Hair loss is a common concern affecting both men and women. More than a mere inconvenience, hair loss can have a substantial impact on self-esteem and confidence as well as professional and personal relationships. Whether you are experiencing a receding hairline or thinning hair, there are a variety of treatments available that can help restore your hair. From over-the-counter medication to a hair transplant clinic, let us explore the common causes of hair loss and the effective treatments that are currently available.
What are the Causes of Hair Loss?
Androgenetic Alopecia – This common cause of hair loss is also referred to as male/female pattern baldness. Androgenetic alopecia is believed to be primarily influenced by genetic factors and hormones, particularly the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which leads to the miniaturization of hair follicles and the loss of hair.
Telogen Effluvium – Hair grows in a cycle, and telogen effluvium results from a disturbance in this cycle. It is often triggered by physical or emotional stress, such as surgery, childbirth, severe illness, psychological stress, or a sudden change in hormone levels. Hair follicles prematurely enter the resting or telogen phase, resulting in excessive shedding.
Traction Alopecia – Excessive tension or pulling on the hair, often due to tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, buns, or the use of hair extensions, can damage the hair follicles. This can lead to gradual hair loss and even permanent hair loss if the harmful styling practices continue.
Alopecia Areata – Alopecia areata occurs due to the immune system erroneously attacking hair follicles, causing hair loss in round or oval patches. While this can occur in any part of the body, alopecia areata usually affects the head. In more severe cases, it can progress to total loss of scalp and body hair.
Hormonal Changes – Hormonal imbalances due to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), or fluctuations in hormone levels during menopause can contribute to hair loss.
Medications and Medical Treatments – Certain medications, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy drugs, anticoagulants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, may inadvertently cause hair loss as a side effect.
Scalp Infections – Fungal or bacterial infections of the scalp, such as ringworm (tinea capitis), can cause hair loss. These infections create an unfavorable environment for hair growth, leading to temporary or permanent hair loss in the affected areas.
Nutritional Deficiencies – Inadequate intake or absorption of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, or vitamin B12 can impact hair health and lead to hair loss.
What are Hair Loss Treatment Options?
Medications – Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical medication commonly used for androgenetic alopecia. It is applied directly to the scalp and allows hair to grow by extending the growth phase of hair follicles. Finasteride is a prescription oral medication available specifically used for male pattern baldness. It prevents the conversion of testosterone into DHT—helping slow down hair loss and promote regrowth.
Hair Transplantation – Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a surgical hair restoration technique where individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor area—typically the back or sides of the scalp—and transplanted to the recipient area. It provides natural-looking results and minimal scarring. An older hair transplant method is Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), where a strip of scalp is removed from the donor area and dissected into individual hair grafts to be transplanted. FUE generally produces better cosmetic outcomes and is preferred by many patients and hair surgeons.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – PRP therapy involves drawing the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the platelet-rich plasma into the scalp. The growth factors present in PRP promote hair growth, stimulate dormant hair follicles, and improve hair density. PRP therapy is a non-surgical option. However, it may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) – LLLT utilizes red light wavelengths to stimulate hair growth. It can be administered through laser combs, helmets, or in-office treatments. LLLT may increase blood flow to the hair follicles, enhance cell metabolism, and prolong the growth phase of hair. It is a non-invasive treatment option for various types of hair loss. Effectiveness studies have yielded mixed results, and individual responses may vary.
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) – SMP is a non-surgical procedure where specialized pigments are tattooed onto the scalp to replicate the appearance of hair follicles. It can create the illusion of a closely cropped hairstyle, add density to thinning areas, or camouflage scars. SMP is a suitable option for individuals who prefer a non-surgical approach but does not involve the replacement or growth of actual hair.
Lifestyle Modifications – If your hair loss is caused by lifestyle issues, making certain lifestyle modifications may help improve the condition. This includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, managing stress levels, avoiding excessive heat styling and chemical treatments, and practicing good hair care habits.
Conclusion
Hair loss can be a distressing experience, but numerous treatment options are available to address this issue. Identifying the underlying cause of hair loss is crucial in determining the most appropriate treatment approach. Whether it is lifestyle modification or hair transplantation, individuals have a range of choices to combat hair loss and restore their confidence. Consulting with a qualified healthcare professional or hair loss specialist is key to finding the right solution for your hair loss concerns.