More than often this phenomenon is limited to our heads for that is where most of the hair on our body is found. However in extreme situations such as the Alopecia Universalis, the entire body becomes devoid of hair. Baldness isn’t an overnight condition and usually occurs under the male pattern baldness where it is a progressive hair thinning exercise.
The statistics are staggering in this scenario. With over 73% men suffering from the same it isn’t a surprise to see people with receding hairline walking around. Almost 25% men start balding even before they hit 20. But research shows that balding takes little stimulus from the environment conditions. It seems to be more driven by the genetic mark up of a person. And when the genetic reports are seen, we can see that there is a 4 in 7 chance of carrying the specific balding gene.
To understand the concept of balding in detail it is essential to see the various factors that contribute to it. Increased or excessive force on hair can lead to traction alopecia. This form of balding is prevalent in people who tie their hair into ponytails. The force exerted on the hair while pulling on them in this knot can lead to balding. Traumas which include but are not limited to poisoning, surgery, chemotherapy and childbirth also contribute to baldness. Psychological traumas such as severe stress also has a similar effect on a person. Mycotic infections and iron deficiencies also cause hair loss.
When the genetic mark-up is studied in extensive detail it is clear that there are various genes involved in the process of balding. A very prominent one among these is an X-linked gene, this triggers the male pattern balding. Even though there are other genes lined to this problem which are specifically not sex-linked; research has shown that the most prominent one is the X-linked gene. With a second most important position going to a gene on the chromosome 20.
Genetic or non-genetic, hair loss or balding is a severe problem that is faced by millions of people around the globe. It can have serious psychological impacts on certain few and this can lead to pronounced stress and other such problems. Extensive research is being conducted in the field today to ensure that those suffering from balding can regrow or thicken their hair.