THOUGHT PROVOKING, CONTROVERSIAL, DUH, DEADMA?

Facts about normal hair growth:

About 90 percent of hair on the scalp grows continually. The other 10 percent of scalp hair is in a resting phase that lasts two to three months. At the end of the resting stage, this hair is shed.

Shedding 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. When a hair is shed, it is replaced by a new hair from the same follicle and the growing cycle starts again. Scalp hair grows about one-half inch a month.

As people age, the rate of hair growth slows.

What causes hair loss?

Hair loss is believed to be primarily caused by a combination of the following:

* aging

* change in hormones

* illness

* family history of baldness

* burns

* trauma

However, hair loss is not caused by the following:

* poor circulation to the scalp
* vitamin deficiencies
* dandruff
* excessive hat-wearing
* a gene passed on from an individual's maternal grandfather

Generally, the earlier hair loss begins, the more severe the baldness will become.

What is male hair loss (male pattern baldness/androgenic alopecia)?

Male hair loss is the most common type of hair loss. It is caused by increased sensitivity to male sex hormones (androgens) in certain parts of the scalp, and is passed on from generation to generation. In the past, baldness was often seen as something unfortunate or undesirable.

However, this attitude has changed over the years and nowadays a clean-shaven head is usually considered both fashionable and attractive.

What are the main symptoms?

Male pattern baldness (also known as genetic hair loss or alopecia androgenetica) is the most common form of hair loss in men. It usually develops very gradually, typically involving the appearance of a bald spot on the crown of the scalp accompanied by thinning at the temples. Although this problem can strike any man at any time, many first become aware of it as they approach their thirties.

What causes male hair loss?

Some men have areas on the scalp that are very sensitive to the male sex hormones that circulate in men's blood. The hormones make the hair follicles - from which hair grows - shrink. Eventually, they become so small that they cannot replace lost hairs. The follicles are still alive, but are no longer able to perform their task.

The condition usually starts in men aged 20 to 30 and follows a typical pattern. First, a receding hairline develops, and gradually the hair on top of the head also begins to thin. Eventually, the two balding areas meet to form a typical U-shape around the back and sides of the head. The hair that remains is often finer, and does not grow as quickly as it used to.

Can male hair loss be prevented?

Male hair loss is genetically determined (passed on from parents). Although a doctor can offer medical treatment to improve the condition, this may have side effects.

What can be done at home?

You need to decide how you feel about hair loss. Male hair loss affects a large part of the male population and people react very differently to it. It is important to try to accept hair loss for what it is - something natural. Rather than trying to camouflage bald spots with remaining hair or a wig, it is probably a better idea to leave your hair as it is, or shave it off completely. If, however, you decide to try to regain your hair, possible medical treatments are discussed below.

How is male hair loss treated?

Baldness is generally regarded as natural, and not a disease. So if a person decides they wish to try to get their hair back, they will probably have to pay for the lengthy, expensive procedure themselves.

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Quote from Jane Fonda:

"I'd like to make a movie that shows people over 70 having a hot erotic relationship."

Nobody's 70 yet among us, isn't it? That's about 15 years from now, for most of us.


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