Hair Loss Facts

Understanding Hair Loss:

Causes, Patterns & What You Can Do

Hair loss affects millions of people and often leads to more than just a cosmetic concern—it can impact self-esteem, self-image, and confidence. At La Mesa Medical Hair Restoration, we believe that understanding the science and causes of hair loss is the first step toward effective, long-term treatment.

How Common Is Hair Loss?

Hair loss affects both men and women and can begin as early as the teenage years. Studies show:

  • 40% of men will experience visible hair loss by age 35

  • 84% of men report being mentally preoccupied by their hair loss

  • 78% feel self-conscious about their appearance

  • **51% believe hair loss makes them less attractive

  • 20 million American women suffer from some form of thinning hair

Diagram showing stages of hair loss and follicle structure in La Mesa, CA.

How Hair Grows—and Why It Stops

The average person is born with 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles on their scalp. These follicles go through a natural growth cycle consisting of three phases:

  1. Anagen (Growth Phase) – Lasts 2–5 years

  2. Catagen (Transition Phase) – Lasts 2–3 weeks

  3. Telogen (Resting & Shedding Phase) – Lasts 2–4 months

It’s normal to shed between 50–150 hairs per day. However, problems arise when the rate of shedding exceeds the rate of regrowth, or when new hair grows in thinner and shorter—a process known as miniaturization.


What Causes Hair Loss?

The most common form of hair loss is androgenic alopecia (also called male or female pattern baldness), caused by a combination of genetics and hormones.

The Role of DHT in Hair Loss

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a byproduct of testosterone that shrinks hair follicles over time. This hormonal sensitivity is genetic, and it affects follicles located primarily on the crown and frontal scalp in men, and diffusely across the scalp in women.


Male Pattern Baldness (MPB)

  • Begins with a receding hairline at the temples (forming an “M” shape)

  • Followed by thinning at the crown

  • Eventually, the two areas connect, forming a U-shaped or horseshoe pattern

  • Hair becomes shorter, finer, and lighter until the scalp becomes visible

Female Pattern Baldness (FPB)

  • Typically presents as diffuse thinning across the entire scalp

  • Most noticeable around the part line or crown

  • Often worsens after menopause due to hormonal shifts

  • Rarely leads to full baldness, but density can be significantly reduced


Other Causes of Hair Loss

While pattern baldness is the most common, other conditions may contribute to or accelerate hair thinning:

Alopecia Areata

An autoimmune disorder that causes sudden, patchy hair loss in circular areas. Severe forms include:

  • Alopecia Totalis: Complete scalp hair loss

  • Alopecia Universalis: Complete loss of all body hair

Telogen Effluvium

Triggered by physical or emotional stress, illness, major surgery, or hormonal shifts. Hair loss is usually temporary and self-resolving within 3–6 months.

Traction Alopecia

Caused by constant tension or pulling on the hair, such as tight braids, ponytails, or weaves. This can lead to permanent damage if not addressed early.

Medications & Hormonal Imbalances

Certain prescriptions—including blood pressure meds, antidepressants, and chemotherapy—can lead to shedding. Thyroid issues, PCOS, and menopause can also disrupt hair growth cycles.


Can You Prevent or Reverse Hair Loss?

While genetics can’t be changed, early intervention can slow or even reverse hair loss in many cases. At La Mesa Medical Hair Restoration, we offer both non-surgical and surgical solutions tailored to each patient, including:

  • FUE & FUT Hair Transplants

  • ARTAS Robotic Transplants

  • Alma TED (needle-free hair restoration)

  • PRP Therapy

  • Prescription medications (finasteride, minoxidil)


Ready to Understand What’s Causing Your Hair Loss?

Whether you’re just starting to notice shedding or have tried treatments without success, our team is here to help. Dr. Brandon Ross provides personalized consultations and treatment plans based on real science, real results, and your real goals.

Schedule Your Consultation Today
Serving La Mesa, San Diego, El Cajon, Santee & surrounding areas.