The root causes of hair thinning (and how KilgourMD can help)

As we get older, our skin ages and our hair thins. There are several major causes of this hair thinning, some of which we cannot change, and others than we can address. This short article will review broadly the major causes of age-related hair thinning. Before we begin, it’s important to note that hair loss can be caused by a number of medical conditions, and if you suspect that you may be suffering from one, please consult with a dermatologist.

Two of the major causes of age-related hair thinning that we conventionally think about are genetics and androgen hormones. While we can’t change your genetics, we can address androgens. Androgens are a type of sex hormone, traditionally thought of as being “male sex hormones”, although in fact they are produced naturally by both men and women and are responsible for libido, hair growth in areas such as the genital region, and many other normal physiological functions. One of the effects of these androgens, however, is that they inhibit growth of the hair on the scalp. Our serums are designed to combat this using naturally derived plant extracts; in The Treatment, for example, we included Saw Palmetto, a potent natural inhibitor of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme, found within the scalp, converts the androgen testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is 2.5 to 10 times more potent. By decreasing DHT production within the scalp, we can maximise hair growth without the systemic effects of supressing your normal and healthy androgens.

But there’s more to age-related hair thinning than genetics and androgens. We now know that the environment plays a critical role in the ageing process. In the same way that environmental exposures age our facial skin and cause wrinkles, these same forces age our scalps and cause hair thinning.

Environmental stress ages our scalps through oxidative stress. Factors such as pollution, UV exposure, smoking, and stress, all lead to the generation of harmful free radicals within the scalp that cause DNA and protein damage. Inflammation of the scalp, caused by dandruff or irritating hair care products also lead to oxidative stress, through a process known as ‘inflammaging’.

We designed the KilgourMD system to target all three of these modifiable causes of age-related hair thinning; oxidative stress, ‘inflammaging’ and androgen hormones. In fact, the active ingredients in the two products were studied in a peer-reviewed, randomized controlled trial where they outperformed Rogaine® — and without the side effects. When you use both serums, you'll notice hair that looks thicker, fuller and healthier. That's why we're thrilled to offer you a special discount when you purchase them as a bundle. When you purchase both The Prevention & The Treatment together, you’ll save 15% off the total price plus free shipping.