Hair loss is known as Alopecia. Hair loss from the scalp or elsewhere on the body. Hair loss is common in both men and women, and a treatable issue. Hair loss can be caused due to many reasons.
Hair Loss: Causes, Prevention, and Solutions
Hair loss is known as Alopecia. Hair loss from the scalp or elsewhere on the body. Hair loss is common in both men and women, and a treatable issue. Hair loss can be caused due to many reasons.
Hair loss refers to the thinning or loss of hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of the body. It can occur gradually or suddenly and affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The most common type is genetic, known as androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness. Other causes include conditions like alopecia areata or trichotillomania, as well as underlying health issues like anemia or thyroid disease. Hair loss can impact self-esteem, but treatments ranging from lifestyle adjustments to medications and surgery are available.
Why Hair Fall Occurs?
- Inherited: Hair loss can be genetic and gets worse with age and hormone changes. It's called androgenic alopecia and is more common in men.
- Stress: Tough times can cause a condition called telogen effluvium, making hair fall out. It often gets better over time.
- Health and Hormones: Some health issues and hormone changes can make hair fall out temporarily or permanently.
- Medicines: Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect.
- Radiation: Hair loss can happen after radiation therapy on the head.
- Hairstyles: Traction alopecia can occur from tight hairstyles like ponytails or braids.
- Treatments: Some hair treatments can damage hair and cause it to fall out, especially if they cause scars.
Other Causes:
- Anemia
- Autoimmune Conditions
- Burns
- Infections such as Ringworm
- Nervous Habits like Trichotillomania
- Thyroid Diseases
- Bacterial Infections of the Scalp
Stages of Hair Loss
| Stage |
Description |
| Stage 1 |
No noticeable hair loss or recession of the hairline. |
| Stage 2 |
Minor recession of the hairline around the temples. |
| Stage 3 |
Further recession of the hairline, forming an "M" shape. |
| Stage 4 |
The "M" shape becomes more pronounced with significant thinning on the crown. |
| Stage 5 |
The receding hairline and thinning crown are more pronounced, with a smaller area of hair separating them. |
| Stage 6 |
The balding areas on the crown and frontal scalp merge, leaving larger bald patches. |
| Stage 7 |
Only a band of hair around the sides and back of the scalp remains, known as the "horseshoe" pattern. |
What are The Risk Factors of Hair Loss?
Some factors can increase your risk for hair loss, including
- A family history of baldness on your mother's or father's side
- Age
- Significant weight loss
- Certain medical conditions, such as Diabetes and lupus
- Stress
- Poor nutrition
How is Hair Loss Diagnosed?
If you think you are experiencing hair loss, you may want to see a skin specialist called a dermatologist . They go:
- Do you talk about your signs?
- Inspect the areas where you have hair loss
- Gently pull on the hairs at the edges of the bald area to see if they come out easily
- Check individual hair and follicles to see if they are abnormally shaped
- Examine your nails
Rarely, you may have a biopsy, which means that a small piece of skin is removed from your scalp and examined under a microscope.
Many conditions can lead to hair loss. So your doctor can test your skin for a fungal infection or do blood tests to look for thyroid, hormone, or immune system problems.
Treatment for Hair Loss
Effective treatments for certain types of hair loss are available. You may be able to reverse the hair loss, or at least slow it down. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair can grow back without treatment within a year. Treatments for hair loss include medication and surgery.
Medications for Hereditary Baldness
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): Available over-the-counter in liquid, foam, and shampoo forms. For optimal results, apply once daily for women and twice daily for men. It typically takes at least six months of consistent use to see results.
- Finasteride (Propecia): Prescription medication primarily for men, taken daily in pill form. It can take several months to determine its effectiveness. Rare side effects include decreased libido and an elevated risk of prostate cancer.
- Other Medicines: Additional oral options may include spironolactone (Carospir, Aldactone) and oral dutasteride (Avodart).
Hair Transplant Surgery
When you lose hair on the top of your head, a common way to fix it is through hair transplant surgery. During this procedure, a doctor takes hair from where you still have it and moves it to where you're balding. They can transplant individual hairs or groups of hairs. It's done with some medicine to help with pain, but there can still be some side effects like bleeding or swelling. You might need more than one surgery to get the results you want, but it's important to know that if your hair loss is genetic, the surgery might not stop it completely.
Laser Therapy
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a low-level laser device as a treatment for inherited hair loss in both men and women. Some small studies showed it improves the density of the hair. More studies are needed to show long-term effects.
When to see a Doctor?
People with hair loss and signs of bodily problems should see a doctor promptly. Women who have developed masculine characteristics should call their doctor to discuss when they should be seen. Other people should see a physician when possible, but an appointment is not urgent unless other symptoms develop.
How to Prevent Hair Loss?
- Massage scalp with essential oils: Massage with lavender in almond or sesame oil for a few minutes to keep follicles active.
- Stay hydrated: Drink 4-8 cups of water daily for healthy hair growth.
- Avoid Alcohol: Reduces alcohol intake to boost hair growth.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking reduces scalp blood flow and hair growth.
- Physical activity: Engage in daily activities like walking, swimming, or biking for 30 minutes to balance hormones and reduce stress.
- De-stress: Practice meditation or yoga to reduce stress and restore hormonal balance.
- Avoid constant heating and drying: Minimize frequent use of heating tools to prevent hair protein weakening and brittleness, which can lead to hair loss.
Home Remedies for Hair Loss
- Aloe vera: Soothes scalp, conditions hair, fights dandruff, and unclogs hair follicles.
- Coconut oil: Strengthens and shines hair; apply before or after washing and leave it overnight.
- Viviscal: Take daily for six months for thicker hair growth; made from natural sea ingredients.
- Fish oil: Thickens hair and reduces loss; boosts overall health.
- Onion juice: Treats bald spots and promotes hair growth; apply for 15 minutes before washing.
- Rosemary oil: Promotes hair growth and reduces shedding; mix with carrier oils or shampoo.
- Geranium oil: Improves blood flow to the scalp for healthier hair growth; mix with carrier oils or shampoo.
