About Hair Loss

Genetic hair loss affects 70% of men and 40% of women.

The hair follicles on the sides and back of your scalp contain much less of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, making this hair genetically permanent. That's why it serves as the donor area for your hair restoration procedure.

The hair loss gene is passed along from either parent. If you have the gene, the hair follicles on the top of your scalp produce an enzyme (5-alpha-reductase), which alters testosterone to produce a new hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This new hormone acts on your hair follicles to produce "miniaturized hairs"—hairs that become shorter and finer until they become virtually invisible.

Hair loss can start at any age and is progressive.

Hair loss can start when you're a teenager or in your 60s. The progress of hair loss is completely unpredictable and should always be considered progressive. Take this into consideration when making any decision about hair replacement options.

Preventing future hair loss.

If you are undergoing hair replacement surgery it is very important to try to prevent future hair loss. At Hair Surgery Specialists Northwest we encourage you to use finasteride to stabilize your hair loss pattern.