***Understanding Frontal Hair Loss

Frontal hair loss, also known as a receding hairline, is typically the first sign of male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is a condition that most men are born genetically predisposed to and can even affect women. This condition is believed to be caused by a sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.

DHT is a hormone converted from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT synthesis occurs in the testes, adrenal glands, prostate and hair follicles. Not only does the production of DHT reduce free testosterone levels, but it can severely damage the follicles. When DHT comes into contact with the follicles, scientists believe that the hormone attaches to their receptors and restricts the absorption of nutrients. This weakens the follicle, drastically reduces growth and eventually causes dormancy.

Frontal Hair Loss: The Natural Progression of Male Pattern Baldness

When a man begins experiencing frontal hair loss, there is a 95% percent chance that he is entering the beginning stages of male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness typically begins at the temples of the hairline. If left untreated, the hairline will continue moving backwards until it is set much further back than it was in adolescence and early adulthood.

As the hair continues thinning at the hairline, most men also begin experiencing thinning at the crown. Eventually, most or all of the hair will disappear from the hairline and crown, leaving a strip of hair around the sides and back of the head. It is possible to bald in different variations of this pattern. However, this pattern is the usual progression of male pattern baldness that the majority of men experience.

How to Treat Frontal Hair Loss

Once a man begins experiencing frontal hair loss, it is extremely important that he treats it immediately. DHT does not kill hair follicles overnight. The hormone works by lengthening the follicles’ resting phase and substantially shortening their growth phase. Eventually the follicles will become dormant and stop producing hair altogether. Once this happens, it is impossible to stimulate the follicles into replenishing lost hair, which is why it is so important to treat frontal hair loss as soon as it starts.

Men who want to put a stop to their hair loss have three main options: surgery, medication and natural treatments. While hair transplants or grafts will not actually stop hair loss, they will replace lost hair. However, due to the cost of these treatments, they simply are not an option for most men.

Both medicated and herbal treatments are also widely available at more affordable prices. Medicated treatments include minoxidil and finasteride, while herbal treatments include saw palmetto, nettles and gotu kola, among many others. Both types of hair loss treatments work by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase and blocking DHT from attacking the hair follicles. Many natural treatments also provide the follicles with extra nutrients and stimulate blood flow to encourage growth. Blocking DHT while simultaneously nourishing the follicles is the best way to stop frontal hair loss and revitalize the hair.