Male hair loss:  Androgenetic alopecia / Male Pattern Baldness (MPB)
A characteristic pattern of hair loss; it begins with a slight recession at the front hairline and is followed by thinning on the crown of the head. The hair above the ears and at the nape of the neck is unaffected. This hair loss results from a complex chemical reaction when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts the testosterone in the system into DHT or dihydrotestosterone. The hair follicles are genetically predisposed to be over sensitive to the DHT and become smaller and smaller with time, leading to the eventual hair loss.  If you are suffering from patchy hair loss you may be suffering from another form of alopecia:

Alopecia Areata  An extremely common condition and will affect 1% to 2% of the population at some point in their lives. Most sufferers are children and young adults (below 40 years old), though it can affect people of all ages. The hair loss is sudden and manifests itself in small, smooth-skinned patches that are likely to gradually widen with time. It can also affect the sufferer’s nails, giving them a pitted, ridged or brittle appearance. The exact cause is still unknown, although current theories could be auto immune related,  stress or possibly a genetic problem. 

Alopecia totalis  When the hair loss progresses until all the scalp hair is lost

Alopecia universalis  When all the body hair is lost as well.

Diffuse Alopecia  Sustained thinning of hair throughout the entire scalp, narrowing hair shafts and lack of hair growth are distinct signs of such a condition. Persistent hormone problems and iron deficiency can often cause this problem.

Anagen Effluvium  This is a dramatic and immediate release of hair from the active growing stage of the hair growth cycle. This is caused by toxic abuse of the hair follicles, chemotherapy is a common example. Once the cause is removed, hair will re-grow. 

Other causes of Male Hair Loss  There can be many reasons for hair loss other than the above. A percentage of men may be anaemic or iron deficient, often those who are vegetarian, blood donors or have had surgery. This type of hair loss is far easier to treat, and much better results can be achieved.

Hair Loss in Women;  Types of female hair loss  Female Androgenic Alopecia (Female Pattern Baldness) 
Androgenic alopecia is caused by testosterone which is carried by the blood to the hair follicles of the scalp. There it is converted to a more active form called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which inactivates the follicle. The hair follicles still produce hairs but they are too tiny to be visible. This process is called miniaturization. This condition appears predominately throughout the upper part of the scalp. It is usually a slow progressive problem for this reason, and the sooner treatment can be started the better.

Falling oestrogen is the main cause of alopecia in menopause and beyond. If alopecia begins in the forties or later, there is good chance that it is due to lower oestrogen levels, though occasionally the effect of androgens does not show up until this age. Sometimes both are involved

Sudden Hair Loss  This can often be linked to many different factors, e.g. illness, nutritional deficiencies, stress or medication.

Cosmetic-Linked Hair Problems Over abuse of hair chemicals is widely seen. Highlighting the hair, colouring the hair and daily blow-drying and use of straightening irons can all reduce its strength

Sustained thinning of hair throughout the entire scalp, narrowing hair shafts and lack of hair growth are distinct signs of such a condition. Persistent hormone problems and iron deficiency can often cause this problem.

It is important to establish the cause of hair loss before embarking on any form of treatment or surgery

Scalp Problems; Types of scalp conditions   Dandruff  is the most common condition affecting the scalp. Skin is constantly renewing itself and dead cells from the scalp fall off as new cells form beneath them.  With dandruff a greater number of cells are shed and the scalp can also be itchy. The medical name for this condition is 'Pityriasis Capitis'.

Seborrheic dermatitis  Is a common, chronic condition of the scalp that affects people of all ages.  
The most prominent features of seborrheic dermatitis are excessive oiliness of the scalp and hair, and greasy yellowish scales.  The seborrhoeic area - the scalp, the skin around the nose, the lines on the cheeks, the eyebrows, the ears and the torso - may also be red and itchy.

Itchy and Sensitive Scalps   Sensitivity can be a result of a number of factors including:

  • Malfunction of sebaceous glands

  • Hormonal problems

  • Internal factors such as stress, tension, heat or cold etc

  • External factors such as unsuitable cosmetic products etc

Other Scalp and Hair Conditions  Secretions from the scalp’s sebaceous and sweat glands help to keep it healthy and protected against negative external influences. Any changes in these secretions and the scalp will lose its biological equilibrium.  This can lead to the following conditions:

Greasy Hair 
Excessive secretion of either the sebaceous glands (oil) and/or sudorific glands (sweat) can lead to itching and irritation causing the hair to appear greasy, finer and limp.   This can be a result of hormone imbalance.
Dry Scalp and Hair
Reduced secretions of the sebaceous glands (oil) have a tendency to cause the scalp to become dry and tight inducing symptoms such as itching, reddening, or sensitivity and dull brittle hair to appear.