permanent hair loss

Baldness refers to the absence or loss of hair. It can be permanent, caused by damage or abnormalities in hair follicles, or temporary, resulting from transient follicle damage. The most common type of permanent hair loss is male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. This condition, affecting 30-50% of men by age 50, typically begins with a receding hairline or thinning crown and can progress to leave only a rim of hair. It has a hereditary basis and is linked to miniaturized hair follicles and hormonal imbalances, particularly involving testosterone and androgens. Other causes of permanent baldness include scarring, congenital conditions, and severe follicle injury. Temporary hair loss can occur due to fever, radiation, certain medications, malnutrition, and inflammatory or endocrine disorders. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing distinct patches of hair loss, usually temporary. Treatments for male pattern baldness include hair transplantation, topical minoxidil, and oral finasteride.12