Signs of Hair Loss

What to Watch For

If you are genetically predisposed to the influence of DHT there are some gradual changes to monitor. As the anagen, or growth phase becomes shorter the hair will become finer, shorter, and less deeply colored. The term for this is called ‘miniaturization’ of hairs. Hair loss becomes noticeable at this point but not necessarily due to fewer hairs on the scalp. The size or caliber of the hair is smaller, the depth of color and hair length are reduced. These add up to reduced coverage of the scalp with higher light penetration and the observation of thinning and balding.

In addition, the ratio of hairs in the telogen, or resting phase is increased. These hairs will be found in the ‘susceptible’ areas where balding can be expected, front, top and crown of the head. Also called the ‘permanent’ zone, surrounded by the familiar horseshoe-shaped wreath of hair on the sides and back that are unaffected. Hairs in the telogen phase are easily dislodged when washing, drying, or combing hair. This is sometimes called the second sign of balding, after the miniaturization process mentioned above. More hairs are lost at this stage and it can be quite traumatic, especially for younger men and women.