Male Pattern Baldness

Most professional hairdressers all over the world and even some of the hair commercials that you see on television say that oil fills up in the follicle, hardens, and stops the hair from growing. This is true, but this is not Male Pattern Baldness.

It is important to understand how the body produces healthy hair. The scalp is composed of 3 basic layers of skin. The Epidermis - The Dermis - and The Subcutaneous Layers. Within these three layers of skin are blood vessels, nerves, muscles, glands, millions of cells, and of course, the hair. The hair like any other part of the body is supported by the blood. As the blood brings oxygen and nutrients into the papilla area it promotes cellular activity for the hair, and as these cells reproduce, they build a flexible substance called Keratin (hair). As the hair grows in the follicle, it is then lubricated by the sebaceous gland that secretes oil in the follicle, which coats the hair for smooth growth and provides luster and sheen.

Male Pattern Baldness is genetic and accounts for most baldness in men. Women are affected genetically too. All those affected inherit a tendency to store an excessive amount of the male hormone, testosterone in the scalp. As the individual grows through childhood, adolescence and then into adulthood, the body goes through a biological change. During this time, testosterone mixes with the enzyme, 5 Alpha Reductase and Androgens, and then converts to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is toxic and forms a waxy-like gel or blanket around the bulb area, which can begin to constrict the blood supply.

The interaction of DHT with androgen receptors in scalp skin and follicles appears to cause male and female pattern baldness. DHT miniaturizes hair follicles by shortening the anagen (growth) phase and/or lengthening the telogen (resting) phase. This is usually a gradual process of converting terminal to vellus-like hair. The net result is an increasing number of short, thin hairs barely visible above the scalp. It's just that simple - where there is no blood - there is no life! A constricted blood supply prevents certain nutrients from coming into the papilla area where vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are necessary for proper cellular reproduction. Good nutrition is vital for strong, healthy hair. When blood and nutrients are not reaching the papilla area, cells reproduce at a much slower rate. This slow cellular activity produces a thinner, poorer quality hair, but this fine hair is a good sign that there is still life in the follicle, so there's still hope for your hair. Stress is another contributor to baldness. While under stress, the pituitary gland can produce hormones and enzymes that can constrict the vascular system, thus hindering the oxygen, nutrients, and blood flow to the hair. It is very important to bring stress levels under control.

Probably the most talked about contributor to baldness is Sebaceous Oil Build-up - referred to by many as sebum plug. The function of the sebaceous gland is to supply oil (sebum) to the hair follicle, which lubricates the hair for smooth growth. The problem occurs when thin, poor quality hair is being produced in the follicle. If the hair is not in its proper condition, oil fills up in the follicle, hardens, and can hinder proper hair growth. The secret to stimulating good hair growth is: An adequate blood supply, proper nutrients, and neutralizing the damaging effects of DHT.