Hair Loss - Causes, Treatments And Prevention Strategies
Men, women, and children of any age are all susceptible to hair loss. But as people become older, the condition tends to deteriorate. Exact figures show that up to 30% of persons have hair loss by the age of 30, and close to 50% by the age of 50.
Author:Stefano MclaughlinReviewer:Dexter CookeJan 30, 202336.1K Shares669.3K Views
Men, women, and children of any age are all susceptible to hair loss. But as people become older, the condition tends to deteriorate. Exact figures show that up to 30% of persons have hair loss by the age of 30, and close to 50% by the age of 50.
Alopecia may be either transient or permanent, and it can affect just the scalp or the whole body. Caused by inherited traits, hormonal shifts, medical issues, or just the natural process of becoming older. Hair loss on the scalp may affect everyone, although men seem to experience it more often than women do.
Excessive hair loss on the scalp is the most common definition of baldness. Hair loss due to age and heredity is the most prevalent cause of baldness. To avoid the hassle of trying to conceal their condition, some individuals choose to let hair loss take its natural course.
Some people may try to hide it by altering their hair or cosmetics, while others may use headwear. Others, however, choose for one of the procedures to either stop the loss of hair or stimulate new growth.
Consult your doctor about the source of your hair loss and potential treatments before making any decisions on how to proceed.
What Is Hair Loss?
Hair grows on every part of the body except the palms, soles, eyelids, and belly buttons, yet many hairs are so fine they go unnoticed. Keratin, a protein, is synthesized in the skin's outermost layer and is what makes up hair.
As new hair cells are produced by follicles, the older cells are pushed out through the skin's surface at a pace of around six inches each year. Hair is a strand of keratin cells that have died and been left behind.
Finding a few stray hairs on your hairbrush may not be reason for concern, since the typical adult head has between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs and sheds up to 100 of them daily. Roughly 90% of a person's scalp hair is actively growing at any one moment. Follicles have individual life cycles that are affected by age, health, and other variables.
Hair Loss - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
Causes Of Hair Loss
The average human loses between 50 and 100 hairs daily. Because new hair grows in at the same time, this is seldom evident. The absence of new hair to replace old hair that has fallen out is what causes hair loss.
Hair thinning may be caused by any of the following:
- Family history (heredity): Hereditary factors associated with aging are the most prevalent cause of hair loss. Androgenic alopecia encompasses male and female pattern hair loss. A receding hairline and bald patches in males, and thinning hair at the top of the head in women, are common early signs.
- Hormonal fluctuations and health problems: Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid disorders may all cause temporary or permanent hair loss. Hair loss may be caused by a number of medical diseases, including the immune-related alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh), fungal infections of the scalp including ringworm, and the compulsive hair-pulling disorder trichotillomania (trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh).
- Medications and supplements:Some medications, including those used to treat cancer, arthritis, depression, heart disease, gout, and high blood pressure, may cause hair loss as a side effect.
- Unbearably stressful circumstances:After a severe mental or physical shock, many individuals notice a gradual loss of hair density over the course of the following months. There is no permanent damage, therefore your hair will grow back.
- Hairstyles and treatments:Traction alopecia is a kind of hair loss that may be brought on by over-styling your hair or wearing tight hairstyles like pigtails or cornrows. Permanents and hot-oil treatments may also damage hair and lead to bald spots. The loss of hair may be permanent if scarring develops.
Hair Loss Treatments
Some forms of hair loss may be effectively treated. There's a chance you can stop or at least slow down the loss of hair. In certain cases, such alopecia areata (patchy hair loss), hair may recover within a year even without therapy. Medicine and surgical procedures are also options for those experiencing hair loss.
Medication
An illness that causes hair loss must be treated. Your doctor may recommend stopping a medicine causing hair loss for a few months.
Pattern baldness is treatable with medication. Most popular options:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine):Nonprescription minoxidil comes as liquid, foam, and shampoo. Apply the product to the scalp skin daily for ladies and twice daily for males for best results. People like foam on damp hair. Minoxidil products help many individuals regenerate or halt hair loss. It takes six months to stop hair loss and start regeneration. It may take months to determine whether the therapy is effective. To maintain its advantages, you must use the drug forever. Scalp discomfort and facial and hand hair growth may occur.
