The hair up there: pollution linked to baldness
It will come as a breath of fresh air for parents to know that hair loss isn’t all just down to genes. Research suggests the next time you experience hair loss, give your folks a break and take a closer look at your lifestyle.
Research conducted by scientists at the University of London, England, has linked male pattern hair loss to increased levels of environmental pollution and the damaging effect of smoking. Genetic factors play the largest role in male pattern hair loss, but men who live in heavily polluted areas may experience hair loss sooner or more dramatically than those in less polluted areas.
The research showed that various toxins, chemicals and carcinogens found in polluted air and tobacco smoke can damage keratins, the basic protein molecules that form the hair structure. As a result, hair becomes weak and brittle, hair growth begins to slow and the health of hair follicles and scalp tissues is heavily compromised.
“We think any pollutant that can get into the bloodstream or into the skin and into the hair follicle could cause some stress to it and impair the ability of hair to make a fibre,” researcher Mike Phillpott from the school of medicine at Queen May University of London said.
“If you stop smoking or live in an area with less air pollution, you may be less predisposed to hair loss,” he said. “There is an inherited basis to hair loss, but we have now identified environmental factors that are important too.”
Researchers plan to conduct further tests to pinpoint precise factors which may cause baldness, including trying to grow hair in different environments that are rich in nicotine and other pollutants found in air.
Senior trichologist at the Belgravia Centre, Leonora Doclis says even if these factors are not a direct cause of hair loss, they could trigger the onset or accelerate the process of male pattern hair loss.
“There’s always been this debate but ultimately, if something’s bad for your health, it’s going to be bad for your hair.”
Male hair loss, otherwise known as androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness, usually develops gradually, typically starting with the appearance of a bald spot in the crown and thinning of the temples. The condition affects men 80 percent men from puberty up to the age of 70 with about two thirds of cases evident by the age of 45.
There are presently two FDA approved treatments for hair loss, Propecia and minoxidil. The Belgravia Centre offers both forms of medication as well as a range of booster treatments to allow for the healthiest scalp condition for optimal results.
The formulations of minoxidil produced by the Belgravia pharmacy come in a 4 or 5% solution with medroxyprogesterone (MPG) added or in an extra-strength 12.5% cream with azelaic acid added. These work to increase the blood supply to the areas that it is applied, which increases the nutrients delivered to the hair follicles and prevents shrinkage of the follicles, resulting in prevention of hair loss and re-growth of the hair in many cases. Propecia comes in tablet form and inhibits the formation of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the known cause of male pattern hair loss.
For a free consultation with a trichologist, message the centre or call on 020 7730 6666. Alternatively, you could take advantage of the mail-order hair loss treatment course anywhere in the world. Simply fill in an online diagnostic form and a trichologist from the centre will examine your form, followed by contact from one of Belgravia expert treatment advisors.
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This entry was posted on Friday, January 23rd, 2009 at 4:41 pm and is filed under Hair Loss, Hair Loss News, Male Hair Loss. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
