For many men, going bald is inevitable. The source of pattern baldness is genetically linked, and there are no known cures. DHT hormone causes hair follicles in balding humans to shrink over time, deteriorating hair quality. Mammals are characteristically defined as having hair, but are humans the only type of animal that goes bald?
Other animals can lose their hair, although the causes of hair loss across the animal kingdom vary greatly. Some animals suffer from alopecia, the same condition that causes hair loss in humans. For unknown reasons, captured, mature female Andean bears often experience itchy, permanent hair loss. Like humans, female rhesus macaques may lose hair during or after pregnancy.
Stump-tailed macaques in South Asia experience pattern baldness similar to older human males. Some species of dogs, such as dachshunds and greyhounds, also experience a similar style of pattern baldness as they age because of poor breeding practices.
Battle wounds or falls may cause temporary hair loss in animals; severe trauma or infections cause permanent loss. Scientists don’t know why rhesus macaques daily engage in social hair-pulling, causing quick bald spots. Fungal infections, like ringworm, embed within the skin and kill the fungus that damages the hair follicles. Mites and other parasites inflame animal skin, destroy hair follicles over time, and cause mange.
It may be tough to be a balding human, but at least you have more options to treat your symptoms than a wild animal. Scalp micropigmentation is a permanent solution for people who want to address their hair loss, and the process can usually be completed with just two treatments. Call or text us today at 833-HAIR-INK (833-424-7465) to schedule an appointment, learn about our pricing, or to get a free quote!
