Hair loss: Dr Ranj discusses causes of male pattern baldness
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Describing himself in a past interview he said that he was “wispy of hair, blue of eye and bearded of face”. The star’s unique locks appear to only grow at a certain point towards the back of his head, with quite significant baldness at the front. Once said to resemble a “shower curtain”, his appearance has only added to his persona. But from a medical point of view, it seems as though the star suffers from male pattern baldness.
Talking to The Guardian about his “trademark” hair, Bill revealed just how much people comment on his appearance. He said: “I am happy with the fact that, through no effort of my own, I have effected some sort of style – the skullet.
“I have trapped my hair in the electric window of a car a couple of times and caught it in the door of a tube. I had to stand with my head at a crazy angle until we got to the next stop and I was released.
“I get called a hobbit or a roadie/hippy/wizard, and it’s all down to the hair. It’s my trademark.”
In reality, the NHS explains that it is normal for individuals to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day.
Although usually not anything to be worried about, some hair loss can be permanent, which can be a cause of concern for some people.
Occasionally hair loss can be caused by the following:
- An illness
- Stress
- Cancer treatment
- Weight loss
- Iron deficiency.
In addition, individuals may be more likely to experience hair loss if they have a family history of baldness, or have experienced hormonal changes – like in pregnancy.
As a 56-year-old, Bill is comfortable with his appearance. And for someone of his age, it is usually common for some form of hair loss to occur.
Dr Adam Friedmann, of Stratum Dermatology Clinics, commented on Bill Bailey’s hair.
He said: “Looking at Bill Bailey, it is clear that he suffers from male pattern baldness, which is by far the most common cause of hair loss in men.”
“This condition is also referred to as androgenetic alopecia. Although scientists are not completely certain what determines who gets male pattern hair loss, we do know there is a genetic component to the condition that can be inherited from either parent’s side of the family.
“Male pattern hair loss is identified by the hair it affects. In male pattern baldness, hair on the top of the head is affected, whereas hair on the back and sides of the scalp is spared.”
Depending on what the root cause of hair loss is, the appearance will differ. This can include a gradual thinning on the top of the head, circular or patchy bald spots, sudden loosening of hair or full-body hair loss.
For those who are extremely worried or find themselves sensitive to hair loss, there are multiple treatments available to try and encourage hair growth.
Lawrence Austin, managing director of Regrow Hair Centre commented: “Mr Bailey probably wouldn’t be considered a good candidate for transplant as his hair loss has progressed quite far.
“For men in a similar situation, there are a variety of options, including PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy and low-level laser therapy, which are non-invasive treatments that can encourage hair cells to reactivate naturally.
“However, hair loss therapy has a much higher chance of success in the early stages of hair loss so it’s always a better idea to consider your options when you begin to notice a change in your hair growth.”
Dr Friedmann agreed with Austin on the best time to treat hair loss, as well as possible medication. He added: “The key is to catch it as early as possible, ideally, as soon as you notice any thinning or loss of hair, the sooner you can begin treatment the greater your chance of achieving a good recovery.
“Finasteride and minoxidil are other main treatment options for male pattern baldness.
“Finasteride is a tablet that can help slow things down or even reverse it a little bit and minoxidil is better known as ‘regain’ and tends to improve the blood supply thus improving hair growth.”
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