Hair Loss: Symtom, Causes, Treatments & Preventions

People of all ages and genders are concerned about hair loss. It may be a traumatic event that lowers self-esteem and negatively affects general well-being. Effectively treating and managing hair loss requires a thorough understanding of the signs, causes, available treatments, and preventative actions. 

To assist readers in understanding the illness and looking into potential treatments, this TH Cosmetic‘s article thoroughly reviews hair loss and illuminates its numerous elements.

Hair loss symptoms

Alopecia, or hair loss, is a prevalent disorder that affects both men and women. It can happen gradually or quickly, and it can show up in a variety of ways. The symptoms of hair loss vary depending on the underlying cause, however the following are some frequent symptoms linked with various forms of hair loss:

Gradual thinning on the top

Male or female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most frequent kind of hair loss. Men often have receding hairlines, followed by thinning hair on the crown and temples. Women, on the other hand, undergo widespread hair loss all over the scalp, but the hairline remains intact.

Patchy or circular bald spots

Alopecia areata is the medical term for this type of hair loss. It is most commonly manifested as one or more tiny, circular bald patches on the head. These patches are smooth and may cause itchiness or tingling. The disorder can cause several patches of hair loss or total hair loss (alopecia totalis).

Sudden hair loss

Telogen effluvium is a condition in which some people suffer abrupt and significant hair loss. Physical or mental stress, illness, surgery, or delivery commonly causes hair loss. When washing or brushing, large clumps of hair may fall out, and the hair may seem thinner all over the scalp.

Hair breakage

Excessive hair loss and thinning can result from excessive hair breaking. It can be caused by several circumstances, including using heat styling equipment regularly, chemical treatments (e.g., perming, relaxing), excessive brushing or combing, and harsh hair care products. Hair shafts may be frayed, split, or seem shorter than usual.

Hair loss causes

Age

Hair loss is a typical part of the aging process. The rate of hair development slows as people age, and hair follicles may become less prolific. This might lead to hair thinning or decreased hair density over time.

Androgenetic alopecia, often known as male/female pattern baldness, is a term used to describe age-related hair loss. It is more frequent in men, although thinning hair can also occur in women. Age-related hair loss can be caused by genetic causes, hormonal changes, and an individual’s general health.

Cancer treatment

Certain cancer therapies, notably chemotherapy, are known to cause hair loss. Chemotherapy medications are intended to kill fast dividing cells, such as cancer cells. They can, however, influence other quickly dividing cells in the body, such as those in hair follicles. As a result, chemotherapy can cause considerable hair loss, even total baldness.

Hair loss varies according to the chemotherapy medicines used, the dose, and the individual’s susceptibility to the treatment. Chemotherapy causes temporary hair loss, and hair normally begins to regenerate when treatment is finished.

Medication

As a side effect, several drugs can cause hair loss. Chemotherapy medications, for example, commonly induce hair loss owing to their influence on rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. Other drugs, such as anticoagulants, beta-blockers, and some antidepressants, might cause hair loss. If you feel that your prescription is causing hair loss, you should speak with your doctor about alternate alternatives or potential treatments.

Childbirth

Certain cancer therapies, notably chemotherapy, are known to cause hair loss. Chemotherapy medications are intended to kill fast-dividing cells, such as cancer cells. They can, however, influence other quickly dividing cells in the body, such as those in hair follicles. As a result, chemotherapy can cause considerable hair loss, even total baldness.

Hair loss varies according to the chemotherapy medicines used, the dose, and the individual’s susceptibility to the treatment. Chemotherapy causes temporary hair loss, and hair normally begins to regenerate when treatment is finished.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance can play a key role in hair loss. Male or female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a prevalent hair loss disorder caused by hormonal imbalances.

The hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) damages the hair follicles in this disorder, causing shrinkage and eventually hair loss. Temporary hair loss can also be caused by hormone changes during pregnancy, menopause, and certain hormonal illnesses.

