Understanding the Causes of Hair Loss:
Before delving into treatments for hair loss, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes of hair loss. Common factors include genetics, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and certain medical conditions. Identifying the root cause of sudden hair loss can help determine the most suitable treatment approach for your specific situation.
Over-the-Counter Solutions:
For mild hair loss, over-the-counter treatments can be a good starting point. Look for products containing ingredients such as minoxidil, which has been approved by medical authorities for promoting hair regrowth. These products are available in various forms, such as foams, shampoos, and serums. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and be patient, as visible results from hair products may take several months.
Prescription Medications:
In cases of more severe hair loss, prescription medications may be recommended. Finasteride, an oral medication, is commonly prescribed for men to prevent further hair loss and stimulate regrowth. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any prescription medication or treatment to assess potential side effects and ensure suitability for your individual needs.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:
PRP therapy is a non-surgical hair loss treatment for hair loss that utilizes the healing properties of platelets from your blood. The process involves extracting a small amount of blood, processing it to isolate the platelet-rich plasma, and injecting it into the scalp. PRP therapy promotes hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles and increasing blood circulation in the scalp. Multiple sessions are usually recommended for optimal results.
Hair Transplant Surgery:
For more advanced cases of hair loss, hair transplant surgery can provide a long-term solution to notice hair loss. This procedure involves removing hair follicles from areas of the scalp with healthy hair growth (donor area) and transplanting them into areas with thinning or no hair (recipient area). Hair transplant surgery has evolved significantly, offering natural-looking results with minimal scarring. However, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified specialist to assess your suitability and expectations.
Lifestyle Changes and Supportive Therapies:
In addition to medical treatments, making certain lifestyle changes can support hair health. Ensure a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Manage stress levels through relaxation techniques, exercise, and adequate sleep. Scalp massages, laser therapy, and essential oil treatments are also complementary options that can improve blood circulation and promote hair growth.
Causes of hair loss
It is likely that several genes determine susceptibility to baldness. Some of these genes come from your mother’s side and some from your father’s side of the family. Identical twins lose hair at the same age, at the same rate and in the same pattern. This indicates that genetic factors are more important than environmental factors in causing hair loss.
Androgenetic hair loss is caused by androgen hormones (produced in different amounts by both men and women) that affect the hair follicles in people with a genetic susceptibility to hereditary baldness.
Some people think that stress, diet, wearing hats, frequent washing and drinking alcohol are causes of hair loss, but researchers have found no link between any of these activities and patterned hair loss. There is some uncertainty about smoking cigarettes and hair loss, but the evidence is not strong.
Male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia)
While there are a number of treatments available for male pattern baldness, there is no cure. Treatments include minoxidil, and finasteride. Minoxidil lotion is available over the counter from pharmacies, but finasteride tablets are only available on prescription from your doctor. Cosmetic options other treatments include camouflage sprays, wigs and hair transplant surgery.
Hair loss in women (androgenetic alopecia)
Hair loss in women produces scattered thinning over the top of the scalp rather than a bald spot. Patterned hair loss occurs in over 55 percent of women as they age. For most women, the hair loss is subtle, but about 20 percent of women develop moderate or severe hair loss.
A number of treatments are available for female pattern hair loss, including topical minoxidil lotion (not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women), and tablets such as spironolactone, which have antiandrogen properties (they lower the levels of male hormones). These are available on prescription and require a doctor’s supervision.
Treatment for hair loss
Although there is no cure for hair loss, a number of treatments can slow or reduce hair loss, stimulate partial regrowth or replace damaged hair. Surgical hair transplantation can help some men who have advanced balding.
Despite advances in our understanding of hair loss, there are limits to current treatment. In particular, age-related hair loss and inherited forms of hair loss are difficult to reverse, although treatment may prevent further hair loss and produce partial regrowth. Non-surgical hair loss treatments can include lotions and tablets. These generally need to be used continuously for the benefits to be maintained. If you stop treatment, regrowth will cease and hair loss will resume.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil lotion has been available in Australia since the 1970s. A number of different brands are available from pharmacies without a prescription. Drops are applied to the scalp morning and night and rubbed in. There is also foam preparation. Hair regrowth generally takes six months to become apparent.
Finasteride
Finasteride is the active ingredient in the men’s hair-loss treatment Propecia, which has been available in Australia since the late 1990s. One tablet a day will arrest further hair loss in over 95 per cent of men and stimulate partial hair regrowth in two thirds of men. Regrowth may be apparent at six months, but can take up to two years to be visible.
Side effects are uncommon, but include reduced libido and sexual dysfunction. This occurs in around one per cent of men taking finasteride. Finasteride requires a prescription from your doctor.
Spironolactone
“Spironolactone therapy has been widely used in Australia since the 1960s to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. It blocks the effect of androgen hormones. In women, androgens can cause oily skin, acne, unwanted facial and body hair, and hair loss on the scalp. Women can use spironolactone to treat all of these conditions, but requires a prescription from your doctor.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use spironolactone.
