The causes of hair loss are many and depend on the individual’s family history and health. Moreover there can be more than one cause at a time and for this reason excessive hair loss should be looked into by an expert. Heavy loss when brushing or washing hair, left on the pillow after sleep or signs of thinning are evidence that there is something wrong.
Androgenic alopecia is an inherited form of hair loss that is caused by the hair follicles sensitivity to DHT. Increased levels of the androgen hormone destroys hair follicles so they shrink and are no longer able to hold hair, it becomes thinner and weaker and eventually breaks. Also known as female or male pattern hair loss this is one of the most common forms of hair loss and affects men more than women.
Alopecia areata is another form of hair loss that affects both men and women. An auto-immune disease will lead to bald patches or thinning patches which fortunately will regrow once the immune system is restored. Knowing the cause will help to administer the right medication where necessary and eventually hair growth will be restored. This is not always an immediate result as the three phases of the hair cycle has been interrupted and needs to get back to normal.
Hair styles and dress trends can have a detrimental effect on hair growth. Pulling hair back into a tight ponytail on the top of the head can cause irreversible damage to the hairline. The constant pulling known as Traction alopecia, damages the hair follicles causing them to shrink and no longer able to hold hair shafts. Problems with thyroids or lack of nutrients to the hair follicles will cause thinning of the hair known as diffuse hair loss. Telogen effluvium, is another common cause of hair loss and is largely due to stress.
Each cause of hair loss needs to be carefully monitored for the correct treatment to be administered. Diet is a major cause of health problems as it provides the body with the valuable vitamins and minerals for the body to survive. A lack of nutrients will directly affect the hair the body will automatically look after the important organs to survive. The body does not need hair to survive, it is designed to help control the heat loss from the body and regulate the body’s temperature.
For many causes that are connected to health hair will eventually recover even though it may take a few months. For genetic hair loss consultants can recommend two clinically proven medications. Propecia is taken by mouth on a daily basis as recommended by the consultant. It helps to suppress DHT which can block hair follicles. It takes time but results are sometimes positive, although some users report serious side effects. This medication can only be taken by men and once stopped hair loss will start again. Minoxidil is a cream or lotion applied to the scalp stimulating hair follicles. This can be used by both men and women but it is important that the dosage is monitored by an expert. Again, once treatment stops hair growth will stop.
Hair is an important part of our persona and is one part of our body that distinguishes us. Having a ‘bad hair day’ can affect how a person feels. This in turn can cause stress that is a factor in hair loss. It is a vicious circle, one that has to be broken so finding the cause of a ‘bad hair day’ is important. Often it is just a one off the time to act is when it keeps happening.
The use of wigs has been important to men in particular for decades but they were not always very realistic and it was easy to tell when a person was wearing one. Today wigs are a lot more sophisticated being made of real hair on a thin, flexible net. They can be worn at all times including sleep and bathing and give the wearer confidence. For a more permanent solution, Scalp Micropigmentation may well provide the answer you’ve been looking for.
For more information please see the following links:
