In recent posts we've explored the basis of pattern hair loss and touched on treatment methods used to blunt the onset and progression of the disorder.   In our most recent post we also discussed the importance of hair cycle biodynamics -- and why this offers a potentially intriguing target for the development of advanced hair growth stimulants.

It's long been known that common pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is triggered, in part, by the activity of dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  Think of DHT as the evil offspring of testosterone (T).  Conversion of T to DHT is mediated by the enzyme 5 alpha reductase.  Two flavors of this enzyme occur, one closely associated with a prostate disorder, the other linked to pattern hair loss.  

Almost every day a new medical breakthrough seems to occur.  From breakthroughs in cancer therapy to vision correction, medical science marches on at a seemingly quickening pace.  So why does hair loss research appear to lag behind?  Is it our imagination?  No.  It's not.  But in this article series we will discuss a number of important reasons why this is the case.

Having spent the better part of two decades investing a great deal of effort to infuse our product line with credibility and validity, we are regularly taken aback by the proliferation of swampy used-car-salesman-like tactics some of our competitors use to peddle their products.  Now we certainly understand that not everyone has the training, expertise and motivation to rise to the level of service that we provide at HairGenesis®, but neither can we comprehend the outright lies, distortions, misstatements and other such nonsense proliferating in this industry.  

1. Vigorous towel-drying your head can cause hair loss.

Not true.   It's normal to for some hair to fall out every day as a result of the normal growth cycle and some of this can end up on a towel that's just been applied to your hair.  In a healthy non-balding scalp, each hair lost is replaced with a new hair.  But in balding individuals, the lost hair is replaced by a thinner weaker version.  This pattern continues until ultimately a thin fine almost invisible hair is all that is produced.  So, if you notice hair thinning, blame your genetics, not your towel.

Number Five, Become "Oh So Blue"

Did you know that blueberries contain one of the highest levels of antioxidant capability of any food?  In a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) sponsored study at Tuft's University in Boston, MA researchers found that blueberries rank #1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 common fresh fruits and vegetables.  Antioxidants help neutralize harmful by-products called free radicals that can lead to cancer and other diseases.  These molecules combat cellular DNA damage shown to be involved in cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and perhaps common pattern hair loss.  Anthocyanin (the pigment that makes blueberries blue) is thought to be responsible for this major health benefit.

In part 1 of this discussion we touched on some of the governing biodynamics which regulate hair cycling.  In Part 2 we discussed the known underlying factors that cause dysregulation of the hair cycle in common pattern hair loss.  In Part 3 we pointed out several pieces of evidence linking cellular inflammation as a key player in the onset and progression of AGA.

In part 4, we will now explore some of the reasons why the human scalp hair follicle constitutes a unique organ structure and why curing pattern hair loss is such a difficult thing to do.  

Here's a list of the top ten substances you can use to combat hair loss.  If you wish, you may also purchase HairGenesis® which contains a proprietary admixture of all of these.