Stages of Hair Loss
Hair loss does not, in
the vast majority of cases, happen overnight.
Like its growth, its recession and disappearance happen in stages,
particularly in the case of male pattern baldness.
The most common form of hair loss on the planet, it is characterized
by several identifiable stages, each of which require different
corresponding types of treatment as the hair loss advances.
Stage One
is the point where it all begins, where one’s hairline is normal and shows
no signs, or minimal signs at best, of possible hair loss.
While there is no real reason to start panicking as of yet, this is
the stage where one would do well to explore one’s family tree for those
signs of hereditary hair loss.
If a relative’s state of hair reveals you to be at risk for potential
balding, you may wish to consult a skin doctor to assess your scalp
situation and give you advice on how to stave off what is hopefully not
going to be an inevitable fate.
Stage Two
is the earliest stage where hair loss becomes apparent, represented by
thinning or receding hair in the front hairline, the temples and the sides.
At this stage it is not yet apparent what your hair, or lack thereof,
will look like eventually, but by this point you may wish to consider
various low-level maintenance treatments, such as nourishing shampoos or
hair strengthening products.
Stage Three
is when the situation becomes serious, as this is
the initial phase of baldness.
It is characterized by more pronounced receding of the hairline above the
temples to behind the ear lines, and the front head hair being more reduced,
and thinner. It would be prudent
to see a skin doctor at this stage, if you have not done so already.
Stage Four and Five
occur, respectively, when the scalp
begins to lack hair in a circular area around the top, and when the hair
loss progresses to reach a forming bald spot in the back.
By this phase, stronger treatment products may be considered,
including minoxidil or finasteride in their generic or branded versions, to
be used alone or in conjunction with shampoos and topical solutions that
enhance the effects of the drug remedies.
By this point the right treatment may prevent further hair loss, and
in some cases, encourage new growth to form, though it may not return to its
previous fullness.
Stage Six
is characterized by an almost complete lack of hair on top of the scalp,
which now begins to spread to sides and the back of the head.
This is an advanced phase of hair loss, and conventional treatments
may not work as effectively as they would have in earlier stages.
More drastic methods, such as hair transplantation, become more
viable at this point.
Stage Seven
is the last stage of hair loss, with no hair left
at the top of one’s head, and the baldness progressively spreading down the
sides and back. The hair that
does remain is also much thinner and constantly shrinking.
The only treatments that will provide any improvement at this point
are surgical transplantations, or wigs.
The lesson learned here is to act quickly before the baldness ravages
your scalp beyond repair.
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