This is an extremely common problem affecting millions of people all over the world and their confidence and self-esteem in turn. The understanding of its types, causes, treatments available, and tips for prevention can help manage this condition effectively. In this blog, we will delve into detailed aspects of hair loss to provide a comprehensive guide on taming the issue.
What is Hair Loss?
Alopecia is considered the partial or total loss of hair from any region of the scalp or body. The condition can be temporary or permanent and affects people of any age, gender, and ethnicity. It may be expressed in different patterns, thinning hair, complete baldness, and is bound to affect a person psychologically.
What are the Types of Hair Loss?
There are different types of hair loss, all differing in characteristics and causes. Knowing what kind of hair loss, you have is the key to determining a correct mode of treatment.
1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male and Female Pattern Baldness):
This is the most common form of baldness among men and women. In men, this usually manifests in a receding hairline and balding on the vertex. In women, there is diffuse thinning over the whole scalp.
2. Alopecia Areata:
This is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the sudden and patchy loss of hair over the scalp or any other part of the body. In this case, a person's immune system mistakenly starts an attack on hair follicles, which results in hair loss.
3. Telogen Effluvium:
This is the temporary form of hair loss. In this kind of disorder, many hair follicles enter resting phase simultaneously, leading to diffuse thinning. It can be a result of stress, illness, surgery, or major life changes.
4. Traction Alopecia:
This condition is caused by constant tension or strain on the hair roots and is caused most by braids, ponytails, or other tight hairdos, or even extensions. It can usually be reversed if it is diagnosed early.
5. Cicatricial Alopecia:
This relatively rare form of hair loss is caused by inflammation that damages the hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss and scarring. It can be caused by a variety of skin conditions, infection, or trauma.
6. Anagen Effluvium:
This is a rapid hair loss that happens at the time of growth; it often results from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or exposure to toxic substances. Hair growth resumes if the inciting factor is removed.
What Causes Hair Loss?
If one is to treat or prevent hair loss effectively, it becomes incumbent to know what causes it. Common causes and contributors include:
1. Genetics:
Family history of hair loss is one of the major risk factors. For example, androgenetic alopecia is almost purely hereditary.
2. Hormonal Changes:
Hormonal changes seen in pregnancy, childbearing, menopause, or thyroid disorders may be linked to temporary or permanent hair loss.
3. Medical Conditions:
Hair loss can be linked to some medical conditions which include autoimmune diseases like infections in the scalp, skin, and scalp disorders. Other medical conditions, as above mentioned, include lupus, diabetes, and other manifestations of systemic diseases that seem to result in hair loss.
4. Medications:
Drugs that are used to treat cancer, arthritis, depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure have hair loss as one of the side effects.
5. Deficiencies in Nutrition:
When there is a lack of essential nutrients such as iron, protein, and vitamins, it causes the hair to become weak, leading to eventual hair fall. Balanced nutritional diet is required to keep the hair healthy.
6. Stress:
This is a physical or emotional process that might cause one to lose hair. The kind of alopecia common in this category of causes is telogen effluvium. Stress-induced hair loss is usually temporary, but it can also be reversible if stress is managed.
7. Hair Styling:
This includes frequent use of heat styling tools, chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles that tend to damage the hair, leading to traction alopecia.
8. Environmental Factors:
Exposure to air pollutants, extreme weather conditions, and chemicals that are harmful weakens the hair and predisposes it to falls.
Best Treatment for Hair Loss
The mode of treatment for loss of hair takes its way from the cause of the condition and the type of hair loss. Some of these standard treatment options and medications for hair fall entail the following:
1. Medications:
- Minoxidil: It is an available over-the-counter topical medication for both men and women. The application allows the stimulation of hair growth, slowing down hair loss.
- Finasteride: This is a prescription medicine recommended only for men and acts by reducing the level of dihydrotestosterone hormone, DHT, that causes androgenetic alopecia.
2. Hair Transplant Surgery:
This is a surgical process whereby hair follicles are transferred from one part of the body to the area with baldness, referred to as the recipient site. It is used mainly to treat androgenetic alopecia and has long-term results.
3. Platelet-rich plasma therapy:
The blood of the patient is used, and platelet-rich plasma is injected into the scalp, promoting hair growth and increasing density.
4. LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy):
It is a non-invasive treatment where red-light therapy is used to stimulate the hair follicles. Thus, this technique can be used concomitantly with other forms of therapy for better results.
5. Corticosteroid Injections:
In alopecia areata, corticosteroids injected into the scalp reduce inflammation and promote regrowth of hair.
6. Scalp Micropigmentation:
A cosmetic treatment where tattooing the scalp with small dots gives the effect of a fuller head of hair. It is a non-surgical solution for hair loss.
7. Natural Remedies:
Some natural remedies include rosemary and peppermint essential oils, saw palmetto and ginseng herbal supplements, and alterations in diet that may be helpful in maintenance and growth of hair. However, the rate of effectiveness varies and is to be used cautiously.
Important Tips to Check Hair Loss
Preventing hair loss requires developing healthy habits and taking proactive measures for hair care. Here are some tips on how to prevent hair loss:
1. Keep a Healthy Diet:
A diet that is full of nutrients, rich in vitamins and minerals, and high in protein will help keep your hair healthy. Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, and lean meats are foods recommended for hair growth.
2. Reduce Stress:
Engage in yoga, meditation, exercises, or several other hobbies that would not only reduce stress but also lessen the impact on your hair.
3. Be Gentle with Your Hair:
Avoid harsh chemical hair treatments and using too much heat while styling. A wide-tooth comb won't rake up your hair while detangling.
4. Use Gentle Hair Products:
Stay clear of shampoos and conditioners that include sulphates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals. Be sure to use herbal Bioxsine Hair Loss shampoo and products tailor-made for your hair type.
5. Protect Your Hair from Sun Exposure:
Use a hat or use a hair product with UV protection to protect your locks from the sun.
6. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol:
Smoking and excessive alcohol intake are known to have negative effects on hair. By cutting down or completely avoiding such vices, hair quality could be improved.
7. Stay Hydrated:
Drinking enough water keeps the body healthy, and when your body is perfectly healthy, you would experience healthy hair growth.
8. Keep the Scalp Healthy:
The scalp should be kept clean and well-nourished. Massage can stimulate blood circulation to the scalp area.
9. Avoid Tight Hairstyles:
Keep your hair off those very tight braids, ponytails, and buns to avert traction alopecia.
10. Consult a Professional:
If you're losing an awful lot of hair, do not hesitate to call a dermatologist or trichologist to find out what it is causing it and get treated.
Conclusion
Knowing the types, causes, and treatments for hair loss can therefore be an empowering thing. You will be able to effectively manage hair loss and enjoy healthy and vibrant hair if you make use of the prevention tips provided herein and seek professional intervention where need be. Keep in mind that early intervention is very important; therefore, once the first signs of hair loss appear, do not waste a second.
FAQs
1. How do I stop my hair from falling?Eat well, avoid strong treatments, minimize stress, and seek a dermatologist's advice.
2. What to eat to stop hair fall?Include lots of leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, and lean meats in your diet with a lot of vitamins and proteins that would help in preserving your hair.
3. Which vitamin is good for hair fall control?Vitamin B7, also known as Biotin, has good results in hair fall control and enriches healthy hair growth.