About Hair Loss

The major causes of hair loss have to do with circulation, hormonal influences, genetics, and nutrition.

Most modern medical research leans toward the theory that the primary instigator of hair loss is a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is converted from testosterone and binds to sites on hair follicles.

Hair follicles go through three phases of hair production, as shown in the top series of pictures.  DHT appears to make the follicles go into their resting phase faster, which causes the hairs produced by those follicles to become thinner and thinner with each successive growth cycle.

Hair loss is also linked to genetics and hormonal influences.  Each hair follicle appears to have a predetermined number of sites to which DHT can attach.  In one study which compared the follicles of both hairy and bald human male scalps, the bald scalps had twice as many sites for DHT as their hairy counterparts.

Another reasonable theory has to do with the angle of follicles and sebum buildup.  In females, the angle that the hair comes out of a follicle allows for the sebum or oil produced by the scalp to spread out and away from the follicle.  In males, the hair comes out of the scalp at a more perpendicular angle, which can lead to oil blockages that create problems for the follicles and hair growth.

Poor circulation and nutrition can hamper hair growth.  A study of men diagnosed with male pattern baldness showed that the blood flow to their scalps was 2.6 times lower than in the normal control group.

Hair loss does not discriminate on the basis of sex.  Hair loss in men is a concern for many men.  Sometimes it can begin as early as the late teens or early twenties.  Hair loss in women may not seem as big a problem as with men, but in Europe over 60 percent of the Kevis sales are to women.

Major Causes of Hair Loss

Many theories exist as to why people suffer from hair loss.  Although these hypotheses vary in scope, there is a consensus that deprivation, in some form, causes harm to the follicle and scalp.  In general, we lean towards the theory that testosterone is converted into DHT, and the subsequent binding of this molecule to its receptor sites is the primary instigator of hair loss.  Most modern medical research sides with this position.  Furthermore, it has been proved that hair loss involves a decrease in the dermal papilla of chemicals called glycosamynoglycans, which are necessary for biological defense.

DHT

DHT is a hormone which is formed by the metabolism of testosterone.  In the areas that experience thinning or baldness, the hair follicles produce larger amounts of an enzyme which converts testosterone into DHT (testosterone 5-alpha reductase).  The affected hair follicles generally contain a larger number of DHT receptor sites.  A receptor is an arrangement of molecules organized to accept or bind to only molecules with a complementary shape -- in this case, DHT.

Each hair follicle produces hair in phases.  The growing phase (anagen) lasts from 2 - 6 years, and the resting phase (telogen) lasts for about 3 months.  The hair is then shed and the follicle begins pushing a new hair to the surface, as shown in the top picture above.

DHT appears to cause follicles to enter their resting phase faster, and shedding then ensues.  In male pattern baldness, each successive growing/shedding cycle results in the production of finer and finer (less thick) hairs by the affected follicles, until the hair finally is never able to break the surface of the skin.  Once DHT binds to large numbers of receptors of the hair follicles of the scalp, the follicles gradually shut down and eventually become dormant.

Genetics and Hormonal Influences

Hair loss is believed to be influenced by genetics.  From birth, each of us is programmed with a certain number of hair follicles (roughly 100,000 on the scalp).  In the case of male pattern baldness, it appears that the follicles over the crown and front of the head -- the infamous balding horseshoe -- are usually sensitive to the male hormones described above.  Each follicle appears to have a predetermined amount of DHT receptors.  In one study which compared the follicles between hairy and bald human male scalps, the bald scalps had twice as many receptors as their hairy counterparts.

Women rarely lose their hair due to genetic predisposition.  They do, however, experience hair loss.  Consider the thinning hair problems caused by hormonal imbalance and other cyclical shifts; the hair loss experienced during and after pregnancy;  postmenopausal trauma;  effects of birth control pills;  the results of nervous tension;  and as a side effect of certain medications and treatments.  Frequently, women experience hair thinning with harsh commercial shampoos, perms, hair color, bleach, and other cosmetic applications.  This condition can be seen as an increasingly visible scalp, which may be either generalized or in spots or patches.

Angle of Follicles and Sebum Build-up

Another reasonable theory mentioned earlier is that the hair on a man's head does not grow from the scalp at the same angle as that of a woman's.  To say it another way, hair on top of the female head is angled.  This allows for the sebum or oil produced by the follicles to quite literally "run off."

Male hair grows straight out of the head.  This configuration, in addition to the excess sebum and oil produced by glands affected by male hormones, leads to oil blockage which becomes waxy, staunches the underlying follicles, and inhibits hair growth.  The end result of this process is a completely bald crown and front with a shiny appearance.

Poor Circulation and Nutrition

In many individuals, the extremities -- including the top of the head -- are the most difficult places in the body for blood to reach.  Follicles which are constantly deprived of blood and nutrients cannot produce hair properly.  One study indicated that blood flow to the scalp of young men diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) was 2.6 times lower than in the normal control group.  A lack of proper nutrients, certain amino acids, acid polysaccharides, minerals, and vitamins can certainly hamper hair growth.

Hair Loss in Men

Men are obviously interested in a treatment for thinning hair.  Most men in their early twenties begin to become very concerned about hair loss.  Some are already experiencing receding hairlines and other signs of impending hair loss and eventual baldness.  Even men with thick, healthy-looking hair often express serious interest in how to keep their hair for as long as possible.

Men of a mature age almost always have some degree of hair loss or thinning.  By middle age, the fears of younger men have become reality and the signs of ongoing hair loss are evident.

By recognizing the importance of the prevention of hair loss, especially in its earlier stages, men between the ages of 20 to 60+ who are already visibly experiencing the onset of thinning hair can benefit from Kevis.

Hair Loss in Women

Recent surveys indicate that over 80 percent of patients requiring professional advice relative to hair loss and thinning were female.  In addition to hormonal effects, the trauma to hair and scalp caused by blow-drying and improper combing and brushing add to the damage caused by frequent use of harsh commercial shampoos, perms, hair color, bleach, and other cosmetic applications.  Women are also ideal candidates for the range of hair and scalp improvements possible with Kevis treatment.
 

More Kevis information can be found on the pages below:

About Hair Loss
Articles on Kevis Hair Rejuvenation 
Testimonials from Clients
Great News For Women!
U.S. Patent
Clinical Research for Physicians
The NaturoDoc Hair Comeback Program