What Is Behind Hair Loss?

The causes are far more diverse than many people realize. The following is a description of the factors that can inhibit hair growth.

Hair Loss and TGF-beta. Miniaturization of the hair follicles is the most distinctive finding in individuals experiencing balding or thinning hair. So it is natural to assume that DHT is the cause of it. However, some researchers now believe that DHT causes miniaturization of hair follicles indirectly, and that its main action is to raise the level of TGF-beta (a scar promoting and pro-inflammatory cytokine). In turn, TGF-beta causes inflammation and accumulation of excessive collagen around hair follicles, restricting their growth and impeding circulation. It has been demonstrated that miniaturization of hair follicles is usually associated with inflammation, increased level of TGF-beta and accumulation of fibrose tissue around the follicle (Uno 1988).

Inadequate follicle microcirculation. The blood flow of older follicles slows down as we age which diminishes synthesis: the formation of necessary compounds. As a result the follicles shrink in size and function. The synthesis of new hair necessitates a very high nutrient flow to the follicle bulb. Morphological studies, which measure structures of aged follicles, often observe a markedly diminished capillary blood supply in aged, miniaturized follicles. This alone may be the cause of follicle miniaturization and inadequate hair synthesis (Stenn et al 1991).

Decreased subcutaneous fat layer. The layer of fat at the base of the skin, known as subcutaneous adipose tissue or “baby fat”, diminishes with age. Researchers have noted that fat accumulates around the healthy follicles that vigorously grow hair. In contrast, they observed a lack of fat around dormant follicles. They postulate that these fat cells serve a supportive function for the hair follicle. Conditions that inhibit hair growth, such as chemotherapy and starvation, also decrease the subcutaneous fat layer (Stenn et al 1991).

Lack of sulfur donors. Hair is composed of 35 percent sulfur-containing amino acids. Only bird feathers can boast a similar level of amino acids. Nutritional sulfur supplements, such as methyl sulfonyl methane (commonly known as MSM), have long been shown to beautify the manes of racehorses; and my clients rave about how MSM adds health and luster to their hair.

Damage from relaxers, excessive heat, coloring agents, and dyes. As we discussed, an array of razzle dazzle hair products, designed to beautify can inflict more harm than good as they damage the scalp and frazzle the follicles. Relaxers, permanents, color cosmetics with their organic dyes and metallic salts, and excessive heat from blow dryers and hot oil treatments can literally boil the follicles and also damage the hair shaft’s hard outer layers of keratin. When we combine these treatments, it’s like adding oil to a fire as these procedures ravish hair follicles and reduce hair growth. This follicle onslaught is most noticeable when some women lose their eyebrows and eyelashes by age 40. Such self-inflicted damage can also result in hair loss via excessive breakage, when hair shafts get so badly damaged they break, leaving only short stumps much like those in a heavily logged forest. This form of hair loss can often be reduced by a regular use of a good, well formulated conditioner. But avoiding the damage in the first place would be a much better strategy.

Excessive hair cutting. If long, lush, healthy locks are what you crave, I have good news for you. According to Dr. George Michael, long hair is healthier than short hair. He contends that the longer you grow your hair, the stronger your roots. It is possible that the hair follicles thrive from the tension produced by the weight of a heavy hair shaft in the same manner that muscles and bones respond to exercise. So cut your hair less and get more out of your hair.