- Finasteride (Propecia):Men's medication. You take a tablet everyday. Many men on finasteride decrease hair loss and gain new hair. You may not know whether it's working for months. To maintain advantages, you must take it. For males over 60, finasteride may not function. Finasteride's rare negative effects include decreased sex desire and prostate cancer risk. Avoid handling crushed or broken medications if you're pregnant.
- Other Medication:Oral dutasteride and spironolactone (Carospir, Aldactone) are also available (Avodart).
Hair Transplant Surgery
Most permanent hair loss affects mainly the top of the head. Hair restoration surgery may maximize your remaining hair. A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon transplants hair from a hairy area to a bald patch during a hair transplant. One to many hairs cover each region (micrografts and minigrafts).
Sometimes a bigger skin strip with many hair groups is collected. Sedation will lessen the pain of this non-hospitalized surgery. Bleeding, edema, and infection are concerns. One operation may not be enough. Surgery cannot stop hereditary hair loss.
Laser Therapy
The FDA has given its OK to a low-level laser device for the treatment of genetic hair loss in both men and women. Several low-quality research have demonstrated that it increases hair density. In order to see the long-term impacts, further research is required.
Homeopathic Medicines
It's well acclaimed for treating baldness, particularly the patchy kind of baldness known as alopecia areata. It's widely used since it's homeopathy's best alopecia therapy.
When combined with strong itching and perspiration of the scalp, it is one of the greatest homeopathic treatments for hair restoration and hair loss. Dandruff alopecia and abnormal hair growth are both well treated with this method.
It's great for restoring hair and preventing further thinning, graying, or even baldness. People who suffer from hair loss and have crusty, pus-filled scalp infections may use this treatment.
In addition, it promotes healthy hair growth. In the case of women experiencing hair loss after giving birth, this remedy is a common choice. Women with anemia often get a homeopathic prescription for hair loss.
Why Is Homoeopathy Beneficial?
- One major benefit of homeopathy is that it addresses both the underlying cause of illness and the symptoms of that illness.
- If you're experiencing hair loss, a homeopathic remedy may help you regenerate hair and make it thicker.
- Medicines used in homeopathy are derived from organic materials like plants and minerals.
- No special diet or food allergies are required. Hormone levels are balanced and wellness is enhanced.
People Also Ask
What Is The Main Cause Of Hair Loss?
Hereditary factors associated with aging are the most prevalent cause of hair loss. Androgenic alopecia encompasses male and female-pattern hair loss.
How Can I Stop Losing My Hair?
- Avoid hairstyles that cause hair breakage.
- Avoid using heated hair tools.
- Do not bleach or chemically treat your hair.
- Utilize a shampoo that is gentle and suited to your hair kind.
- Utilize a delicate brush composed of natural fibers.
- Try low-level light treatment.
What Is Causing Female Hair Loss?
- Genes
- Aging
- Hormone changes
- Menopause
Final Thought
Medical attention from either your primary care physician or a dermatologist may help you figure out what's causing your hair loss. Early intervention improves the chances of success for treatments intended to slow or stop hair loss.
Therapies may include modifying your current routine for taking care of your hair, adding new foods to your diet, or even trying a new medication, either topically or orally.
There are therapies that may reduce or even reverse hair loss, so it doesn't matter whether your baldness is genetic or not. You should discuss your worries with your doctor and get to the bottom of why your hair is falling out so that you can get to the bottom of any underlying medical issues.
Stefano Mclaughlin
Author
Stefano Mclaughlin is a Psychologist focused on mental health, emotional well-being, and healthcare policy. He studied Psychology and Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, gaining a deep understanding of the intersection between mental health and public policy.
Stefano's mission is clear: he aims to destigmatize mental health discussions, improve access to mental healthcare, and promote emotional well-being for all. Drawing from personal experiences with anxiety and depression, Stefano shares real stories to make mental health topics more relatable and less intimidating.
In addition to his advocacy work, Stefano enjoys delving into books, experimenting in the kitchen, and embarking on new adventures. These hobbies fuel his creativity and inspire fresh perspectives for his advocacy work.
Dexter Cooke
Reviewer
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
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