Hair Loss: Why It Happens and Treatment Options
Hey there, guys! Let's talk about a topic that's not always easy to discuss - hair loss. Losing your hair can be a stressful and emotional experience, but it's important to know that you're not alone. In fact, millions of men and women experience hair loss every year.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the common causes and symptoms of hair loss, and share some treatment options that can help you regain your confidence.
First of all, it's important to understand that hair loss can have many different causes. For men, male pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss. This is a hereditary condition that causes hair to gradually thin and fall out in a predictable pattern. Other causes of hair loss in men can include stress, hormonal changes, and certain medications.
For women, hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, stress, and certain medical conditions. Women may also experience hair loss due to a condition called telogen effluvium, which is characterized by sudden, widespread hair loss that can be triggered by a variety of factors.
Hair loss is a common issue that affects millions of people, regardless of their age, gender, and ethnicity. The condition can have a significant impact on a person's self-esteem and quality of life. There are many factors that can contribute to hair loss, including genetics, hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, and lifestyle choices.
Let’s explore the reasons behind hair loss and discuss some of the best ways to prevent it!
Causes of hair loss
Symptoms of hair loss can vary depending on the underlying cause. For male pattern baldness, hair loss typically begins at the hairline and crown of the head, and gradually spreads. For women, hair loss may be more diffuse, with thinning throughout the scalp.
Genetics: Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is a hereditary condition that is responsible for the majority of hair loss cases. It is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones. The hair follicles gradually shrink over time, leading to thinner and finer hair, and eventually, hair loss.
According to a study published in the journal "Dermatology and Therapy," androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss, affecting up to 95% of men and 70% of women at some point in their lives.
Hormonal changes can also play a role in hair loss. This can include fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid disorders.
During pregnancy, an increase in hormones such as estrogen can cause hair to remain in the anagen (growth) phase for a longer period of time. After giving birth, a drop in hormones can cause hair to enter the telogen (resting) phase and eventually fall out.
Menopause can also cause a drop in hormones, leading to hair loss.
Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can also cause hair loss due to an imbalance of hormones.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own hair follicles. This condition can cause patchy hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body.
Trichotillomania is a disorder that involves compulsive hair pulling.
Certain medications (such as chemotherapy drugs) can cause hair loss as a side effect.
Lifestyle choices can also impact hair health and contribute to hair loss. Poor diet, stress, and lack of sleep can all contribute to hair loss. For example, a diet that is low in essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, biotin, and vitamin D, can lead to hair loss. Stress can also cause hair loss, as it can lead to an increase in the hormone cortisol, which can cause hair to enter the telogen phase and fall out. Lack of sleep can also contribute to hair loss, as it can lead to increased stress levels and decreased immune function.
Scalp conditions that lead to hair loss
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of scalp conditions. Here are some of the most common scalp conditions that can lead to hair loss, along with sources for further information:
Alopecia areata: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in patches. The immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and produce hair that is thinner and shorter than normal. Over time, the follicles may stop producing hair altogether, leading to baldness.
Scalp psoriasis: Scalp psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the scalp. These patches can be itchy and painful, and may cause hair to fall out. In severe cases, the patches can cover the entire scalp, leading to significant hair loss.
Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that can affect the scalp, causing red, scaly patches that may be itchy and flaky. In severe cases, it can lead to hair loss.
Tinea capitis: Tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection that can affect the scalp and cause hair loss. The infection can spread quickly, and may cause scaly patches, redness, and itching.
Folliculitis: Folliculitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicles that can cause inflammation and hair loss. It may be accompanied by redness, itching, and pustules.
How to prevent hair loss (as best as possible!)
Hair loss happens to many of us, and can be a common insecurity. While it may not be possible to prevent hair loss 100%, there are things that you can do to slow it down or lessen its severity. Most importantly, you must to take care of your hair and scalp! While we remember to use the appropriate products on our face, we often forget that our scalp is skin, too! A few ways to help with hair loss prevention include:
Eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, reducing stress through activities such as exercise and meditation, and getting enough sleep. But just what kinds of foods are good for hair?
Fish (such as mackerel, herring, salmon, sardines) are chock full of good-for-hair omega-3 fatty acids! Our bodies are not able to make these healthy fats, so you need to get them either through foods or supplements.
Eggs are an awesome source of both protein and biotin (which is required for our bodies to produce keratin, a hair protein). Both protein and biotin are needed for both healthy and growing hair!
Spinach, kale, and other dark green leafy veggies are full of iron, beta carotene, folate, and Vitamins A and C, working together for a healthy scalp and hair!
Looking for more hair healthy foods? Read more at Healthline.com here!
