All You Need to Know About Hair Loss

Hair loss usually starts with few loose strands on your comb, then, as it progresses, you may start to notice that you may have receding hairline. You will then start to style your hair to hide the thinning hairline. After sometime, a bare scalp will then be prominent without giving you any choice.

Hair loss is due to different factors, from scalp problems, to hereditary causes or to more serious health conditions. Men and women can experience hair loss though, it is more easily seen in men.

The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. There are different types of alopecia. Types of alopecia are:

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of alopecia for men and women.

For men, androgenetic alopecia may start in early 20's. It is often characterized by a receding hairline in the forehead and in the temples. Later on, the hair loss may be more prominent as it may lead to partial or complete baldness.

For women, androgenetic alopecia may only be experienced in the front or side area. But they will maintain a front hairline thus making the hair loss less prominent.

Cicatricial alopecia

This type of alopecia is very rare. It is characterized as patches of hair loss. This normally damages the hair follicles that may lead to permanent hair loss.

Traction alopecia

This type of alopecia is cause by wearing the same hairstyle regularly. Pigtails or using tight rollers in your hair may lead to breakage of hair and eventually hair loss.

Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium is type of hair loss which can be cause by too much stress. It is characterized by loosing handful of hairs when combing. This is condition may only be temporary.

Anagen effluvium

Anagen effluvium is type of hair loss caused by chemotherapeutic drugs which are given to  fight cancer cells.

Other Causes of Hair Loss

Aside from specific causes of alopecia, other factors may affect or worsen hair loss. Some causes of hair loss may include:

Lack of proper nutrition

Inadequate nutrition may result to hair loss. Increase intake of protein and iron in your meal plan may help in nourishing your hair and avoid hair loss.

Certain medications

Medications for arthritis, depression and high blood pressure can cause hair loss. Birth control pills may also lead to hair loss.

Certain illness

People with lupus and diabetes may also experience hair loss.

Hormonal changes

Sudden changes in hormones may also lead to hair loss. Correcting any hormonal imbalance in women may treat hair loss.

Hair treatments

Too much use of hair coloring, straightening or perming may result to hair loss especially if the hair shaft is damage.

Treatments of Hair Loss

There are various ways to treat hair loss. Some of the treatments for hair loss may include:

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is often used to treat androgenetic alopecia for men and women. This is in liquid form or foam and can be rub in the scalp at least twice a day. The solution should be used regularly to see good results. However, the hair grown out of minoxidil may be quite thinner than your previous hair but it can be enough to hide your receding hairline.

Creams and Ointments

Creams and ointments are often given by doctors to minimize the effects of hair loss. Ask your health care provider what type of creams is suited to your condition.

Hair Transplant

Hair transplant are done in various ways. Some types of hair transplant are punch grafts, strip grafts and mini grafts. A cosmetic surgeon will take tiny plugs of skin which contain few hairs and plant them to the bald areas of your head. Hair transplant requires several sessions in order to see good results.

Hair loss does not only affect vanity but it also needs proper treatment. If you observe that you are loosing hair more, it may be time to visit your doctor to rule out any serious underlying medical conditions.

Posted in: alopecia, Androgenetic alopecia, causes of hair loss, Cicatricial alopecia, hair loss, hair transplant, skin care, treatments for hair loss