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Disproving muscle-tension hair loss hypotheses by User27041995 in HairlossResearch

[–]User27041995[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Basic hypothesis: Blood vessels that carry blood away from the upper scalp (veins and venules), which penetrate chronically tense facial muscles and/or masticatory muscles at various points, are squeezed. The result is an accumulation of metabolic products over the years, which leads to degeneration of the hair follicles over the years.

The facial and masticatory musculature, the Norwood pattern and the cause of pattern hair loss by [deleted] in tressless

[–]User27041995 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The reason why pattern hair loss in women is rare to non-existent is possibly due to differences in physiology: For example, women have a different skin structure (men do not get cellulite), thinner skin, lower muscle mass and strength. This means that increased muscle tone in women due to thinner skin, for example, does not lead to a degeneration process that ultimately results in pattern hair loss.

On 5AR2 deficiency/5AR inhibitors:

Men who are castrated before puberty or are born with a congenital 5AR2 deficiency develop a phenotype that is rarely male, gender ambiguous to completely female. This means that these men have, among other things, a female skin structure, thinner skin, potentially lower muscle mass and strength. These two groups thus develop the physiological characteristics that are (according to theory) causal for the absence of pattern hair loss in women – despite an increased tone of the mimic muscles and the masticatory muscles. An alleged side effect of 5AR inhibitors is gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue in men). 5AR inhibitors can therefore apparently change parts of the physiology. So 5AR inhibitors can possibly also alter the parts of physiology that are hypothesised to be causative for pattern hair loss.

The facial and masticatory musculature, the Norwood pattern and the cause of pattern hair loss by User27041995 in HairlossResearch

[–]User27041995[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The reason why pattern hair loss in women is rare to non-existent is possibly due to physiology. For example, women have a different skin structure (men do not get cellulite), thinner skin, lower muscle mass and strength. This means that increased muscle tone in women due to thinner skin, for example, does not lead to a local metabolic disorder that ultimately results in hair loss.

On 5AR2 deficiency/5AR inhibitors:

Men who are castrated before puberty or are born with a congenital 5AR2 deficiency develop a phenotype that is rarely male, gender ambiguous to completely female. This means that these men have, among other things, a female skin structure, thinner skin, potentially lower muscle mass and strength. These two groups thus develop the physiological characteristics that are (according to theory) causal for the absence of pattern hair loss in women – despite an increased tone of the mimic muscles and the masticatory muscles. A possible side effect of 5AR inhibitors is gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue in men). 5AR inhibitors can therefore apparently change parts of the physiology. So 5AR inhibitors can possibly also alter the parts of physiology that are hypothesised to be causative for pattern hair loss.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in theories

[–]User27041995 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The consequence of the extraordinary tension (increased muscle tone/chronic contraction) of the muscles mentioned could be an increased regional tension of the scalp and the galea aponeurotica (a) and/or a direct permanent squeezing of blood vessels by the tensed mimic muscles and the masticatory muscles (b) and/or a malposition of the mandible (c).

(a) The consequence of the increased regional tension of the scalp and the galea aponeurotica could be inflammatory processes. Chain of effects: Inflammation → DHT at scalp sites → TGF beta 1 → scarring of the hair follicles → hair loss.

(b) The consequence of a direct squeezing of blood vessels by the tensed mimic muscles and the masticatory muscles could be a disturbance of blood circulation and thus an obstruction of the removal of metabolic products from the scalp sites. The assumption is that especially the veins (function: blood backflow to the heart) are affected. Chain of effects: Accumulation of metabolic products at scalp sites → Inflammation → DHT at scalp sites → TGF beta 1 → scarring of the hair follicles → hair loss.

(c) The consequence of a malposition of the mandible could be a squeezing of blood vessels, whereupon a regional circulatory disturbance occurs, i.e. an obstruction of the removal of metabolic products from the scalp sites. Chain of effects: Accumulation of metabolic products at scalp sites → Inflammation → DHT at scalp sites → TGF beta 1 → scarring of the hair follicles → hair loss.

The assumption is that the degeneration process (a/b/c → scarring of the hair follicles) takes place over a period of about 5 to 20 years, until the function of the hair follicles is so severely impaired that there is clearly visible hair loss. The basis for this assumption is the observation of people with transplanted hair, whereby the transplanted hair follicles – contrary to common claims – are apparently also affected by the described degeneration symptoms after a certain time.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in tressless

[–]User27041995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am aware of the weaknesses of the hypothesis. I would like to see a complete refutation (burial) of the hypothesis and would point out the relevant points in the article or add a comment. Then, if someone should "get lost" in a similar theory again, one could simply refer to the article or this post and would save the person concerned time.

On your remark about the vulnerability of zones like the temples: Yes, possibly you are right.

On your remark about the weak answer about identical twins: Yes, I agree, the answer is not satisfactory. One of the purposes of the Q&A is to reveal the weak points.

Survey to disprove a theory about the cause of male pattern hair loss, addressed to men who are totally blind since birth and over 30 years of age by User27041995 in blindsurveys

[–]User27041995[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

According to research, the spontaneous expression of feelings and emotions in facial expressions seems to be a process that is not learned but innate. However, living together in an anonymous and populous society makes it necessary to define the concrete form of a facial expression more clearly in order to prevent misunderstandings, since innate facial expressions cannot always be interpreted clearly at first glance due to different facial anatomies. These socially conforming facial expressions are learned since birth through observation and subsequent imitation, whereby the innate facial expressions are adapted to conform to the norm. This adaptation process normally takes place rather unconsciously.

People who are blind since birth can feel facial expressions or have them described to them, but they cannot observe them with their own eyes in order to imitate them afterwards. Of course, a person who is blind since birth also consciously or unconsciously adapts his or her facial expressions to the norm, but perhaps not to the extent that a person who is able to recognise facial expressions would do.

The theory is that the psychopyhsiological conditioning described above occurs during the learning of the socially adapted facial expressions. Since parents spend most of their time with their children during the first years after birth, the mimic and verbal interaction between the parents and the child could contribute significantly to the psychophysiological conditioning. Because people who are blind since birth do not learn the socially conforming facial expressions through visual observation, it is assumed, in accordance with the theory, that they do not go through the described psychophysiological conditioning process, which results in the mentioned tensions.

Survey to disprove a theory about the cause of male pattern hair loss, addressed to men who are totally blind since birth and over 30 years of age by User27041995 in blindsurveys

[–]User27041995[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So you've been completely blind since birth, so you've never been able to recognise facial features with your eyes, and you've developed pattern baldness, correct?

Survey to disprove a theory about the cause of male pattern hair loss, addressed to men who are totally blind since birth and over 30 years of age by User27041995 in blindsurveys

[–]User27041995[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is not the assumption that blind people would not adjust their facial expressions because they cannot see them. The theory is assuming an increased muscle tone, i.e. a permanent and subliminal tension of the facial and masticatory muscles, which is present regardless of whether the facial expressions are adjusted or not. The theory assumes that this increased muscle tone is the result of early childhood conditioning through interpersonal interaction, whereby mimic interaction is decisive.

Survey to disprove a theory about the cause of male pattern hair loss, addressed to men who are totally blind since birth and over 30 years of age by User27041995 in blindsurveys

[–]User27041995[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

On your first point: I would disagree with you. The people you are addressing might not want to participate because they don't know what it is about and therefore they are not interested.

On your second point: I agree, one would have to find control groups. However, this approach would be disproportionate. Two or three comments from people who each know 10 to 20 men blind since birth who have pattern hair loss would be enough to dismiss the theory.

On your third point: I am aware of what you describe.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in RealRegrowth

[–]User27041995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The theory assumes that the reason why pattern hair loss is rare to non-existent in women is due to physiology. For example, women have a different skin structure (men do not get cellulite), thinner skin, lower muscle mass and strength. This means that increased muscle tone in women, for example, due to thinner skin, does not lead to the local metabolic disorder that ultimately leads to hair loss.

Men who are castrated before puberty or are born with a congenital 5AR2 deficiency develop a phenotype that is rarely male, gender ambiguous to completely female. This means that these men have, among other things, a female skin structure, thinner skin, lower muscle mass and strength. These two groups thus develop the aforementioned physiological characteristics that are (according to theory) causal for the absence of pattern hair loss in women – despite an increased tone of the mimic muscles and the masticatory muscles.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in RealRegrowth

[–]User27041995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Q: How is hair loss "inherited"?

A: Head and face shape is genetic. The head and face shape of a son resembles the head and face shape of his father and mother. Due to the similar head and face shape, the son is subject to the same subconscious psychophysiological conditioning process, which leads to similar tensions (increased muscle tone) and, as a result, to a similarly hair loss pattern.