Scalp Infection

A variety of scalp illnesses can result in hair loss. The most prevalent kind of hair loss, androgenic alopecia, has a hereditary component but can also be impacted by fungal infections of the scalp.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss. Infections such as ringworm (tinea capitis) can also cause hair loss. Anagen effluvium is hair loss caused by chemicals or chemotherapy medications interrupting the hair development cycle.

Sexually Transmitted Infection

Hair loss can occur due to certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). One such STI is syphilis, which is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. In its later stages, syphilis can lead to a condition known as syphilitic alopecia. This condition is characterized by hair loss, particularly in the crown area of the scalp. Syphilis is a serious infection that requires medical attention and appropriate treatment.

Poison

Exposure to certain toxic substances or poisons can cause hair loss. For example, certain heavy metals, such as thallium or arsenic, can lead to hair loss when ingested or absorbed through the skin. These substances can interfere with the normal functioning of hair follicles, resulting in hair thinning or complete loss. Poison-induced hair loss typically occurs diffusely across the scalp and may also affect other body parts.

Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and scaly patches on the scalp. In addition to causing discomfort and irritation, scalp psoriasis can also lead to hair loss. This condition’s excessive scaling and inflammation can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair thinning and shedding. Proper management and treatment of scalp psoriasis, such as medicated shampoos, topical corticosteroids, or other prescribed treatments, can help alleviate symptoms and minimize hair loss.

How to diagnose hair loss?

To diagnose hair loss, it is important to consult a medical professional such as a dermatologist or a trichologist (a specialist in hair and scalp disorders). They will evaluate your symptoms and medical history and physically examine your scalp and hair. Here are some common steps involved in the diagnosis of hair loss:

• Medical History: The doctor will ask you questions about your hair loss, including its duration, pattern, and any associated symptoms. They will also inquire about your family history of hair loss, underlying medical conditions, recent illnesses, medications you are taking, and any significant life events or changes.
• Physical Examination: The doctor will visually examine your scalp and hair to assess the pattern and severity of hair loss. They may use a special magnifying instrument called a dermoscopy to examine the scalp more closely.
• Pull Test: During this simple test, the doctor gently tugs a small amount of hair to see how many hairs come out. An increased number of hairs pulled out may indicate a specific type of hair loss.
• Blood Tests: In some cases, blood tests may be ordered to check for underlying medical conditions that could be causing hair loss, such as thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, etc.), or autoimmune conditions.
• Scalp Biopsy: A small scalp sample may be taken for biopsy if the cause of hair loss is unclear. The sample is examined under a microscope to determine the cause of the hair loss.

Treatment for hair loss

Hair loss can be a distressing condition for many people, but several treatment options are available. Treatment choice depends on the underlying cause and severity of hair loss. Here are some common treatments for hair loss:

Medications

FDA-approved medications can help slow down hair loss and promote hair growth. The most common medications include:

• Minoxidil (Rogaine): This over-the-counter medication is available as a liquid or foam that is applied directly to the scalp. It is effective for both men and women and stimulates hair growth.
• Finasteride (Propecia): This prescription medication is for men and comes in pill form. It works by blocking the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), responsible for hair loss in men.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy involves injecting the patient’s platelet-rich plasma into the scalp. Platelets contain growth factors that can stimulate hair growth. This treatment is commonly used for androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) and requires multiple sessions.

Hair Transplantation

Hair transplant surgery involves taking hair follicles from areas with dense hair growth (donor site) and transplanting them to areas with thinning or no hair (recipient site). This procedure is suitable for individuals with significant hair loss and provides permanent results.

Lifestyle Changes

Certain lifestyle changes can help enhance your hair’s health. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, decreasing stress, avoiding excessive heat and chemical treatments, and exercising healthy hair care practices are all part of this.

Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses red light to stimulate hair growth. It can be administered through handheld devices or in-office treatments. LLLT is thought to increase blood flow to the hair follicles and promote hair regrowth.

