More than 50 % of all men suffer from hair loss. The reasons and causes for this are varied. However, classic hair loss is hereditary in 80 % of men (androgenetic alopecia). This means that hair loss is largely genetically predetermined.
The good news: Hereditary hair loss can be counteracted, and you can do this without medication.
Hereditary Hair Loss: The Typical Pattern of Progression
In many cases, hair loss and balding in men follow a specific pattern. The Hamilton-Norwood Scale, for instance, outlines various types and stages of hair loss.
Hair loss in men often starts at the temples and the forehead (receding hairline). As it progresses, the hair becomes thinner at the crown and then across the entire scalp.
Stages 2 to 5 of the Hamilton-Norwood Scale
Causes of Hair Loss
DHT as a Cause of Hereditary Hair Loss
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an active metabolic product of testosterone, is partly responsible for genetically determined hair loss.
Each hair goes through a three-stage growth cycle, during which it falls out and regrows, ensuring that not all hair grows or falls out at the same time.
Structural Formula of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
The Three-Stage Hair Growth Cycle
Phase 1
Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)
The hair follicles divide rapidly and form new hair; the hair grows about 1 cm per month; around 81 % of the hair is in this phase.
Phase 2
Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)
The hair stops growing, the cell matrix stops producing cells, causing the follicles to narrow at the lower part; around 3 % of the hair is in this phase.
Phase 3
Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)
After 2 – 6 months, the hair falls out, the hair root can recover, and then form a new hair; around 18 % of the hair is in this phase, also known as club hair.
Shortening of the growth phase activates the shedding process
In people with hereditary hair loss, the duration of the growth phase gradually shortens, and the shedding phase begins earlier. This process is triggered by dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is partly responsible for hereditary hair loss
DHT shortens the growth phase of scalp hair significantly
Hair roots wither and no longer produce new hair
Prevention with Caffeine Shampoos
Prevent with Caffeine Shampoos & Liquids
Hereditary hair loss is often caused by overly sensitive hair roots that react to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Caffeine can counteract this by stimulating the hair root and boosting the energy metabolism. By extending the growth phases of the hair roots, hair growth is supported well into old age.
Find out about the active ingredients we use to combat hereditary hair loss.
Caffeine stimulates the hair roots
Caffeine has been known for more than 20 years for its growth-stimulating effect on hair roots. It inhibits the breakdown of the intracellular messenger cAMP. As a result, more energy is available to the cells and cell growth is stimulated.
Caffeine is therefore the most researched active ingredient of plant origin against hereditary hair loss.
Complementary active ingredients
Zinc and niacin promote energy metabolism and can improve nutrient supply to the hair roots.
Conclusion
Prevention is better than cure
Men with a family history of hair loss are likely to have a genetic predisposition and are more likely to develop baldness themselves.
It doesn't have to come to that if you start using caffeine early on. Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo keeps hair healthy and counteracts the negative effects of DHT at the hair root. Daily use can break the vicious cycle and ensure healthy, full hair. If you don't want to wash your hair every day, you can also use Alpecin Caffeine Liquid.
Guide
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Why caffeine against hair loss?
Caffeine stimulates the metabolism and is consumed globally. Find out more about the power of the active ingredient caffeine, how it strengthens your hair, and how it reduces hair loss.
Genetic predisposition is not the only factor that plays an important role in hair loss. Reduced blood circulation on the scalp, external environmental factors, stress and illness can also contribute to hair loss.