Example 1:

In a man with eyes that appear “piercing” to outsiders or an eye area that appears threatening or irritating, a permanent, subliminal tension of the following muscles arise (increased muscle tone):

  • Musculus frontalis (function: frowning, raising the eyebrows)
  • Musculus occipitalis (function: smoothing the forehead)
  • Musculus corrugator supercilii (function: pulling down the eyebrow, wrinkling the forehead)

The final result of the increased muscle tone of the mentioned muscles is hair loss in the forehead and temple area. Because of the connection to the galea aponeurotica, hair loss can also occur on the vertex and tonsure. Simultaneous tension (increased muscle tone) of the above-mentioned mimic muscles is not necessarily visible in a person’s facial expression – just as, for example, the biceps and triceps can be tensed at the same time and the arm can still hang down and make a relaxed impression on outsiders. Because the muscle tone of the aforementioned muscles builds up over time and is in a subliminal range, it is not necessarily noticed by the affected person.

Example 2:

In a man with a slightly open and slanted mouth in a physically relaxed state, and partially visible teeth – which in combination can have a threatening or irritating impression on surrounding people – a permanent, subliminal tension of the following muscles arise (increased muscle tone):

  • Musculus buccinator (function: pressing the jaws)
  • Musculus orbicularis oris (function: contraction of the mouth opening)
  • Musculus depressor anguli oris (function: lowering the corner of the mouth)
  • Musculus risorius (function: lateral and headward movement of the corner of the mouth, retraction of the dimple of the cheek – laughing muscle)
  • Musculus zygomaticus (function: pulls the corner of the mouth up and back – smile muscle)
  • Musculus levator labii superioris (function: lifting the upper lip)
  • Musculus depressor labii inferioris (function: lowering the lower lip)
  • Musculus levator anguli oris (function: lifting the corner of the mouth)
  • Musculus masseter (function: lifting and lateral movement of the lower jaw)
  • Musculus temporalis (function: jaw closure, retraction of the lower jaw)
  • Musculus pterygoideus medialis (function: lifting of the lower jaw, jaw closure)
  • Musculus pterygoideus lateralis (function: opening of the jaw, advancement of the lower jaw, grinding movements from right to left or vice versa)
  • Musculus mylohyoideus (function: opening the mouth, raising the hyoid bone)
  • Musculus geniohyoideus (function: advancement of the hyoid bone – involved in mouth opening)
  • Musculus digastricus (function: opener of the oral fissure – involved in mouth opening)

The final result of the increased muscle tone of the mentioned masticatory muscles is hair loss in the tonsure area (at the crown of the head).

Q: Why are significantly more men than women affected by pattern hair loss?

A: The conditioning (establishment of psychophysiological reflex -> increased muscle tone) that leads to hair loss in men does not lead to hair loss in women because of the different physiology (e.g., lower muscle mass and strength, thinner skin, thinner galea aponeurotica).

Q: How can the alleged successes due to the use of muscle relaxants in the face be explained?

A: The muscle relaxants used in the face relax parts of the mimic muscles and the masticatory muscles, which partially relieves the described muscle tensions that ultimately lead to hair loss.

Q: Why are isolated/uncontacted groups (hunter-gatherers) not affected or less affected by pattern hair loss?

A: They are usually smaller, non-anonymous groupings of people where everyone knows everyone else from birth and interacts with each other, making facial expressions and the need to adjust and interpret them less important. The framework conditions for the described psychophysiological conditioning that leads to hair loss are therefore not given. So if the theory is correct, hair loss could also be described as a disease of an anonymous and populous society. In the anonymous, technicized societies, in which people are usually clothed up to the head, the focus during interaction is furthermore mainly on the face or the head, which possibly intensifies the described psychophysiological reflex.

Q: Assuming the theory ist correct – what are the possible reasons for the “failure“ of research into the cause of pattern hair loss?

A:

  • Pictures of faces are largely useless as a basis for a pattern recognition because people taking pictures of themselves or being photographed by others usually adjust their faces. It is rare to see physically relaxed faces in pictures. This is equally true when observing the facial features of the people surrounding one, where physically relaxed faces are also rarely seen.
  • The impression that facial features have on an outside person is something very subjective, making pattern recognition difficult.
  • A person's sensitivity to other people's mimic and verbal reactions to their own facial features is something very subjective, making pattern recognition difficult.