Cyproterone acetate
Cyproterone acetate was also developed in the 1960s. It blocks the effect of androgen hormones and is an alternative to spironolactone for women with patterned hair loss. It is a weak progestogen and is found in some oral contraceptives (the pill). Cyproterone acetate can also be used to treat acne, unwanted facial and body hair, and hereditary hair loss in women. Cyproterone acetate requires a prescription from your doctor.
Cyproterone acetate is not recommended as a treatment for unwanted hair growth or to prevent hair loss in men.
Hair transplantation surgery
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure for the treatment of hair loss that first became popular in the 1950s. Originally, large plugs of hair were used, which sometimes led to unsatisfactory and unnatural-looking results.
These days, small mini- and micro-plugs of skin, each containing between one and five hairs, are used. Unlike the original large plugs, this modern technique does not produce very thick or dense new hair growth. It appears more natural and, in many cases, is undetectable as a transplant.
Types of hair loss that respond best to hair transplantation include:
- androgenetic hair loss in men – the most common type of baldness that can be helped by hair transplantation
- hair loss due to accidents and operations.
The surgeon removes hair follicles from the back or sides of the scalp (where the hair is less likely to fall out) and transfers them to the bald areas. The surgeon places the hair follicles in such a way that they receive adequate blood flow during the healing process. The transplant session may take several hours.
A person may need several treatment sessions to get satisfactory coverage of a bald scalp. Hair will grow from the transplanted follicles. A sedative is usually given prior to the procedure. Local anesthetic is used at both hair follicle removal (donor) and recipient sites. As the anesthetic wears off, you may notice some discomfort. This can be eased with simple pain-relieving medications.
Complications of hair transplantation surgery
Complications of hair transplant surgery can include:
- Infection – this can occur because the skin is broken to perform the procedure. It can be treated with antibiotics.
- Bleeding – this is usually controlled through careful post-operative care.
- Scarring – this may occur at the site of removal of the donor follicles.
- Temporary, operation-induced hair loss – known as telogen effluvium, can occur with hair transplantation, as well as some other operations. It occurs in approximately five per cent of people.
- Unacceptable cosmetic results – scarring and poor cosmetic results are more common when hair transplants are carried out by inexperienced practitioners.
Many hair clinics offer hair transplants. Specialist dermatologists are best qualified to properly advise about this surgery and have the most knowledge about hair in health and disease.
Lifestyle changes
Quit smoking
If you’re a smoker, you’ve likely heard about the negative effects smoking has on your lungs. But did you know that smoking may be associated with hair loss?
A 2020 studyTrusted Source involving 1,000 men found that the majority of those who smoked had some degree of hair loss, compared with less than half of the participants who did not smoke.
If you smoke, quitting may help decrease hair loss.
Scalp massage
Not only do massages feel wonderful, but they may help with hair loss, too. Massaging the scalp stimulates the hair follicles to stimulate hair growth.
In a small 2016 studyTrusted Source, healthy Japanese men who received 4 minutes of scalp massage each day for 24 weeks had thicker hair at the end of the study.
Research from 2019 also showed that scalp massages were associated with self-perceived improvements in hair density.
Balanced diet
A balanced diet may help keep your hair healthy. It’s important to include a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, unsaturated fats, and lean proteins in your diet. Limiting sweets is also helpful.
A 2018 literature reviewTrusted Source suggests an association between certain vitamins and minerals found in food and healthy hair. Consider adding these foods to your diet:
- iron-rich foods, including lean beef, beans, green leafy vegetables, iron-fortified grains, and eggs
- foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, flaxseeds, egg yolks, hemp seeds, and walnuts
- high protein foods, such as eggs, lean meats, and seafood
Drinking plenty of water is also an important part of a balanced diet.
Reduce stress
Stress can have adverse effects on the body, including your hair, and can lead to hair loss.
Strategies to help reduce stress include:
- regular physical activity like exercising
- listening to music
- practicing yoga
- meditating
- getting enough sleep
Natural remedies
Oils
Some evidence from a 2014 mice studyTrusted Source suggests that peppermint oil may help with hair growth. Rosemary oil has also been traditionally used to increase blood circulation in the scalp.
A 2013 studyTrusted Source indicated that rosemary leaf extract improved hair regrowth in mice.
Coconut oil, castor oil, and olive oil are also widely recommended. But according to a 2020 review of researchTrusted Source, their benefits for hair growth are limited.
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto is a plant with small berries.
While research is sparse on saw palmetto’s ability to treat hair loss, a 2020 reviewTrusted Source suggests it may help with hair growth while having few side effects.
