Hair Loss A Cut Above the Rest

WHAT IS HAIR LOSS?

Hair loss, also called alopecia, is a disorder caused by an interruption in the body’s cycle of hair production. Hair loss can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly affects the scalp. It is important to find a method of treating this problem. Many people who experience hair loss find that they lose it all over their bodies and not just their scalps as is usually the case , hair transplant is the best thing if you loosed your hairs.

SYMPTOMS OF HAIR LOSS?

Hair loss refers to hair falling out in clumps or the balding of scalp, and causes suffering for millions of people.

What kind of hair loss is it?

Here are some common types:

Gradual thinning on top of head:   This is the most typical type of hair loss and happens as men and women age. Typically people will add things to their hair as they progress through adulthood – such as color, highlights or perms. The more we manipulate our hairs the higher likelihood there is of general hair loss.

Circular or patchy bald spots: Some people lose hair in circular or patchy bald spots. They may become itchy, or painful before the hair  falls out. You may notice this occurs mostly on your scalp, chin or even eyebrows.

Sudden loosening of hair:   A physical or emotional shock can cause hair to loosen. Handfuls of hair may come out when combing or washing your hair or even after gentle tugging. This type of hair loss usually causes overall hair thinning but is temporary.

Full-body hair loss:  Some medical treatments for health problems, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can result in the loss of hair all over your body. Hair usually grows back.

CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS?

If a person loses more than 10 to 100 (which is a normal thing), hair loss is present and could be caused by a variety of reasons such as medical conditions or medications that result in increased levels of shedding in some people.

Hair loss is typically related to one or more of the following factors:

Family history (heredity):  The most likely cause of hair loss is hereditary. That’s because it happens with aging for most people and is known as androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness.) It usually occurs gradually over time and in predictable patterns – a receding hairline or along the crowns of one’s head in men and thinning hair around the temples in women are two common patterns.

Hormonal changes and medical conditions:    A variety of things can cause hair to fall  out, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems. Sometimes head lice or a fungus called ringworm can infect your hair and scalp, causing an itchy rash around the area of the infection in addition to hair loss.

Medications and supplements:   Hair loss is a side effect of many drugs, including those used to treat cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout and high blood pressure.

Hairstyles and treatments:   Excessive hairstyling and hairstyles that pull your hair tight such as braids or ponytails can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hot oil hair treatments and permanents also cause the area to become tender, and if you pick too much at the area it can lead to scarring. The area may be left with permanent bald patches.

PREVENTIONS TO AVOID HAIR FALL/LOSS

These tips may help you avoid preventable types of hair loss:

1. Be gentle with your hair. Use a detangler and avoid tugging when brushing and combing. A wide-tooth comb might help prevent pulling out hair because there’s less tension than you’d find in a regular fork. Avoid harsh treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, hot-oil treatments and permanents. Limit the tension on hair from styles that use rubber bands, barrettes and braids.
2. Ask your doctor about medications you might have to stay away from because they can actually cause hair loss.
3. If you are having chemotherapy, speak with your doctor about a cold cap. This cooling device can help treat alopecia (or hair loss).
4. Stop smoking because it causes hair fall

TREATMENT FOR HAIR LOSS

Medication:  If you’re losing hair, whether it is patchy or all-over baldness, be sure to get checked out by a professional to see if there is an underlying issue. If you have been using certain medications, it’s possible that they may have been the culprit…

Hair transplant surgery:  Hair Transplants are an option for people experiencing hair loss, particularly those with androgenetic alopecia.s. ; however some postoperative discomfort is normal. Swelling and bruising at the donor site will last 3 to 7 days and require cold compresses only until healed.

Laser therapy: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a low-level laser device as a treatment for hereditary hair loss. Several small studies have shown it improves hair density. There is no research available to support the long term efficacy of the FDA-approved laser device.

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