical Hair Restoration, we offer both non-surgical and surgical solutions, custom tailoring a treatment plan for each patient, including:

FUE & FUT Hair Transplants

Alma TED® Therapy

PRP Therapy

Stem Cell Procedures

Exosome Procedures

Prescription Medications

Ready to Learn What’s Causing Your Hair Loss?

Whether you are just starting to notice increased hair shedding or have tried treatments without success, our team is here to help you. Dr. Brandon Ross provides personalized consultations and treatment plans based on real science, real results, and your real goals. Schedule your consultation today.