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Alopecia typically presents as thinning or complete hair loss in the frontal, temporal, and parietal regions of the scalp, while the occipital zone (back of the head) is usually preserved. On a microscopic level, research has shown that hair follicles in this stable occipital area lack androgen receptors, which makes them significantly less sensitive to male hormones (androgens) and the processes that lead to hair loss. This resistance is why the occipital zone often serves as the donor area in hair transplantation procedures.
Alopecia, commonly referred to as baldness, is defined by the partial or complete loss of hair in areas where hair normally grows. The clinical presentation may involve gradual hair loss, skin changes, and in some cases, scarring. In conditions like androgenetic alopecia, hair loss progresses slowly, and medical examination typically reveals thinning hairs, most of which are in the telogen (resting) phase. With each hair growth cycle, these follicles progressively lose their regenerative capacity.
This slow degeneration is part of a process known as miniaturization, where healthy, thick hairs gradually become fine, colorless, and weak. Eventually, these miniaturized hairs can no longer grow back, and the hair follicles may completely disappear, leaving behind only thin, fluffy vellus hairs.
Beyond its physical effects, alopecia can have profound psychological and social consequences, as hair has long been regarded as a symbol of health, beauty, and confidence in both men and women.
The Pull Test is a simple clinical method used to assess hair loss. During the procedure, the doctor gently pulls a small group of hairs—typically around 40 to 60—from different areas of the scalp. The number of hairs that come out is then evaluated. If an unusually high number of hairs are shed, it may indicate active hair loss.
These extracted hairs are often examined under a microscope in a procedure known as a trichogram, which helps determine the proportion of hairs in different growth phases (anagen, catagen, telogen). This test plays an important role in diagnosing the type and severity of alopecia and guiding appropriate treatment.
A scalp skin biopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool used when the cause of hair loss is unclear or when differential diagnosis is required. It involves removing a small section of scalp tissue for microscopic examination.
This procedure is especially useful in distinguishing between complex or overlapping conditions such as alopecia areata, cicatricial (scarring) alopecia, and other inflammatory or autoimmune disorders affecting the scalp. The biopsy provides detailed insights into follicular structure, inflammatory patterns, and scalp health, helping the physician confirm an accurate diagnosis and tailor an effective treatment plan.
The phototrichogram is one of the most advanced diagnostic tools available for assessing alopecia. At Advanced Hair Clinics, we use the innovative Follysis method, which combines high-resolution imaging from a digital microcamera with sophisticated software analysis to accurately evaluate the condition of the scalp and hair.
Using this method, digital photographs of both affected and healthy areas of the scalp are captured and analyzed. The software measures key parameters such as the extent of hair loss, follicle density, average number of hairs per follicle, and hair shaft diameter. These metrics are then compared against reference values from healthy regions to detect early signs of alopecia.
A reduction in hair shaft diameter is often one of the earliest indicators of developing or progressing alopecia in the assessed area. Based on these detailed findings, the clinic’s dermatologist and plastic surgeon collaborate to determine the most suitable treatment plan.
Advanced Hair Clinics is recognized as one of the leading centers for alopecia treatment in Europe. Under the expertise of Dr. Anastasios Vekris, a pioneer in surgical hair restoration, we offer world-class care for those seeking accurate diagnosis and effective solutions for hair loss.
The dermatologist and the plastic surgeon of the clinic, after having diagnosed the form of alopecia, jointly decide on the type of treatment that will be followed. Advanced Hair Clinics is, at European level, one of the most specialized centers for alopecia treatment and plastic surgeon Dr. Anastasios Vekris is one of the pioneers in the field of the surgical restoration of alopecia.
