Premature hair loss is a genetic condition that affects men and women of all ages. In order to understand this condition, one must first understand the basic makeup of hair and its growth cycle. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin that is produced in hair follicles in the outer layer of the skin. As follicles produce new hair cells, old cells are pushed out through the surface of the skin at the rate of about six inches a year. The average adult has between 100,000 to 150,000 strands of hair on their head and loses approximately 100 each day. Each hair follicle has its own life cycle that is divided into 3 phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The anagen phase lasts between 2–6 yrs, which is when the hair is actively growing on the head. The catagen phase lasts between 2-3 weeks, at which time the hair stops growing. The final stage called the telogen phase, lasts for about 2-3 months. At the end of this final “resting stage,” the hair falls out and the process starts all over again. The life cycle of the hair follicle can be influenced by a number of factors including age, disease, circulation, stress, hormones, lifestyle, diet, drug use, genetics, and cosmetic procedures (such as perms, dyes, bleach, straighteners, extensions and other hair treatments). Anything that reduces the blood and nutrient flow to the hair follicle can cause damage, which can result in hair loss or thinning. Types of hair loss There are several types of hair loss (also referred to as alopecia). You will have the opportunity to view before and after photos, so you will know exactly what to expect from the non-surgical treatment. Telogen effluvium is temporary hair thinning when a large number of hairs enter the resting phase at the same time, causing hair shedding and subsequent thinning. This is a temporary condition, commonly witnessed in eyelash hair. Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder in which a person pulls out one’s own hair due to stress or habit. Alopecia universalis causes all body hair to fall out, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair. It is believed to be the result of an autoimmune disorder and can happen at any age. Alopecia areata is sudden round and patchy hair loss, which may result in complete baldness (alopecia totalis). It is also believed to be associated with an autoimmune disorder, but in about 90% of people with the condition, the hair returns within a few years. Androgenic alopecia is a genetic condition that affects both men and women. In men, it is often called male pattern baldness and may begin as early as their teens. The primary characteristics of male pattern baldness are a receding hairline and the gradual disappearance of hair from the crown and frontal scalp. In women, this condition is called female pattern baldness and noticeable thinning usually doesn’t occur until their 40s or later. Women typically experience an overall thinning of hair on the entire scalp, with the most visible hair loss at the crown. Involutional alopecia is the term for the gradual thinning of hair due to age, when more follicles enter the resting phase, and the remaining hairs become shorter and fewer in number. Treatment for hair loss We recommend regenerative microneedling. Microneedling creates small, quick-healing channels in the scalp that allow topical treatments to effectively penetrate the skin and have the best result. The regenerative microneedling effectively stimulates a new blood supply and provides proper nutrients to deprived hair follicles. This ultimately encourages renewed hair growth.