Scalp Micropigmentation

This technique involves tattooing tiny dots on the scalp to create the illusion of a shaved head or denser hair. This non-invasive option can camouflage hair loss and provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

How to prevent hair loss?

The primary cause of most hair loss, known as male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness, is determined by genetics and cannot be prevented. However, there are certain measures you can take to avoid other types of hair loss:

• Handle your hair gently: When brushing or combing, particularly when your hair is wet, use a detangler and avoid pulling on your hair. Using a wide-toothed comb can help prevent hair breakage. Refrain from subjecting your hair to harsh treatments like hot rollers, curling irons, hot-oil treatments, and permanents. Limit hairstyles that tension your hair using rubber bands, barrettes, or braids.
• Discuss medications and supplements with your doctor: Inquire about any medications or supplements you take, as some may contribute to hair loss.
• Shield your hair from sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light: Take precautions to protect your hair from the damaging effects of the sun and other ultraviolet light sources.
• Quit smoking: Studies have indicated a potential link between smoking and baldness in men, so quitting smoking may help reduce the risk of hair loss.
• If undergoing chemotherapy, consult your doctor about a cooling cap: If you are receiving chemotherapy treatment, inquire about the possibility of using a cooling cap. This cap can help minimize hair loss during chemotherapy.

When to see the doctor?

If you or your kid is troubled by persistent hair loss and want to seek treatment, you should contact a doctor. To avoid severe and irreversible baldness, ladies with a receding hairline, known as frontal fibrosing alopecia, should consult a specialist as soon as possible.

Furthermore, if you detect rapid or irregular hair loss, or if you see an increased amount of hair falling out when combing or washing your or your child’s hair, you should consult a doctor. Sudden hair loss might indicate an underlying medical problem that requires medical attention.

FAQs

Can stress cause hair loss?

Yes, extreme physical or mental stress can cause hair loss. This disorder, known as telogen effluvium, develops when a large number of hair follicles enter a resting phase too soon. Hair loss normally appears a few months after the stressful incident. Managing stress via relaxation techniques, exercise, and seeking assistance can all help to reduce its negative influence on hair health.

Does wearing hats or helmets cause hair loss?

Wearing hats or helmets does not directly cause hair loss. However, if hats or helmets are excessively tight or unclean, they may contribute to hair breakage or scalp conditions that could affect hair health. It is recommended to wear clean and properly fitting headwear to minimize any potential impact.

Is hair loss permanent?

Hair loss can be permanent or temporary, depending on the underlying cause. Some conditions, like pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), can lead to permanent hair loss, while others, such as hair loss due to illness or stress, may be temporary and reversible.

Can nutritional deficiencies cause hair loss?

Yes, certain nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair loss. Inadequate intake of essential nutrients like vitamins (such as vitamin D, vitamin E, and biotin), minerals (like iron and zinc), and protein can affect hair health and growth. Maintaining a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help promote healthy hair.

Is hair loss more common in men or women?

Hair loss can affect both men and women, but the pattern and prevalence may differ. Male pattern baldness, characterized by a receding hairline and thinning on the crown, is more common in men.

Female pattern hair loss often involves overall hair thinning, mainly on the top of the scalp. However, hair loss in women can also occur due to hormonal changes, medical conditions, or other factors.

Can frequent hair washing cause hair loss?

No, regular hair washing does not cause hair loss. In fact, maintaining a clean scalp and good hygiene is essential for healthy hair growth.

However, excessive shampooing or using harsh hair products may lead to dryness, breakage, or scalp irritation, which can affect the overall condition of your hair. It is recommended to use gentle hair care products and avoid excessive manipulation or rough towel drying.

Conclusion

People of all ages and genders are concerned about hair loss. It may be a traumatic event that lowers self-esteem and negatively affects general well-being. Effectively treating and managing hair loss requires a thorough understanding of the signs, causes, available treatments, and preventative actions.

To assist readers in understanding the illness and looking into potential treatments, this article thoroughly reviews hair loss and illuminates its numerous elements.