Mapping Your Own Scalp for Miniaturization, Part 2
This is part 2 of a series. For the first part, see Mapping Your Own Scalp for Miniaturization.
—
Interpreting the Results:
Is miniaturization present? Hair shaft thickness should be relatively comparable from one part of the head to another. There are exceptions to this rule in the first 1/4 inch of hairline, the temple prominences, and the hair of the neck where the shaft thickness may be less than that found throughout the scalp. In any one area of the scalp, the hair shaft thickness may be reduced significantly in 20% of the viewed hairs. These reflect vellus hairs, not mature normal ‘terminal’ hairs — so any measurement below 20% can be thought of as normal without miniaturization.
The area of the head may have different findings. For example, frontal hair in the balding Norwood Class 3A will show varying degrees of miniaturization eventually leading to complete balding, while crown views of the hair may show no miniaturization whatsoever. The balding patterns shown in the Norwood classification chart will parallel the distribution of miniaturization as the balding process develops.
All miniaturization is not equal. Some hairs in any one part of the scalp may show different degrees of thinning. That is because the impacted hairs are self-destructive and different times. Eventually, those miniaturized hairs at the beginning of the destructive process will progress with more and more miniaturization until they just fade away. In the various stages of miniaturization, the hair’s growth slows (no longer growing at 1/2 inch per month) and they will lose their pigment (become gray or transparent). These changes will be appreciated by those of you who become experts on your own miniaturization process.
Now What?
This week, I’ll be posting a tutorial video on BaldingForum.com to show how the process works using the sub-$100 Celestron handheld microscope I mentioned in part 1 of this series. First though, you’ll need to get the microscope. I provided the links in part 1, but to keep things convenient here they are again:
- Buy it at Amazon.com
- Buy it at JR.com
Assuming you have the microscope, the tutorial video (Below!) will be a big help. It’ll not only show you where to map on your scalp, but it’ll also show you how to create files of your historical record on your computer and compare the pictures you obtain over time may give you insights into your balding problems.
The only time I think about my hairloss is when I apply the treatments. The rest of the day, I forget about it and enjoy my life.
Counting hairs in the shower / brush constantly, avoiding windy days / pools etc, constantly worrying about your hair / how it looks etc, and, Yes, mapping your scalp, in my opinion leads to an obsession over your hairloss and an unhappy life.
I spent many a Friday night at home constantly worrying about my hairloss that I missed out on so many things in my youth.
Do you think guys with full heads of hair are mapping their scalps, counting hairs, etc etc…?? Nope….
Just apply your treatments, check your progress from time to time and stay away from being obsessive about your hair loss, and trust me on this, you’ll have a much happier life, hairloss or not.
LAZERFISH
You’d be surprised as to how many men are counting hairs and spend countless hours obsessing about their hair. I see it in some patients that come to my office and I read it in the emails I get every day. I’ve also gotten many, many emails from people wanting to perform their own miniaturization exams, so I’m providing tools and tutorials for them to do so.
I’m not suggesting they should do this daily or even weekly, but microscopic examination of your scalp is a great way to see if various treatments are working. It can be difficult to tell 6 months after the fact if your hair loss has progressed or been successfully treated when you see yourself in the mirror day after day.
Agreed, once and a while, is best. Thanks for your reply Dr. Rassman.
Mike,
LAZERFISH
PS: And to those young guys who are losing your hair. Get out there and live your life! You’re only young once. Don’t let those precious years slip by!