Receding Hairline

A receding hairline, often the result of male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) is characterized by hair loss on each side of the forehead. Although more commonly experienced by males over the age of 25 it can on occasion be noticed as early as mid-teens.

The human head routinely sheds about 100 strands a day with each hair follicle growing on average 20 individual hairs in a lifetime. There are about 100,000 hair follicles from birth and research is still in progress regarding the underlying causes of hair loss.

There are varying degrees of baldness ranging from alopecia areata, which is some loss, to alopecia totalis, which is complete loss of hair from the head and finally, alopecia universalis involving hair loss from the entire body.

Continuing hair loss studies are still attempting to show scientifically proven genetic connections. The androgen receptor is found on the x chromosome that males inherit from their mothers. If the maternal grandfather suffered from baldness, a grandson is likely to experience this too.

However, other data suggests that sex independent genes are involved so the condition may actually be passed on from father to son. It does not appear that the environment has any substantial affect on male pattern baldness.

Approximately 40 million men in the U.S. suffer from a receding hairline with about 25 percent showing signs by the age of 30 and two- thirds by the age of 60.

Whatever the reason are for a receding hairline, the majority of men would like a solution to this problem as it ages the general appearance. Fortunately, hair transplantation techniques have come a long way over the last few years.

Many reputable clinics offer a free educational DVD package that can answer the many questions and concerns of individual hair loss sufferers.

Being an informed consumer is important before committing to any type of restorative surgery. The DVD information will clarify any confusion and provide connections to skilled physicians and their staff, so an initial consultation can be arranged.