NEW YORK, Jan 29: More than 80% of men and nearly half of women experience hair loss during their lifetime, according to NYU Langone. William Gaunitz was one of them. He began losing his hair at 17 and later changed his career path to become a trichologist, focusing on treating his condition.

Gaunitz explains that hair loss is caused by three main factors: the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), nutrition, and inflammation. He emphasizes that each of these causes must be treated separately.

But how do you determine which factor is causing your own hair loss? Gaunitz developed the Zone Hair Pull Test as a simple, at-home diagnostic tool to help individuals identify the underlying cause of their thinning hair. He created the test after noticing that hair loss isn't uniform and that different treatments may be needed for different areas of the scalp.

“After managing tens of thousands of cases, I observed that specific areas of the scalp seem to respond to different treatments in very clear ways different from the norm,” Gaunitz told The Post.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gaunitz began offering virtual consultations. Without access to scalp samples and microscopes, he encouraged clients to perform self-administered hair tests to assess different zones on their scalps to better understand the source of their hair loss.

To perform the test, run your fingers through the following areas of your scalp twice. If more than a couple of hairs come out in your hand, that zone may be a problem area for you.

Zone 1

Gaunitz defines the top of the scalp as Zone 1. “Zone 1 is very clearly documented as the epicenter for DHT-related hair loss in both men and women,” he explained. “If you experience more hair loss on the top of the scalp compared to the sides or the back, it’s almost always related to DHT. The other zones of hair loss can affect the top, but the DHT will exacerbate the area, creating the classic appearance of male or female pattern hair loss.”

Gaunitz further explains that without DHT, hair loss would occur more evenly across the entire scalp or not at all. DHT-related hair loss is genetic, driven by a sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone at a specific time in one's life. “Without the genetics, you will never experience DHT-related hair loss,” he says.

DHT blockers, such as finasteride, and minoxidil products like Rogaine are effective treatments for this type of hair loss.

Zone 2

Zone 2 refers to the area above the ears, where hair loss is primarily linked to nutrition. “Nutritional alopecia is caused by the absence of the appropriate level of nutrition in the blood to serve the hair follicles,” Gaunitz explained. “Your body needs key nutrients like iron, zinc, copper, vitamin D3, B12, and folate to rebuild tissue throughout the body.” When deficient in these nutrients, the body prioritizes critical organs over hair growth, leading to reduced hair production.

Gaunitz adds that low levels of vitamin D3, ferritin, serum iron, and zinc are directly linked to hair loss in this area. “When you add the optimal level of nutrition in these primary categories, the hair can regrow,” he says. This area does not respond to DHT blockers or typical treatments like minoxidil.

Zone 3

Zone 3, located below the occipital ridge at the nape of the neck, is the inflammatory zone. This area is commonly affected by dandruff, vascular swelling, thyroid-related hair loss, and alopecia ophiasis. “Zone 3 is inflammatory hair loss, which directly relates to an area of your scalp that should never have hair loss except under these circumstances,” Gaunitz said. Even if DHT and nutrition have been addressed, unresolved inflammation can still cause shedding in this area.

For this type of hair loss, Gaunitz recommends seeing a doctor for treatment.

While the science of hair loss continues to evolve, Gaunitz believes knowledge is power. “I believe that the Zone Method of hair loss treatment and the Zone Hair Pull Test are valuable guides on what treatments and diagnostics should be used to address an individual’s specific hair loss situation,” he said.

Gaunitz advises that individuals first identify and address the underlying cause of their hair loss before starting minoxidil treatments. “It is always best to understand which of the three reasons for hair loss are impacting you, mitigate those first, and then begin minoxidil about 30 days after you’ve begun treating the underlying cause.”