Category: Hair Loss Causes

Hi doc, i am 17 years old now and i know this sounds completely crazy but years ago i dyed my hair and now its gone thin and flat and lighter, but before i dyed my hair i used to have very thick body hair as well around my legs, chest and face.

But now my body hair has become so much finer like my head hair is. I am just wondering if there is any correlation between this, because i dyed my head hair and my body hair has become finer to match my head hair? i cannot even grow a full beard anymore like i used to be able to it is really weird.

You had a full beard at 17 years old? What you’re seeing is probably more of a coincidence rather than a correlation. Dyeing the hair does not usually cause thinning, particularly if it was done on the scalp and the loss is seen on your body.

If you are concerned about hair loss and changes to your body hair, you need to see a doctor for an examination. Maybe it is hormone related. Maybe you have an diagnosed medical condition. Anything is a possibility, but the hair dye is not likely the issue.

(male)
I want to rule out other possible causes for my hair miniaturization to ensure that it is definitely genetic since I am not aware of any bald men in my family. My iron and thyroid levels are fine. I read that a urine analysis will evaluate my nutritional state. Is there anything else I should get tested? Like hormones for example?

In general, genetic hair loss in men shows up as a specific pattern (hence the name “male pattern baldness”). That is why there are diagrams and pictures (Norwood) to show what these patterns look like. A fairly competent doctor can determine what genetic male balding is by merely looking at the person. If the hair loss is relatively early in the process you can look at the hair under a microscope to see if there is a miniaturization pattern or a bulk measurement that can give tell you if you’re thinning. You don’t need a blood or urine test for this.

Other types of hair loss, such as from low thyroid or anemia, will present as diffuse thinning with no specific pattern. There is a hormone test to check your thyroid levels, but there is no hormone test for genetic male pattern balding. This can be confusing because a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is the cause for hair loss in men, but only if they have the genes for MPB. The quantity or levels of DHT will not determine if you will bald since the underlying issue is genes.

There is a genetic test for balding, but it is not a straight forward test to interpret since it only give you a probability score. The easiest way to test for balding is a good old fashioned physical exam. Finally, I must point out that the gene for balding can skip generations and there is no specific rule on how it is passed down.

Snippet from the article:

It turns out that when it comes to growing hair that’s stopped growing, and stopping hair from growing where people don’t want it, the same molecules in the human body are at play, according to a new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Researchers writing in the journal Cell Stem Cell this month say that balding is caused by the protein inhibitor Dkk1, which stops the intracellular Wnt/β-catenin pathway from functioning properly. They further found that stem cells for dormant hair follicles are still maintained after balding begins. When Dkk1 is removed, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway resumes normal function, stem cells were activated, and hair growth is restored.

Read the rest — Skin molecules that cause baldness, unwanted hair identified as U.S. researchers discover ways to disrupt both processes

We are getting a better understanding of the balding process and potential solutions as described in this interesting article.

Dear Doctors:

I am a 22 year old male with mildly active Crohn’s Disease and in the next few weeks I hope to be going on Humira. I know that both the disease and the Humira can cause hair loss.

My question is this: Does hair loss from drugs and disease miniaturize and fall out in the same fashion as MPB? I would like to know if there is a difference, because if it’s the disease/drugs, I can’t do anything about it and no need to waste money on it either. Thanks for reading.

The biggest difference is that in male pattern baldness, there is a pattern to the hair loss, as seen in the Norwood classification chart (see below). Drug induced hair loss is usually generalized loss all over the head without a pattern.

 

About 6 months ago, I was leaving my fiance’s house and hit the left side of my head really hard on the low overhang of her front door. I didnt think anything of it at the time because there was no redness, swelling or cuts, bruises, etc. A few weeks later, I was taking a shower at work and when I got out I looked in the mirror and my hair appeared dented in on that side of my head, almost a lopsided look.

As time went on, I started to get a burning, tingling sensation on that side of my head that spread to the back of my head as well. My hair started thinning on the whole left side of my head, even in the very back of my head. I still experience burning sensations on that side to this day and my hair hasnt gone back to the way it was.

Just last week, I was folding clothes in my spare bedroom and hit the middle right side of my head on a low light fixture and now I am experiencing the same sensations on that side and it really scares me! I am gonna lose all of my hair because I barely bumped my head on something?? I mean, really? Im very frustrated and have been online looking for answers. The only thing I can find is that it is maybe Telogen Effluvium, Scarring Alopecia, or Burning scalp Syndrome. I really dont know. I have an appt with a dermatologist in 2 weeks but would like an opinion from someone on here if possible. Thanks.

Some people might see some hair loss after a local trauma to the scalp, but I can’t explain how bumping your head would cause hair loss weeks or even months later, nor can I guess as to why you’re experiencing burning and tingling that is spreading. I am curious to know what your dermatologist comes up with.

Hello
I have a receding hairline with some pitted scarring and mild redness. My derm did a scalp biopsy. He said I have inflamed follicles and put me on antibiotics (minocycline). He said my hair loss isnt age related but I’m not so sure as I have what appears to be classic MPB. Have you heard of inflamed follicles causing a receding hairline and if so am I right to rely on the antibiotics and not use propecia?

Thank you for your help

If you want a second opinion, you need to see another doctor. This site is not a place for a second opinion.

If you were diagnosed with a infection, then an antibiotic seem to be a logical treatment. If you were diagnosed with genetic male pattern baldness (MPB), then it is a different story. Your doctor would be able to make that determination upon an examination of your scalp and hair.

Had you been diagnosed with MPB, then Propecia would be a good treatment to have a prescription for… but if you don’t have MPB, then Propecia isn’t going to help you. I don’t know enough information about you to provide much more. It is worth noting that genetic MPB is not an infectious process that causes inflamed follicles or scarring.

Dr. Rassman,

I am a regular reader of your website. It is very helpful and informative. I have read that the type of water does not cause any hair loss, but I recently experienced in part of California where I stayed there for a month, i used to lose lot of hairs in the shower. After I moved back to my previous location my hair loss in the shower stopped. After inquiring with the water company they told me that I had moved to an area where the water source is from a well and its hard water. The new area where I live its surface or soft water.

i have ready at many places that hard water is not responsible for the hair loss, but I am really surprised with my experience with hard water. Is it that everyone responds differently to stimulus? what are your thoughts on this? thanks a lot

My thoughts are everyone is different and everyone has varying experiences. I do not believe hard or soft water has anything to do with genetic balding, but it may have something to do with how your hair feels in its texture and overall feel.