Understanding Hair Loss and How to Combat It

Hair loss—whether it’s thinning, breakage, or bald patches—can hit both men and women hard.  Nobody wants to lose their hair.  Seriously, find me one person that wants to lose their hair.  So if we as a collective can learn to understand what causes hair loss and ways to prevent it, why would we not go down that rabbit hole?  Well today, ladies and gentlemen, let’s break down why it happens and how you can take control.

The Science of Hair Loss

Genetics & Hormones 

Hair loss is often genetic. Whether you’re dealing with male or female pattern baldness, hormones like DHT can shrink hair follicles, causing thinning over time.

**What is DHT

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DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone derived from testosterone, and plays a significant role in hair loss by binding to hair follicles and shrinking them over time, leading to shorter hair growth cycles… eventually causes thinning or baldness.

While DHT is a necessary hormone for male characteristics, excessive amounts can contribute to hair loss in both men and women, especially those genetically predisposed to conditions like androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss). Blocking DHT is often a target in treatments to prevent further hair loss.

Fun Fact: To take this a little deeper, DHT is also a hormone that contributes to whether you are assigned male or female in utero… meaning while cooking in the womb, DHT along with Testosterone block the formations of female anatomy if one is to be born male. 

Why Does DHT Thin Hair?

When DHT levels are too high, this can be a sign of too much testosterone production.  Yes I said too much Testosterone… Everything in moderation folks!  Other causes for increased DHT can be issues with the adrenal glands, certain medications, prostate issue, adrenal, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), overuse of anabolic steroids… essentially out of balance hormones that cause the slippery slope.

How Does DHT Thin Hair?

Well, high levels of DHT shrink the hair follicles, shortening the hair growth cycle, which results in hair loss.  Smaller follicles produce thinner vellus hairs, creating hair thinning or loss.  This goes for Men and Women!

Understanding Hair Growth Cycles

There are three phases of hair growth, along with multiple growth cycles per follicle.  Everyone sheds hair daily.  The average shedding is between 50 to 100 strands a day.  We shed so we can grow new healthy hair.

Every hair follicle has about 9 to 12 growth cycles. If you’ve had laser hair removal, you might be familiar with this. For those who haven’t, imagine each follicle as having a set number of “lives” like in Pac-Man. Once you’ve used up those extra lives, there’s no restarting—when the final cycle ends, the hair stops growing permanently.

Three phases of hair growth

• Anagen (growth): This is the active phase of hair growth, lasting several years. During this time, the hair follicle continuously produces new hair fibers, allowing the hair to grow longer. Hair cells in this phase are among the fastest-replicating in the body, with a high rate of mitosis. The longer the anagen phase persists, the longer the hair can grow before entering the next phase.

  • • Note: If you notice your hair falling off more frequently than usual, it might be because you’re experiencing this phase. 

• Catagen (transition): This phase lasts a few weeks, during which the hair follicle begins to shut down, causing the hair to thin. The follicle actively renews itself, and cells within the follicle start to break down. As this happens, the connection between the hair strand and the follicle weakens, leading to shorter, thinner hair. By the end of the catagen phase, most follicle cells stop functioning, and the hair is primed for the next phase, where it eventually detaches.

• Telogen (rest): This is the phase where the hair follicle is dormant, lasting anywhere from a few months to about a year. During this time, no new hair growth occurs.

  • • Note: Some refer to the Exogen phase or Anagen Restart Phase, which is when the actual hair sheds from the follicle. In both phases, the follicle isn’t producing new hair, but Exogen specifically involves the shedding of the old strand, making room for a new one in the next cycle.

After completing the telogen phase, the anagen phase typically starts again after the follical is done hibernating.

How Hair Loss Affects Women vs. Men

Hair loss presents differently in women compared to men. Women typically experience diffuse thinning, often around the crown or a widening part, while men tend to see receding hairlines and bald spots, particularly on the crown and temples.

Female Hair Loss Patterns

Women’s hair loss is usually less localized than men’s. The Ludwig scale tracks four stages of female-pattern baldness, ranging from slight thinning to more pronounced gaps in the hair part. Hormonal changes, especially around menopause, are a common trigger for female hair loss. The Sinclair scale further identifies five stages of hair thinning in women, with each stage gradually increasing in severity.

In contrast, male hair loss follows the Norwood scale, which categorizes distinct patterns, such as receding hairlines and balding crowns. This type of hair loss is often more progressive and noticeable at earlier ages.

