What are the signs of genetic hair loss?

Genetic hair loss is scientifically termed Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) or more common known as "Male Pattern Hair Loss" or "Female Pattern Hair Loss". It is so called because there is a pattern by which this happens and it usually begins with receding of the frontal hair line and thinning of the hair on the crown. It affects about 50% of men by the age of 50 and 20% to 53% of women by the age of 50. This type of hair loss can happen at a very early age - such at 17 in men and 25 in women. Often, victims of genetic hair loss also complain of a greasy scalp.

Does this mean that the greasy scalp caused this hair loss?

No. The greasy scalp is due to an over-activity of the oil glands in the scalp. It is a secondary manifestation of the effects of androgens (male hormone) - the same hormone that is believed to be one of the main causes of genetic hair loss. You see, AGA is believed to be due to a combination of heredity and hormones.

Androgens are male hormones. Does this mean that women are spared from genetic hair loss?

Not by any stretch. Androgens are present in females too but to a much lesser extent. Women with a genetically predisposed condition of hair loss are very sensitive to the fluctuation of androgens in their bodies. But the pattern of loss in women differs from that of men. Female pattern hair loss is more diffused - meaning it is all over the scalp and not concentrated at the top as in men.

When the hair loss starts, how long will it take before that person becomes completely bald?

They will not go `completely bald' as they will still have the hair at the sides and back of the head. It usually take over a couple of years from the onset before the person affected actually notices a thinning of the hair from this stage to total balding - you are looking at a time frame of approximately 10 to 15 years. It takes years because the process of AGA involves a slowing down of the replacement hair. In layman's term, each time an old telogen hair falls, a weaker replacement hair with a shorter life-span takes its place. With each subsequent cycle, deterioration of the hair quality continues until only very fine baby-like hair is left. This too will eventually disappear.

Is there any cure for such a hair loss condition?

Yes and no. Yes, because more often than not the hair loss is wrongly diagnosed as genetic hair loss. In actual fact, the hair loss could be due to causes like poor health, poor eating habits, lousy hygiene, negative lifestyles, and consumption of too much drugs or antibiotics. Because of the wrong diagnosis, the patient is not given a fair chance to regain the vitality of his hair.

No, because if they wait too long before attending to their problem, the hair follicles will have died meaning not a single strand of hair is left on the now shining bald scalp. Options available for men include finasteride, minoxidil, hair transplant or a hairpiece. For women, options include minoxidil, spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, hair transplant or a hairpiece.

What should potential balding people do?

If you suspect that your hair is thinning, losing volume and the space between the eyebrow and the hairline is increasing, then look for a dermatologist, trichologist or someone qualified to diagnose your condition.