Hair Loss: Causes, Prevention, and Solutions
Hair loss is known as Alopecia. It can occur on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. Hair loss is common in both men and women and is a treatable issue. Many reasons can cause hair loss.
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.
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Why does Hair Fall Happen?
There are numerous causes of hair loss, such as
- 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
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
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How is Hair Loss Diagnosed?
If you're experiencing hair loss, a dermatologist (skin specialist) will typically:
- Discuss symptoms: Talk about the signs and duration of hair loss.
- Inspect hair loss areas: Examine the affected areas of your scalp.
- Hair pull test: Gently pull on hairs at the edge of bald spots to check for easy shedding.
- Examine hair and follicles: Look at individual hairs and follicles for abnormalities.
- Nail examination: Check your nails for any related issues.
- Possible biopsy: In rare cases, a small skin sample from your scalp may be taken and examined under a microscope.
Additional tests may include:
- Fungal Infection Test: To check for scalp infections.
- Blood Tests: To evaluate thyroid function, hormone levels, or immune system issues.
These steps help determine the cause of hair loss and guide appropriate treatment.
Treatment for Hair Loss
Effective treatments can reverse or slow hair loss. Options include:
- Medications
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): Over-the-counter in liquid, foam, or shampoo; apply daily for women and twice daily for men. Results may take at least six months.
- Finasteride (Propecia): A prescription pill for men; effectiveness may take months. Possible rare side effects include decreased libido and increased prostate cancer risk.
- Other Medicines: Oral options like spironolactone and dutasteride.
- Surgery: Available for certain types of hair loss.
For conditions like alopecia areata, hair may regrow naturally within a year.
Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplant surgery addresses hair loss by moving hair from areas where it’s still growing to balding spots. The procedure involves:
- Hair Harvesting: Removing individual hairs or hair groups from donor areas.
- Transplantation: Implanting the harvested hair into the balding areas.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is used to minimize pain, though side effects like bleeding or swelling can occur.
Multiple sessions might be needed for the desired results. Note that if hair loss is genetic, surgery may not fully prevent future loss.
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 only urgent if 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, promoting healthier hair growth. Mix with carrier oils or shampoo.
