Understanding Everything About Hair Loss & Treatment

Did you know that hair loss in men usually begins at the age of 35 with a hair loss rate of 40% and affects approximately 35 million men globally? Likewise, hair loss affects about 21 million women globally, with a hair loss rate of 80% by age 60. Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can be caused due to several reasons. Hair loss can be caused by natural ageing, hormonal imbalance, medical conditions, or a poor diet. Even seasonal changes can trigger it. Hair fall in monsoon is a very common phenomenon. However, even though hair loss is not serious, it affects social and professional life quality. People facing sudden hair loss can be self-conscious and have low confidence since hair plays a major role in a person’s appearance. Thankfully, several services, treatments, hair care tips and systems are available to reduce hair loss. This blog will explain hair loss and the treatment methods available to cure it. 

1) What is hair loss?

Hair loss or alopecia is a heavy loss of hair and is different from hair shedding. Normal hair fall for a person is around 50-100 hairs daily, which grow back. Hair loss occurs when hair fall is greater than hair growth. When encountered with hair loss, a person might also experience deterioration of hair quality, such as thinning hair, a receding hairline, or balding in small patches. 

2) Types of hair loss

Alopecia is medically classified into three categories: 

• Anagen effluvium 

Rapid hair loss associated with medical treatment such as chemotherapy is classified as anagen effluvium. Potent medications taken during cancer treatment shut down hair follicle production in the scalp and other parts of the body. Hair usually grows back after the treatment ends. Dermatologists can assist you with fast hair growth during this phase. 

• Telogen effluvium 

Telogen effluvium is a type of alopecia that occurs in people when hair follicles on the scalp enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle and do not enter the next step of the hair growth cycle. 

• Androgenetic alopecia 

Also known as female or male pattern hair loss, this is the most common type of hair loss affecting men and women. Androgenetic alopecia is hereditary, but some treatments and surgeries can manage this type of hair loss. 

3) Symptoms

People usually shed around 50 – 100 scalp hair every day, and more hair fall than this amount is clearly visible. You may notice more amounts of hair stuck in your hair comb, on pieces of clothing, on your pillowcase, and in the drains of tubs and basins. Weak hair is also a symptom of hair loss. Easily breakable, thin hair is a symptom of weakening hair due to hair loss. 

When hair loss is due to telogen effluvium or medication, there is uniform hair loss all over the scalp. Hair loss due to conditions like tinea infections and alopecia areata causes hair loss in patches and may cause other symptoms such as scalp irritation. The male pattern of androgenetic alopecia causes the male hairline to recede at the temples first, followed by thinning at the top of the head. The female pattern of androgenetic alopecia causes thinning of hair along the top of the head. The female pattern does not cause complete baldness. This type of hair loss gets worse during menopause. 

4) Diagnosis

The doctor diagnoses the cause of hair loss based on your medical history, your prescribed medications, the nutrition in your diet, and your hairstyle, along with a physical examination. The doctor may also suggest lab tests if he suspects the root cause of hair loss to be an infection or other medical illness. 

5) Treatment and Prevention

Hair loss caused due to nutritional deficiency stops completely after incorporating healthier, nutrient-rich meals into your diet. Hair loss due to telogen effluvium stops after the medication or treatment is stopped. Treatment of fungal scalp requires at least 6 to 12 weeks of regular antibiotic medication and regular application of medical hair products. People with androgenetic alopecia need not seek treatment for hair loss. They go for other hair loss prevention or hair enhancement options like wigs and hair transplants.

Hair loss can be prevented in a few cases by eating a healthy amount of protein, minimising stress, switching to medicines or treatments that do not cause anagen effluvium and ensuring a hygienic hair care routine. 

Final thoughts:

If you are facing heavy hair loss, you should consider consulting a dermatologist immediately. A dermatologist can help you understand the root cause of hair loss and assist you with further treatment. You can consult a dermatologist near you at Skin and Hair Academy.