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.
Why Does Hair Fall Happen?
- Disruption of the Hair Growth Cycle: Various factors can interrupt the normal hair growth cycle.
- Interference with Hair Follicles: Certain conditions may affect hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
- Impact on Scalp Health: Poor scalp health can result in hair fall.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal changes or imbalances can affect hair production and growth.
- Genetics: Inherited traits (genetic factors) can cause hair loss, which is often inevitable.
- Manageable Causes: Stress, poor health, and improper hair care practices can be managed and may prevent further hair loss.
- Temporary vs. Permanent: In most cases, hair loss is temporary, but it can become permanent depending on the underlying cause.
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Get A Second OpinionSymptoms of Hair Loss
- Gradual thinning of hair, especially on the scalp.
- Circular or patchy bald spots.
- Receding hairline, particularly in men.
- Excessive hair shedding during brushing or washing.
- Widening of the part in women.
- Full-body hair loss (in cases of medical treatments like chemotherapy).
- Broken or thinning hair caused by scalp conditions.
Causes of Hair Fall
- Inherited (Genetic): Hair loss can be genetic, worsening with age and hormonal changes, commonly known as androgenic alopecia. It is more prevalent in men.
- Stress: Emotional or physical stress can lead to telogen effluvium, a condition that causes hair to shed. This is typically temporary and improves over time.
- Health and Hormones: Certain health conditions and hormone fluctuations can cause hair to fall out either temporarily or permanently.
- Medications: Some medications, including those for blood pressure, depression, or cancer treatments, may have hair loss as a side effect.
- Radiation: Hair loss can occur after radiation therapy, particularly on the head.
- Hairstyles: Tight hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, or buns can cause traction alopecia, leading to hair loss.
- Treatments: Certain hair treatments, especially those that cause scarring or severe damage, may result in hair fall.
- Other Causes: Conditions like anemia, autoimmune disorders, burns, scalp infections (like ringworm), nervous habits (such as trichotillomania), thyroid diseases, and bacterial infections of the scalp can also contribute to hair loss
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. |
Reason for Hair Loss
|
Reason for Hair Loss |
In Females |
In Males |
|
Hormonal Changes |
Pregnancy, menopause, birth control. |
Testosterone and DHT imbalances. |
|
Genetics |
Family history of female pattern baldness. |
Male pattern baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia). |
|
Nutritional Deficiency |
Lack of iron, vitamin D, or biotin. |
Lack of essential vitamins and minerals. |
|
Stress |
Emotional or physical stress (Telogen Effluvium). |
Stress-induced shedding or thinning. |
|
Autoimmune Diseases |
Conditions like Alopecia Areata. |
Alopecia Areata, affecting hair growth. |
Risk Factors of Hair Loss
Some factors can increase your risk for hair loss, including
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 Hair fall control 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. This medicine to prevent hair fall is widely used.
- 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. Hair transplant surgery is a long-term excessive hair fall solution solution for those seeking to combat hair loss but may not stop it permanently.
Laser Therapy
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a low-level laser device as a hair fall control 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. Laser therapy is one option included in effective hair treatment to prevent hair loss for individuals seeking non-invasive solutions.
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.
If hair loss persists or worsens, consider visiting a Medicover Hospital where specialists can provide targeted treatments and care for underlying causes of hair loss.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentHow 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 Growth and Thickness
- 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.
- 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.