Why Women Experience Hair Loss

Hormonal fluctuations—such as those experienced during pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like PCOS—are often culprits behind female hair loss. Stress, illness, and even events like COVID-19 have been linked to significant hair shedding. Because hair is so closely tied to a woman’s sense of self, hair loss can be particularly devastating for women. However, female pattern baldness is treatable, with methods ranging from medications and red light therapy to styling techniques aimed at reducing visibility.

“Female pattern baldness is common. It’s the most significant cause of hair loss in women and people AFAB. Approximately 30 million women and people AFAB in the United States have female pattern baldness.” 

**What are the stages of female pattern baldness?

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There are five stages of female pattern baldness according to the Sinclair scale:

• • Stage 1: Little or no hair loss.
  • Stage 2: A slight gap appears in your center hair part.
  • Stage 3: A wider gap is present in your center hair part, and there’s hair loss on either side of your part line.
  • Stage 4: Bald spots appear toward the front of your hairline.
  • Stage 5: Advanced hair loss.

Can Hair Loss Be Reversed 

While hair loss can be devastating, it’s not always permanent. For those dealing with female pattern baldness, hair won’t grow back without treatment, but effective products can slow down loss and promote regrowth.

Controlling DHT

As we now know, DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone linked to hair follicle shrinkage, leading to thinning and eventual hair loss. Blocking DHT is key to preventing further loss. However, oral DHT blockers may cause some not so fun side effects, particularly in women.  Some examples of these side effects are:

• • Headaches
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Dizziness
  • An increase in body hair (while thinning hair on top… it’s just cruel)
  • Breast swelling
  • Breast tenderness
  • Lowered libido

That last side effect is a big red flag in my humble opinion.  That’s why it’s essential to explore natural ways to manage DHT through foods and lifestyle.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Stress, poor diet, and other lifestyle factors can contribute to temporary hair loss. Reducing stress, improving sleep, and eating nutrient-rich foods like carrots and almonds can help reduce DHT naturally and encourage hair regrowth.

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Natural DHT blockers**:

• • Green Tea Extract can help with hair loss by blocking DHT receptors and stimulating hair growth.
  • Pumpkin Seed Oil can help prevent hair loss by blocking DHT, which can cause hair follicles to shrink. You can take pumpkin seed oil as a supplement or apply it to your scalp.
  • Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which can help with healthy hair growth. Beta-carotene converts to vitamin A, which helps produce sebum, an oil that moisturizes the scalp.
  • Coconut Oil contains lauric acid, which can block DHT.  Great as food or topical use.
  • Tomatoes contain lycopene, which can inhibit DHT. Tomatoes also contain antioxidants and beta-carotene, which can help fight hair follicle damage and supply nutrients to the scalp.
  • Turmeric Powder contains curcumin, which can counter the overproduction of DHT. Turmeric also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help combat premature hair loss.
  • Almonds contain protein, biotin, zinc, and vitamin E, which can help strengthen hair follicles. You can eat a handful of soaked almonds on an empty stomach for best results.
  • Happy Healthy Lifestyle – Reducing stress and getting better sleep can help lower DHT production. Reducing smoking and excess drinking can also help.

All of these methods help inhibit DHT production and balance hormones, promoting hair health without relying on harsh chemicals. The benefits are exclusively positive, with no adverse side effects.

Introducing Awaken Therapeutic: Your Hair Loss Solution

When it comes to combatting hair loss, Awaken Therapeutic by Surface offers a gentle, effective solution that works with your body instead of against it. This line of products focuses on reducing DHT naturally and improving scalp circulation, promoting a healthier environment for hair to grow.

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Why Awaken Therapeutic Stands Out**

Unlike other products filled with harsh chemicals, Awaken is packed with natural ingredients like saw palmetto and Lysine, which are known for supporting scalp health and reducing DHT. Plus, its Color Vita-Complex ensures that your hair color stays vibrant, even while you treat it. Whether you’re dealing with thinning hair or just want to maintain strong, healthy locks, Awaken works with both men and women to provide an all-natural solution.

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Key Ingredients**

The botanical extracts, peptides, and antioxidants in Awaken stimulate the scalp and hair follicles, encouraging stronger, fuller hair growth.

Why Choose Awaken Over Minoxidil or Finasteride?

The typical go-to treatments for hair loss are often Minoxidil or Finasteride, or Ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoo. While these treatments are effective, they come with side effects like scalp irritation and, in some cases, hormonal imbalances.  Also there is reported Fall-Out as soon as one would stop using these products. Awaken Therapeutic products provide natural alternatives, free from those harsh chemicals that leave you with a healthy, nourished scalp.