Biotin
Biotin is a vitamin found naturally in foods like:
- nuts
- sweet potatoes
- eggs
- onions
- oats
There’s some evidence that taking biotin may help slow hair loss, but most of the researchTrusted Source has been done in women with a biotin deficiency. However, there is a lack of evidenceTrusted Source to support supplementing with biotin actually for hair fall or has a noticeable effect reverse hair loss in healthy individuals.
Onion juice
A small 2014 studyTrusted Source showed that the use of onion juice as a topical treatment resulted in significantly more hair regrowth than just tap water in people with patchy hair loss and alopecia areata. More research on people with male pattern hair loss is needed.
Bhringraj
Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), also called false daisy, is a species in the sunflower family. In Ayurvedic medicine, it’s known as an herb that supports hair growth.
A rat study from 2008Trusted Source showed that extracts of the herb resulted in better hair regrowth than minoxidil. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Green tea
Another purported herbal remedy for treating hair loss, is green tea.
In a 2005 study in miceTrusted Source, the polyphenolic compounds present in green tea showed promise as a natural remedy for hair loss. But there have not been any human studies to confirm these effects.
Hibiscus
Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is marketed widely in India for hair growth. A 2003 study in miceTrusted Source showed positive effects on growing hair follicles, but no studies have been done in humans.
What is male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is an inherited trait. MedlinePlus states that it affects more than half of men over age 50. However, stress or other autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata can also affect hair loss.
It’s typical to lose around 50 to 100 hairs every day. Usually, this loss of hair isn’t noticeable because new hair grows to replace the hair lost. Hair loss and baldness occur when hair falls out too quickly or new hairs stop growing.
Depending on the cause and type of hair loss is, you may notice slowly thinning hair or a sudden bald patch. Hair loss can impact just the hair on your scalp or the hair shedding your entire body.
Hair care tips
Be gentle with your locks
Try to be as gentle as possible when brushing or styling your hair. Constantly twisting, gently pulling, twirling, or pulling your hair tight can lead to hair loss.
If you’re worried about hair loss, you may want to avoid the following:
- tight hairstyles, such as pigtails, cornrows, braids, and buns
- chemicals used in perms and hair straightening treatments
- hot curling irons or straightening irons
- bleaching your hair
If you do use chemicals or bleach in your hair, get help from a trained professional. Do not try to do it yourself at home.
Female pattern hair loss
Clinicians use the Ludwig Classification to describe female pattern hair loss. Type I is minimal thinning that can be camouflaged with hair styling techniques. Type II is characterized by decreased volume and noticeable widening of the mid-line part. Type III describes diffuse thinning, with a see-through appearance on the top of the scalp.
Life cycle of a hair
Each hair develops from a follicle — a narrow pocket in the skin — and goes through three phases of growth. Anagen (A), the active growth phase, lasts two to seven years. Catagen (B), the transition phase treating hair loss, lasts about two weeks. During this phase, the hair shaft moves upward toward the skin’s surface, and the dermal papilla (the structure that nourishes cells that give rise to hair) begins to separate from the follicle. Telogen (C), the resting phase encourages hair growth, lasts around three months and culminates in the shedding of the hair shaft.
Unlocking the Secrets of Healthy Hair Growth
Promoting healthy hair growth is a journey that requires a holistic approach. By nourishing your body with a balanced diet, adopting a gentle hair care routine, massaging your scalp, protecting your hair from environmental stressors, considering supplements when needed, and managing stress levels, you can unlock the secrets of healthy hair growth. Remember, patience is key, as hair growth is a gradual process. Embrace these tips and practices as part of your daily routine, and watch your tresses flourish with strength, shine, and vitality.
Nurturing Your Hair Follicles
Nurturing your hair follicles is crucial for maintaining healthy and vibrant hair. By nourishing your body from within, keeping your scalp clean and healthy, avoiding excessive heat and styling damage, protecting your hair and scalp from environmental stressors, avoiding traction and chemical damage, and regularly massaging your scalp, you can support the well-being of your hair follicles and promote optimal hair growth. Embrace these practices as part of your hair care routine, and enjoy the benefits of strong, lustrous locks that thrive from the roots.
Prescription hair loss treatments
- Finasteride tablets (generic Propecia) 1mg
- As effective as Propecia
- Take 1 tablet daily
- Finasteride and Regaine hair loss bundle
- Daily tablet and scalp foam
- Can slow hair loss for up to 9/10 men
- Propecia (branded Finasteride) 1mg
- Halts hair loss for 9 in 10 men
- Take 1 tablet daily
Conclusion:
Hair loss can be a challenging journey, but with the right knowledge and appropriate treatment, you can restore your crowning glory and regain your confidence. Whether you opt for over-the-counter solutions, prescription medications, PRP therapy, hair transplant surgery, or a combination of treatments, consult with experts in the field to determine the most effective approach for your specific needs. Remember, every individual’s hair loss journey is unique, and patience is key as results may vary. Embrace the available options and take proactive steps towards achieving a healthier, fuller head of hair.