Dihydrotestosterone, often referred to as DHT is a natural metabolite of the human body, DHT is the main cause of hair loss in both men and women. DHT is a chemical derivative of testosterone and is primarily formed in the prostate gland, and hair follicles.
The development of DHT can have serious negative effects on certain aspects of life, such as hair loss.
Why does our body produce DHT?
Throughout adult life, testosterone, rather than DHT (its bi-product) is essential for normal sexual behaviour and important in building protein and helps with the production of blood cells, bone formation and liver function.
DHT is different and is essential in the development of certain characteristics such as facial hair throughout puberty. As you age, DHT takes on a different role and is the main cause of androgenetic alopecia.
How does DHT cause hair loss?
DHT doesn’t actually ‘make the hair fall out’ as many people may believe. DHT causes hair loss by restricting the hair follicles ability to remain in the growth phase of the hair growth cycle. DHT attaches itself to the hair follicles and prevents proteins, vitamins and minerals from providing the hair follicles with the nourishment needed to remain live and healthy.
Not only does DHT prevent the follicles from getting the nourishment they need it can also cause the follicles to shrink. With miniaturisation, the hair that is reproduced in the hair growth cycle is slower, which means hair sheds faster than it grows. This results in thinning hair, and can eventually lead to baldness.
Can DHT-induced hair loss be treated?
At current, there is no cure for hair loss. There is a range of hair loss medications available that are sold to help ‘cure’ hair loss. However, many hair loss medications can only temporality stop hair loss whilst you are taking the medication.
There are however, some hair restoration treatments currently available that can help to give the appearance of a full head of hair. At the Harley Street Hair Clinic, we offer two revolutionary hair restoration treatments.
Advanced Trico Pigmentation is a pigmentation delivery system offered exclusively at the Harley Street Hair Clinic. The treatment works by applying pigment to the scalp. The pigment can be applied all over for those with little to no hair who want to create the appearance of a closely shaven scalp and for those with thinning hair it can be added to create the appearance of density and make the hair look fuller.
The most permanent hair restoration treatment currently available is an FUE hair transplant. An FUE hair transplant works by removing single hair grafts from one area of the scalp where the hair is fuller. The hair grafts are then transplanted to the area of the scalp where the hair is thinning. With this treatment, we can create a natural looking hairline and a full head of natural looking hair.
Take a look at some of our case studies to see how great your results could look.
If you would like more information on hair loss or hair restoration treatments please contact us today for a no obligation consultation.