Patterned hair loss, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is primarily caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormonal changes. The condition is characterised by a progressive thinning of hair, typically at the temples and crown for men, and a widening part line for women. Scientifically, patterned hair loss is linked to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone. In individuals with a genetic predisposition to hair loss, DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles, leading to a shortening of the hair growth cycle and miniaturisation of hair follicles. This process eventually results in the production of shorter, finer hairs until the follicles cease producing hair altogether. While genetic predisposition plays a significant role, environmental factors such as stress, diet, and certain medications can also influence the progression of patterned hair loss. Consequently, effective hair loss treatments will often contain ingredients that target DHT production or block its effects on hair follicles, helping to slow down hair loss and promote thicker, healthier hair growth.

Some of our formulations specifically target the DHT hormone, working to block its effects on the hair follicle. In addition to this we also use other evidence based ingredients which act to stimulate the hair follicle via increasing blood microcirculation and preventing oxidative stress.

You can read more about our ingredients and they way the work in our ingredients section.

Treatment options for patterned hair loss can be split into different groups:

1. Do nothing: Embrace it, cut it short, rock it!

This may be the option for you. Often felt to be the last resort, and most people initially don't like their new look. However, once you've become accustomed to it, the initial paleness of the scalp has settled and your family and friends are used to it. Most people enjoy their new look.

2. Topical treatment:

This is where Anagenix fits in, using only topical treatments in our range. Topical treatments are solutions which are applied directly to the scalp and are absorbed through the skin to exert their effect. As in any area of cosmetic, there are lots of products out there for topical application. Some have good evidence behind them, some have none.

We extensively research and develop our products to ensure that we bring you only the best that scientific evidence has to offer.

Examples that we use in our formulas are:

Saw palmetto

Caffeine

Niacinamide

Resveratrol

Fesitin

Biotin

Trifolium Pratense

Another very common topical solution is minoxidil, whilst at present we don't offer this in any of our formulations there is a large body of supporting evidence that it works well, especially on crown thinning.

3. Oral medications

Probably the most well known oral medication for hair loss is Finasteride. Initially developed and frequently used within medicine for a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Which works to prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Whilst Finasteride does have a lot of evidence behind its success in treating patterned hair loss. Given its potential for side effects we choose not to include it within any of our formulations.

4. Surgical options

Last but not least is surgery. Hair transplant surgery has come a very long way in recent years and gone are the unnatural, doll-like hair transplants of the past.

There are 2 common methods frquently used:

-Follicle unit extraction (FUE)

-Follicular unit transplantation (FUT or strip method)

Both can demonstrate great results but drawbacks can include:

-The price (they arn't cheap)

-Risks associated with surgery such as infection and failure

-Taking time off work after the operation