Understanding Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common concern affecting both men and women. While shedding 50 to 100 hairs daily is considered normal, excessive or sudden hair loss may indicate an underlying health issue. Identifying the causes and exploring effective treatments is crucial for restoring hair to its thickest and healthiest state.
Causes of Hair Loss
- Hereditary Hair Loss: The most common cause in men is androgenetic alopecia, resulting in gradual hair thinning and balding. Genetics are responsible for 99% of male hair loss, often manifesting as a receding hairline or overall thinning.
- Hormonal Changes: Shifts in hormones, particularly in women during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, can lead to hair loss. Birth control pills or antidepressants may also impact hormone levels, contributing to thinning hair in young women.
- Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, frontal fibrosing alopecia, lichen planopilaris, and other scarring alopecias can cause hair loss by attacking hair follicles. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with higher androgen levels and nutritional deficiencies can also contribute.
- Acute Stress: Telogen effluvium, temporary hair loss due to stress, high fever, or acute medical events, is more common in women. Clumps of hair may fall out, but recovery often leads to regrowth within six months.
- Traction Alopecia: Tight hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, and turbans can cause traction alopecia. Hair transplant surgery can be effective in treating this condition.
- Skin Conditions: Scratching itchy skin conditions can result in permanent hair loss and folliculitis, an infection. Ringworm or piedra, found in children, can also cause patches of hair loss.
- Injuries and Burns: Chemical burns from hair straighteners or dyes may lead to scalp injuries. Regrowth may be possible depending on the severity, but major scarring can prevent hair growth.
- Medical Treatments and Drug Side Effects: Some drugs for arthritis, depression, and high blood pressure can cause hair loss. Cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy also lead to hair loss, which may grow back after treatment.
- Aging: Thinning and balding are common consequences of aging, especially in individuals over 80, known as senile alopecia.
Hair Loss Treatments
Once medical issues are ruled out, several hair restoration treatments can be considered:
– Hair Transplant Surgery: Involves harvesting healthy hair follicles from one part of the scalp and implanting them into thinning or balding areas. Techniques include follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).
– NeoGraft: An FDA-cleared device for FUE hair transplant surgery, although some caution that less-experienced technicians may be involved.
– ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant System: A robotic harvesting version of FUE, providing consistent results under the supervision of an experienced hair restoration expert.
– Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment: Involves drawing blood, isolating platelets, and injecting them into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles. Effective for age-related hair loss and alopecia areata.
At-Home Hair Loss Treatments:
– Minoxidil (Rogaine): Treats hereditary male- and female-pattern baldness by enlarging hair follicles and elongating the growth phase of hair.
– Finasteride (Propecia): A prescription medication that lowers DHT levels, proven to slow hair loss in men.
– Capillus Low-Level Laser Light Therapy: Involves a laser cap worn at home to stimulate hair follicles and slow hair loss.
– Vitamins and Supplements: Nutrafol, Biotin, and SugarBearHair gummies, while not entirely supported by studies, may reduce hair thinning.
Reducing Hair Loss Without Treatment:
– Avoid Stress and Trauma: Excessive stress, poor diet, pregnancy, drug use, and illness can exacerbate pattern baldness. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing stress can be beneficial.
– Gentle Hair Care: Avoid tight hairstyles, be gentle when washing and styling, and use a wide-tooth comb. Avoid medications and supplements known to cause hair loss and quit smoking.
Understanding the causes of hair loss and considering appropriate treatments, whether medical or at-home, can contribute to maintaining and regaining healthy hair. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
