WHAT IS HAIR LOSS ?
It’s basically lose of your hairs every day as part of your hair’s usual growth cycle. In a common individual, the lost hair grows back, and you maintain a full head of hair. But due to some illness, hormonal changes, stress, aging and inherited conditions can interfere with your hair’s growth cycle. More hair falls out, but new hairs don’t always grow back. Moreover, hair loss can have various causes. It may be temporary or permanent and can affect just the scalp or the entire body. The partial or complete absence of hairs from your body where these normally grow is called alopecia or badness.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF HAIR LOSS ?
There are several types of hair loss, each with different causes, patterns, and treatments. Here’s a breakdown of the main types :
1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Baldness)
This type is considered the most common type of hair loss in both genders ( men and women ). And this is especially due to the genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or basically hereditary baldness.
▪︎ Pattern :
▪︎ In male condition : Receding hairline and balding at the crown.
▪︎ In Female condition: General thinning, especially at the crown, without receding hairline.
▪︎ Permanent if untreated.
2. Alopecia Areata
▪︎ Autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles.
▪︎ Cause : Unknown trigger (may be stress, infection, or genetics).
▪︎ Pattern : Sudden, patchy hair loss, often circular bald spots.
▪︎ Can affect scalp, beard, eyebrows, and body hair. But it’s often reversible.
3. Telogen Effluvium
This is a temporary hair shedding due to disruption in the hair growth cycle and involves rapid shedding of hair in a short amount of time. It basically happens a few months after your body suffers through something physically or emotionally stressful. It can also result from sudden hormonal changes.
4. Anagen Effluvium
Rapid hair loss due to chemotherapy, radiation, or toxic exposure during the growth phase of the hair cycle.
Pattern : Sudden and extensive hair loss.
Often temporary, with regrowth after treatment ends.
5. Traction Alopecia
Hair loss caused by repeated pulling or tension on the hair. This is basically due to tight hairstyles (braids, ponytails, extensions).
Pattern : Thinning or bald patches where tension occurs (often edges or hairline).
Preventable and reversible if caught early.
6. Cicatricial Alopecia (Scarring Alopecia)
Hair loss due to inflammation that destroys hair follicles and causes scarring.
Causes : Autoimmune disorders, skin infections, or inflammatory conditions.
Pattern : Bald patches with scarring, may be itchy or painful.
Often permanent, requires medical treatment to halt progression.
7. Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm)
Fungal infection of the scalp.
Causes : Contagious fungal infection.
Pattern: Scaly patches of hair loss, sometimes with black dots or pus-filled sores.
This can be Treated with antifungal medications.
8. Trichotillomania
A psychological disorder involving compulsive hair pulling.
Causes : Anxiety, stress, or underlying mental health conditions.
Pattern : Irregular patches of missing hair.Treatable with therapy and behavioral interventions.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HAIR FALL
Hair loss, or alopecia, can have many causes. It may be temporary or permanent and can affect just the scalp or the entire body. Some main causes are given below
1. Genetic Factors :
▪︎ Androgenetic Alopecia (Male or Female Pattern Baldness) : The most common cause. It’s hereditary and usually develops gradually with aging
2. Hormonal Changes
▪︎ Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid problems can lead to temporary hair loss.
▪︎ Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also affect hair growth.
3. Medical Conditions
Alopecia areata: An autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss.
Scalp infections: Such as ringworm.
Trichotillomania: A psychological disorder that causes people to pull out their hair.
4. Medications and Treatments :
▪︎ Chemotherapy, radiation, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications are common culprits.
5. Physical or Emotional Stress
▪︎ Telogen effluvium: Temporary hair shedding due to a shock to the system (e.g., surgery, severe illness, high fever, or trauma).
6. Nutritional Deficiencies
▪︎ Lack of iron, protein, zinc, biotin, or other essential nutrients can lead to hair loss.
7. Hair Treatments and Styling :
▪︎ Overuse of heat tools, harsh chemicals, or tight hairstyles (like braids or ponytails) can cause traction alopecia.
8. Aging :
▪︎ Hair naturally thins with age due to slower growth cycles.
9. Environmental Factors :
▪︎ Exposure to pollution, toxins, or UV radiation can weaken hair and lead to loss over time.
If you’re experiencing unusual or sudden hair loss, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Would you like suggestions for preventing or treating hair loss?
