What is hair miniaturisation?

It is the starting point from which balding develops where, if left untreated, the individual hair strands and follicles recede over time until eventually disappearing.

Hair miniaturisation is the main characteristic in the process of hair loss or androgenic alopecia. It affects many men from the age of 20, as puberty comes to an end.

The process of hair miniaturisation consists in a reduction in hair follicle diameter, resulting in the hair growing thinner. The miniaturised hair follicle continues to have an anagen phase, but it becomes increasingly shorter and, as a result, these hairs are not able to grow as well as the rest. Eventually, the diameter of the hair follicle is reduced to such a point that it cannot grow new hairs and the follicle closes up, the hair bulb and follicle then disappear.

Miniaturisation is a key identifying factor when checking the scalp for signs of hair loss. It almost always indicates future receding of the hairline or an increased possibility of baldness. If you wish to keep your hair, the best time to act is straight away as soon as you spot the initial signs of thinning hair.

Factors contributing to hair miniaturisation

Hair miniaturisation can be caused by the following factors:

• Genetics
• Poor nutrition
• High levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
• Age

Genetics

The genes we inherit from our ancestors are the main culprits behind hair miniaturisation. If your parents or grandparents have suffered from hair loss, your chances of developing androgenic alopecia are significantly higher.

Poor nutrition

A lack of adequate nutrition can have serious effects on hair growth. If your hair follicles are not receiving the nutrients they need, this can trigger the thinning process leading to hair loss.

Some scientific studies have proven that certain types of food can inhibit the enzyme that catalyses the production of DHT. Some amino acids and minerals found in these foods are, for example, l-lysine, l-arginine, zinc, selenium, etc.

High levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Scientists have proven in a number of studies that the presence of the DHT hormone is directly related to hair loss. Our body transforms testosterone into DHT, and this reaction is catalysed by the enzyme 5-a-reductase. When the body produces high levels of DHT, the hormone affects the hair follicles, causing them to contract, impeding growth and eventually making the hair fall out.

The DHT hormone causes inflammation and irritation in the hair follicles and, if left untreated, can trigger the miniaturisation process. Controlling high levels of DHT around the hair follicles is key for reducing or stopping male pattern baldness.

DHT mainly affects the frontal hairline, upper section and the crown. The back and sides of the hair are less vulnerable to the undesirable effects of this hormone. This is the reason why men suffering from male pattern baldness sometimes retain hair growth on the back and sides of the head, even though they have completely lost their hair on the hairline and the crown.

Expert hair loss scientists and surgeons use two scales to determine the level of decrease in hair growth. The Hamilton-Norwood scale is used to classify the stages of male pattern baldness. For female pattern baldness, the Ludwig scale is used.

Age

A person’s age can also influence the occurrence of hair miniaturisation. As we grow older, our bodies’ natural regulatory processes tend to diminish. Hair growth is no exception, and over time hair can be lost and hair growth weakened through the simple effects of ageing. This usually occurs after the age of 60.

How can I avoid hair miniaturisation?

To avoid the hair miniaturisation process and help encourage healthy hair growth, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet, limit stress and properly look after your hair and scalp. You can also make the most of effective treatments to avoid follicle miniaturisation and therefore encourage growth of strong and healthy new hair.

The best way to achieve an intensive, effective treatment that truly boosts hair growth is to opt for natural products that stimulate healthy growth, encourage blood flow to hair follicles and keep the hair in good health. The REDENHAIR REGENERATIVE TREATMENT KIT is the ideal solution: it contains our HAIR REGENATOR SERUM, providing you with all the right nutrients to stimulate hair volume, our paraben and sulphite-free REGENERATIVE SHAMPOO, and our PRO-REGENERATE ACCELERATOR, to be applied after washing your hair.

These products are available individually, depending on your requirements, although we do usually recommend substituting all your hair care products that are not tailored to specifically targeting hair loss to ones that care for your hair and keep it healthy. Don’t let time get the better of you: fight back against hair miniaturisation today! With our range of REDENHAIR products, you’ll give your follicles the best treatment.

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