“I will sow roots of bounty so full I grow until the hair of angels graze my feet. The humidity of heaven will moisten my mane and eagles dare not stare upon my nest.”
MALE PATTERNED BALDNESS
Androgenetic alopecia is commonly experienced amongst males between the ages of 26-65. The condition is due to interruptions in the hair growth cycle initiated by androgen acting on the hair follcile.
Androgen, more specifically dihydroandrogen (dihydrotestosterone) or DHT is a byproduct produced when androgen is converted by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. When DHT is present it binds to hair follicle and causing shrinkage. The miniaturization of the hair follicle results in weaker, thinner hair shafts that will likely be loss. In addressing DHT related hair loss the root is the most vital agent considering its primary functions and the adverse effects the hormone has on it. Root Bare contains key 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that reduce conversion rates and effectively block DHT.
DHT is a beneficial hormone produced naturally by the body so we use the chemical rules to formulate a solution that can limit the impact on hair follicles and stimulate growth despite its presence.
Traction alopecia can affect men as well. Traction can be caused by excessive force, tension or friction that results from certain styling and protective styling habits. Heavy hands and hard tools can harm the hairline
The hairline is composed of fragile hairs that are more delicate than the hair on the scalp.styles that include these delicate hairs like braids and even excessive brushing can damage the hairline.
Aggressive and frequent haircuts, ’lineups’ or tapering contribute to hairline regression among males. Trimming the sensitive hairs for aesthetic appeal without allowing adequate growth recovery consistently pushes a hairline back leading to temporal regression.
Temporal hairs are the most prone to damage as they are the softest, finest and often the last hairs the body prioritizes for nutrients. Friction caused by hats, baseball caps or Durags wick moisture and often exacerbate hair loss around the perimeter. Once The typical “M” shaped recession sets it becomes an issue of hiding it with none other than hats or Durags; its a purpose defeating cycle.
HAIR LOSS ON THE FRONT LINE
The hair growth/loss cycle for the hairline is relatively the same as the remainder of the scalp with one caveat. Hair loss patterns of the male hairline can have two distinctions: Mature hairline or receding hairline that vary by progression, shape and cause.
A mature hairline progresses gradually with natural symmetrical shifts that eventually stabilize over time resulting in slightly higher hairline that forms a gentle M or V shape. Hairline regression of this type is a typically slow, seen as a normal sign of aging and relatively unnoticed as the hair at the temples is preserved.
A receding hairline is an ongoing asymmetrical recession at the temples resulting in a deep M or V shape (sometimes creating a widow’s peak) that will continue without intervention. Receding hair lines progress rapidly with advanced thinning at the frontal region of the scalp that transitions to shedding and thinning at the vertex, with eventual hair loss at the crown. This pattern of hair loss generally due to androgenetic alopecia.
The speed of hair loss and pattern production matters. Mature hairlines shift slowly, evenly and stop. Receding hairline loss is rapid, uneven and continuous.
Temple variations: Receding hairlines are characterized by severe temporal recession, while the temples are relatively preserved in mature hairlines.
Severity of thinning: overall scalp thinning is the result of a receding hairline with thinning at the top of the head as well as a higher hairline.
Condition stabilizes: Mature hairline recession eventually stabilizes and the hairline settles into a new position. A receding hairline will never settle, it will continue to move back until bald.