Gentle, Natural Formula

With Awaken, you get the power of nature. The blend of botanicals and vitamins works to nourish your scalp, stimulate growth, and reduce DHT without irritating your skin or causing unwanted side effects.

A Solution for Everyone

Formulated for both men and women, Awaken by Surface is designed to tackle hair loss for any hair type or texture, making it a versatile choice for anyone looking to strengthen their hair naturally.

How to Use the Awaken Advanced Treatment System

Ok now listen.  The system is so easy and it’s something I use almost every day.

Step-by-Step Process:

• Step 1: Nickle size of Awaken Shampoo and work it for 1 full minute.  Really focus on stimulating the scalp by massaging the shampoo.  Then rinse it out.
• Step 2: Nickle size of the Awaken Conditioner working it also for 1 minute.  Then rinse out. 
• Step 3: Apply the Awaken Elixir all over the scalp and pull through the hair.  Leave in this product.
• Step 4: Apply the Awaken Treatment drops to any/all thinning areas and massage.
• Step 5: Make sure you have your next appointment scheduled with Vibe Salon, and as me about a Clarifying Scalp Treatment.  Having a detoxifying scalp treatment every so often will help the Awaken products absorb better into the scalp.
  **
  Results may vary, but I saw mine in just under 3 months with continued use.**

Long-Term Hair Health Tips

Lifestyle Changes to Support Hair Growth

Keeping your hair in top shape isn’t just about slathering on products—though that’s important too. Start with a diet that fuels your hair’s growth with the right vitamins and minerals. Think biotin, vitamin D, and omega-3s. Hydration is your best friend, so keep sipping that water and keep your scalp and hair nourished. Stress is a sneaky culprit in hair loss, so make time for things that help you unwind—whether that’s hitting the gym, finding a quiet spot to meditate, or just enjoying some downtime.

Avoiding Damage

Treat your hair like the rock star it is. Excessive heat styling? Skip it or use a heat protectant. Over-processing with dyes and chemicals can be harsh, so go easy and opt for more natural treatments when you can. Keep your products gentle—sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners will keep things from getting too rough. And when it comes to brushing, be kind. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for detangling to avoid unnecessary breakage.

Regular Trims

Don’t let split ends steal your shine. Regular trims are a must to keep your hair looking its best. Aim for a trim every 6-8 weeks, even if you’re in the process of growing it out. It’s all about maintaining healthy ends and a great shape.

Scalp Care

Your scalp is the stage where your hair performs, so give it the care it deserves. Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin and product buildup. Use a gentle scrub or clarifying shampoo once a month to keep things clean and boost growth. And don’t forget scalp massages—stimulating blood flow up there can work wonders for hair growth.  You can also receive an in salon Scalp Treatment here at Vibe Salon to continue your healthy hair repertoire.

Avoid Over-Washing

Washing your hair too often strips it of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Aim for 2-3 washes a week, or less if your hair’s on the dry side. On those in-between days, dry shampoo can be your best friend to keep things looking fresh without overdoing it.

Ready to step up your hair game? Dive into these tips and make them part of your routine. Your hair will thank you with every new strand and every inch of healthy growth. And if you’re looking for top-notch products to back you up, don’t forget to check out the Awaken line. Let’s keep rockin’ those healthy locks!

**Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Hair Health

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Hey, let me tell you a little something from someone who’s been around the block. I’m in my fortifties now, and even with my active lifestyle, I started noticing the dreaded thinning in those classic areas—my hairline and the back of my crown. It’s a real kick in the teeth when you’ve always had a full head of hair.

Since I started using the Awaken line, I’ve seen a serious turnaround. I’m talking about new growth in my hairline and that full, lush top I thought was slipping away.

If I could give a shout-out to my younger self, it would be: grab these products early, so you don’t have to deal with thinning at all.

The best way to tackle hair loss is to hit it from all angles:

• • Keep up a healthy lifestyle and diet
  • Use top-notch topical treatments and take care of your scalp

Hair loss doesn’t have to run the show. Whether you’re just starting to notice thinning or you’re deep in the struggle, you’ve got options. With the right know-how, a solid routine, and Awaken by Surface in your corner, you can take back control of your hair’s health.

Remember, you’re not alone in this battle. Let’s keep rockin’ and rollin’—full heads of hair and all.

Always in Style my Friends,

Manny

Book Your Appointment Today!

Ready to transform your thin hair into voluminous locks? Book your appointment with Manny at Vibe Salon and discover the best solutions for adding volume to your hair.