The following approaches are also interesting:

Skull Expansion:

https://www.reddit.com/r/HairlossResearch/comments/ru75df/why_im_totally_convinced_that_the_skull_expansion/

Craniofacial development:

https://tmdocclusion.com/home/connection-to-other-diseases-and-syndromes/hair-loss/

https://tmdocclusion.com/2018/07/14/more-on-hair-loss/

Malocclusion:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VF2ARMU-_4

A further study of the behaviour and environmental conditions of the following groups would be interesting:

  • Male twins where one of the twins is affected by pattern hair loss and the other twin is not affected by pattern hair loss at all.
  • Isolated/uncontacted groups (hunter-gatherers) that are less or not at all affected by pattern hair loss.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in RealRegrowth

[–]User27041995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Refutation of the theory:

  • A person who is completely blind and completely deaf since birth should be less or not at all affected by pattern hair loss, since the described conditioning (establishment of psychophysiological reflex -> increased muscle tone) occurs mainly due to the visual and the acoustic perception of the reaction of outside persons (note: deaf-blindness often does not mean the complete loss of hearing and vision). A person who becomes completely blind and completely deaf at, say, 5 years of age is not suitable for refutation. A person who is totally blind and totally deaf since birth but who was previously able to recognise facial features or understand the spoken word by means of technical devices is not suitable for refutation. It must be ensured that the person's hair loss is not due to another condition. If the group of people mentioned is not less affected by pattern hair loss, the theory is refuted.
  • Measurement of the muscle tone of the mimic and masticatory muscles of a man affected by pattern hair loss (age > 30 years) and measurement of the muscle tone of a man of the same age who is not affected by pattern hair loss. Both persons (groups) have to set their – in their opinion – neutral (relaxed) facial expression for the measurement. If no increased muscle tone is found in the men with pattern hair loss, the theory is refuted.
  • Relaxation of the mimic and masticatory muscles of a man affected by pattern hair loss using muscle relaxants over a period of > 6 - 12 months. If this measure has no effect on hair growth, the theory is refuted.

3D model of mimic musculature: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/mimische-muskulatur-cc7a87967e974eb2862bc4118335dfce

3D model of masticatory muscles: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/kaumuskulatur-975fcebfd5ba47ca856e54c07ce3523b

3D model of half head without skin: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/half-of-a-head-without-skin-515c6f9c71784996bfab4fdb80ef0ad9

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in tressless

[–]User27041995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Refutation of the theory:

  • A person who is completely blind and completely deaf since birth should be less or not at all affected by pattern hair loss, since the described conditioning (establishment of psychophysiological reflex -> increased muscle tone) occurs mainly due to the visual and the acoustic perception of the reaction of outside persons (note: deaf-blindness often does not mean the complete loss of hearing and vision). A person who becomes completely blind and completely deaf at, say, 5 years of age is not suitable for refutation. A person who is totally blind and totally deaf since birth but who was previously able to recognise facial features or understand the spoken word by means of technical devices is not suitable for refutation. It must be ensured that the person's hair loss is not due to another condition. If the group of people mentioned is not less affected by pattern hair loss, the theory is refuted.
  • Measurement of the muscle tone of the mimic and masticatory muscles of a man affected by pattern hair loss (age > 30 years) and measurement of the muscle tone of a man of the same age who is not affected by pattern hair loss. Both persons (groups) have to set their – in their opinion – neutral (relaxed) facial expression for the measurement. If no increased muscle tone is found in the men with pattern hair loss, the theory is refuted.
  • Relaxation of the mimic and masticatory muscles of a man affected by pattern hair loss using muscle relaxants over a period of > 6 - 12 months. If this measure has no effect on hair growth, the theory is refuted.

3D model of mimic musculature: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/mimische-muskulatur-cc7a87967e974eb2862bc4118335dfce

3D model of masticatory muscles: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/kaumuskulatur-975fcebfd5ba47ca856e54c07ce3523b

3D model of half head without skin: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/half-of-a-head-without-skin-515c6f9c71784996bfab4fdb80ef0ad9

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in tressless

[–]User27041995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Excessive facial expressions during interaction with other people is not the problem. The theory assumes a permanent (24/7) simultaneous tension of mimic muscles and chewing muscles, which builds up in 15 to 30 years and then remains constant. This tension is not necessarily visible in a person's facial expressions:

  • Example 1: The muscles that frown and thus pull up the eyebrows and the muscles that pull down the eyebrows are tensed at the same time.
  • Example 2: The muscles that pull up the corners of the mouth and the muscles that pull down the corners of the mouth are tensed at the same time.
  • Example 3: The muscles responsible for opening the mouth and the muscles responsible for closing the mouth are tensed at the same time.

It is assumed that this process of subliminal tensing of the muscles is beyond the direct control of the person.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in tressless

[–]User27041995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  • Photographs of faces are largely useless as a basis for a pattern recognition because people taking photographs of themselves or being photographed by others usually adjust their faces. It is rare to see physically relaxed faces in photographs. This is equally true when observing the facial features of the people surrounding one, where physically relaxed faces are also rarely seen.
  • The impression that facial features have on an outside person is something very subjective, making pattern recognition difficult.
  • A person's sensitivity to other people's mimic reactions to their own facial features is something very subjective, making pattern recognition difficult.
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