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HAIR LOSS
Symptoms of hair loss can vary depending on the cause, type, and underlying health condition. Here are the common signs to watch for:
General Symptoms
1. Gradual thinning on the top of the head
▪︎ Most common type, especially with aging (pattern baldness).
▪︎ A receding hairline in men; broadening part in women.
2. Patchy or circular bald spots
Often linked to alopecia areata.May appear on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows.
3. Sudden hair loosening or shedding
Handfuls of hair may come out when combing or washing.Usually due to telogen effluvium (stress, illness, etc.).
4. Full-body hair loss
Can result from medical treatments like chemotherapy.Typically temporary.
5. Scaling or redness on the scalp
Often a sign of a fungal infection like tinea capitis.May also involve itching, oozing, or broken hairs.
6. Thinning of hair all over the scalp
Diffuse thinning may be due to stress, hormones, or poor nutrition.
🔸 Other Clues
Widening part or visible scalp when styling hair.
Increased hair in the drain, pillow, or brush.
Hair breakage rather than shedding from the root.
Short regrowing hairs in patchy areas.
TREATMENTS OF HAIR LOSS
Hair loss (also called alopecia) can occur due to a variety of reasons, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, stress, and certain medications or treatments. Effective treatment depends on the underlying cause, but here’s a detailed overview of the most common and evidence-based treatments for hair loss:
1. Medical Treatments
A. Minoxidil (Rogaine)
- Type: Topical solution or foam.
- Mechanism: Improves blood flow to hair follicles, prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle.
- Use: Applied once or twice daily to the scalp.
- Effectiveness: Useful for androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness); noticeable results in 3–6 months.
- Side effects: Scalp irritation, unwanted facial hair growth (rare).
B. Finasteride (Propecia)
- Type: Oral prescription medication.
- Mechanism: Blocks conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles.
- Use: 1 mg daily for men.
- Effectiveness: Particularly effective for male pattern baldness; takes 3–6 months.
- Side effects: Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, depression (rare but possible).
- Note: Not approved for women, especially those of childbearing age due to risk of birth defects.
C. Dutasteride (Avodart)
- Type: Oral medication.
- Mechanism: More potent DHT blocker than finasteride.
- Use: Off-label for hair loss.
- Effectiveness: May be more effective than finasteride; used when other options fail.
- Side effects: Similar to finasteride, possibly more pronounced.
D. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Safety: Generally safe with no significant side effects.
Type: Devices such as laser combs, helmets.
Mechanism: Stimulates cellular activity in hair follicles.
Effectiveness: Mild to moderate improvement; best used in early stages of hair loss.
Safety: Generally safe with no significant side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE : Don’t use any medicine without a professional doctor’s prescription.
2. Surgical Treatments
A. Hair Transplant Surgery
Techniques:
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) : Strip of scalp is removed and dissected into grafts.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) : Individual follicles are extracted directly from the scalp.
Use : Suitable for permanent hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
Effectiveness : Permanent results; depends on surgeon skill and donor hair availability.
Risks : Infection, scarring, unnatural appearance if poorly done.
Cost : Can be expensive; typically not covered by insurance.
3. Alternative and Supportive Treatments
A. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Procedure : Your blood is drawn, spun to concentrate platelets, and injected into the scalp.
Mechanism : Platelets release growth factors that stimulate hair follicle regeneration.
Effectiveness : Promising results in early-stage hair loss.
Frequency : Multiple sessions required.
Safety : Generally safe; minor swelling or discomfort.
B. Microneedling
Mechanism : Creates micro-injuries in the scalp that may enhance collagen production and follicle health.
Often used with : Minoxidil or PRP for improved results.
Side effects : Mild irritation or redness.
5. Hair Loss in Women : Special Considerations
Causes : PCOS, hormonal changes (e.g., post-partum, menopause), thyroid issues, traction alopecia from hairstyles.
Treatments : Minoxidil is FDA-approved.
Spironolactone (anti-androgen) may be prescribed.
Oral contraceptives for hormonal balance.
6. Hair Care Tips to Prevent Further Loss :
Avoid tight hairstyles (e.g., ponytails, braids). Limit use of harsh chemicals (bleach, perms).Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos.Avoid excessive heat (blow dryers, flat irons).Do not brush wet hair aggressively.
When to See a Doctor : Consult a dermatologist if:Hair loss is sudden or patchy.You notice scalp redness, itching, or scaling.There’s a family history of hair loss but you’re unsure of the cause.Over-the-counter treatments haven’t worked after 6+ months.
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