If you’re concerned about hair loss, The Caudle Center can help. We offer a variety of treatment options for men experiencing hair loss.

Our team of expert stylists will work with you to find the right treatment plan for your individual needs. We understand that hair loss can be a sensitive issue, and we’re here to help you feel your best.

Request an Appointment

Lifecycle of a Hair Follicle

Anagen – This is the active growth phase of the hair follicle and may last 2-6 years.

Catagen – This is the transition where the hair follicle and bulb begin to separate from the hair papilla and start the migration up to the skin before shedding. This phase usually lasts 1-2 weeks.

Telogen – This is the resting phase where the hair follicle has fully separated from the dermal papilla and usually lasts from 6 weeks to 3 months.

Return to Anagen Phase – Dermal papilla and hair matrix forms a new hair follicle.

Causes of Hair Loss

Male Pattern Hair Loss (androgenetic alopecia)

This is the most common hair loss pattern in men and is characterized as nonscarring diffuse hair loss evolving from progressive miniaturization of hair follicles and consequently progressive reduction of total hair count and thickness primarily involving the frontal and central scalp areas, and extending laterally.

Male pattern hair loss is an inherited genetic condition related to that individual’s hair follicle sensitivity to the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in some areas of the scalp. DHT is believed to affect the anagen phase of the hair cycle, causing a shortening from a usual duration of 3–6 years to just weeks or months. The genetic predisposition comes from either parent or both parents.

The male hair loss pattern differs from the female hair loss pattern. Hair loss begins above both temples, and, over time, the hairline recedes to form a characteristic “M” shape. Hair also thins at the crown (near the top of the head), often progressing to partial or complete baldness.

Other Causes of Hair Loss

  • Thyroid dysfunction.
  • Post-partum.
  • Nutritional deficiencies such as Iron, Zinc, protein, or Vitamin D deficiency.
  • Rapid weight loss.
  • High-stress levels or major life events causing emotional and hormonal changes.
  • Inflammatory conditions causing scarring of the hair, such as folliculitis, infection, lichen type changes, and lupus.
  • Secondary scarring from traumatic scalp injuries, surgery on or through the scalp, keloids, burns.
  • Medications such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, high doses of Vitamin A, low molecular weight heparins (enoxaparin, dalteparin), warfarin (rare), lithium, SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine/Prozac), Retinoids (Acetretin, Isotretinoin, Vitamin A supplements), antimicrobials (Isoniazid, Antiretrovirals like Indinavir).
  • Chemotherapy.
  • Autoimmune causes.
  • Traction on hair roots such as tight braids, glued hairpieces, or anything where the hair is pulled tight.
  • Trichotillomania (obsessive-compulsive behavior) caused by excessive pulling on their hair (usually by children or teens).
  • Excessive pressure to an area of the scalp, such as a type of pressure sore.
  • Radiation-induced.
  • Infections such as Syphilis, bacteria, fungus (tinea capitis), or untreated ringworm of the scalp.
  • Scalp conditions causing itchy scalp, hair loss, and flaking repeated scratching such as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.

Hair Loss Treatments

Male or Female pattern hair loss can mimic and often runs concurrently with other health problems that may affect hair loss. A detailed medical history and physical examination are necessary.

It is easier to treat hair loss when the process is just beginning and hair structures are present but dormant, rather than when the hair structures are absent and dead. The earlier treatment leads to better results. Both male and female pattern hair loss is not cured in a “one and done” treatment. It requires lifelong treatment. Any break in treatment will begin the hair loss process.

Current treatment options include

  • Hair replacement / transplantation
  • Cosmetics
  • Micropigmentation (tattoo) to resemble shaven scalp
  • Hairpieces
  • Minoxidil solution
  • Finasteride tablets (type II 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor)
  • Dutasteride
  • Platelet-rich plasma
  • Microneedling
  • Low-level light therapy
  • Stem cell therapy

Medications

The medications listed (Minoxidil, Finasteride, & Dutasteride) have the potential to cause fetal abnormalities and are thus contraindicated in pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant. Those three medications affect androgen metabolism or its effects. The use of medications is the cornerstone of male or female hair loss treatment. These are FDA-approved medications.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelets are rich in numerous growth factors that are released upon platelet activation (injection into the scalp). The growth factors activate stem cells in the bulge area of follicles, encourage the growth of existing hair, as well as encourage the formation of microvascular networks improving circulation and eventually providing the nutrients required for hair growth. Clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of PRP therapy in hair loss.

Typically 3 to 5 sessions are performed in the desired area within 4 – 6 months. Injections can range from every two weeks to once monthly. Then booster treatments are performed every three to six months to one year afterward. Studies have shown that the hair regrown from PRP can last for up to 18 months after treatment. I recommend once-yearly boosters to keep the regrowth.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive dermatologic procedure in which fine needles are rolled over the skin to puncture the top layer of skin (stratum corneum). The physical trauma from needle penetration induces a wound-healing cascade with minimal damage to the epidermis that induces collagen formation, neovascularization, and growth factor production in the treated areas. Microneedling has shown promising results as an adjuvant treatment with existing techniques.

Low-Level Light Therapy

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is a relatively new technique in the treatment of hair loss. The biochemical mechanisms are not completely understood, but the cellular respiratory chain of mitochondria probably absorbs the light energy, which results in increased electron transport and the promotion of cellular signaling and, in turn, allows for hair regrowth. LLLT efficacy is still being studied. It seems that LLLT in the 650 to 900 nm wavelength at 5mW may be a therapeutic option for patients with male or female pattern hair loss.

Regenerative (Stem cell) Medicine

Adipose-derived stem cells show much promise in hair loss treatment. Adipose-derived stem cells are multipotent cells that have shown potential for regenerative medicine. Adipose-derived stem cells not only differentiate into mesenchymal lineage cells but also secrete various growth factors. Recent studies have reported that adipose-derived stem cells promote hair growth via growth factor secretion. We have already used adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium to treat alopecia and reported good results.

FAQ’s About Hair Loss

How is hair loss (Baldness) defined?

All normal men and women lose scalp hair every day, which averages between 25 to 100 hairs per day. Some individuals can generally shed up to 150 hairs per day. When hair loss is increased compared to daily baseline hair loss, or it occurs in patches, then it is abnormal. Abnormal hair shedding or bald areas on the scalp constitute a hair loss disorder, which is also known as alopecia. Hair usually becomes thin and weak (miniaturization) before there is a complete loss.

Why is hair loss important?

Hair loss isn’t only just cosmetic. Hair loss can have detrimental psychological effects. Studies have shown that hair loss can be associated with low self-esteem, depression, introversion, and feelings of unattractiveness. This is particularly true in Western societies and increasingly true in Eastern societies. Generally, economically developed countries place great value on youthful appearance and attractiveness.

Some studies have shown that based on appearance alone, men with hair loss (as well as other features) are seen as less attractive, less assertive, less likable, and less successful than men without hair loss.

How prevalent is hair loss?

  • Studies have shown that more than 50% of all men over the age of 50, and up to 80% of men age 70, will be affected by male pattern baldness to some extent.
  • Studies have shown that about 25% of all women aged 50, and up to 42% of women by age 70, will be affected by female pattern baldness to some extent.
  • Hair loss in Caucasians is more prevalent than in blacks or Asians.