Using gentle hair products and avoiding harsh chemical treatments can help to prevent hair damage. Hair growth shampoos can either be over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription.
Ketoconazole is a commonly used prescription shampoo and is anti-androgenetic which blocks two hormones that are associated with hair loss (dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT, and testosterone).
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that has been found to be effective in treating hair loss. While the exact mechanism by which ketoconazole works to promote hair growth is not fully understood, there are several theories as to how it may help.
One theory is that ketoconazole has anti-androgenic effects, which means that it can block the production of androgens, such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), that can contribute to hair loss. DHT is known to shrink hair follicles, leading to thinner and weaker hair over time. By blocking the production of DHT, ketoconazole may be able to prevent further hair loss and even promote hair regrowth.
Another theory is that ketoconazole has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation on the scalp. Inflammation has been linked to hair loss, as it can damage hair follicles and disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. By reducing inflammation, ketoconazole may be able to promote healthier hair growth and prevent further hair loss.
In addition to its potential hair loss benefits, ketoconazole is also commonly used to treat dandruff and other scalp conditions that can contribute to hair loss.
Some ingredients you should look for in your OTC shampoos include: amino acids (such as cysteine and tyrosine), vegetable proteins from wheat or soy, tri-copper peptides, zinc, keratin, procyanidin B2, biotin, ginseng, caffeine, peppermint, arginine, and salicylic acid (whew, long list!).
Some ingredients you should avoid are: parabens, sulfates, sodium chloride, Diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA), alcoholds, formaldehyde, silicone, propylene glycol, phthalates, talc, phenoxyethanol, cetrimonium chloride, and added synthetic fragrances or colors (also a long list!).
Parabens and sulfates are two common ingredients found in many hair care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. While they can help to improve the texture and appearance of hair, they can also have negative effects on hair health over time.
Parabens are a type of preservative that is often added to hair care products to extend their shelf life. However, parabens have been linked to a variety of health concerns, including hormone disruption, skin irritation, and allergic reactions. Parabens can also accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to long-term health effects.
Sulfates, on the other hand, are a type of detergent that is added to hair care products to help cleanse the hair and scalp. However, sulfates can be harsh and strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Sulfates can also irritate the scalp, leading to itching, flaking, and other scalp conditions.
In addition to their potential negative effects on hair health, parabens and sulfates can also have environmental impacts. When these chemicals are washed down the drain, they can accumulate in waterways and harm aquatic life.
Treatments for hair loss
One of the most popular treatments for hair loss is minoxidil, a topical medication that is applied directly to the scalp. Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which can stimulate hair growth. It's important to note that minoxidil may not work for everyone, and it can take several months to see results. Another popular treatment option for hair loss is hair transplant surgery. This involves taking hair from one part of the scalp and transplanting it to areas where hair is thinning or absent. While hair transplant surgery can be effective, it is a more invasive and expensive treatment option.
There are also several natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can help to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. For example, maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can all help to keep your hair healthy and strong. Losing hair can be a major blow to one's confidence, but thankfully, there are several options available to help combat this issue. Other more in-depth treatments include:
Hair Transplant Surgery - A surgical procedure in which hair follicles are taken from a donor area and transplanted to the balding area. It is a highly effective option for those with significant hair loss, but it can be costly and may require multiple sessions.
Scalp Micropigmentation - This is a non-surgical treatment in which tiny dots of pigment are tattooed onto the scalp to mimic the appearance of hair follicles. It can be used to create the illusion of a closely shaved head or to add density to thinning hair. It is a safe and relatively low-cost option, but the results are temporary and may need to be touched up over time.
Low-Level Laser Therapy - This is a non-invasive treatment that uses laser light to stimulate hair growth. The laser energy penetrates the scalp, promoting blood flow and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, and it is a safe and painless option.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy - This is a non-surgical treatment that involves injecting the patient's own platelet-rich plasma into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. The growth factors in the plasma promote healing and cell regeneration, which can lead to improved hair growth. It is a safe and minimally invasive option, but it may require multiple sessions to see results.
A study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery found that PRP therapy is a safe and effective treatment for androgenic alopecia, a common form of hair loss in both men and women. The study showed that PRP therapy not only increased hair count but also improved hair thickness.
A review article in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology, PRP therapy is one of the most promising treatments for hair loss. The article states that multiple studies have shown its efficacy in improving hair density and thickness.
An article in Harvard Health Publishing also discusses the benefits of PRP therapy for hair loss. It mentions a study in which patients who received PRP therapy experienced an average of 30% improvement in hair density. The article also notes that PRP therapy is a low-risk treatment with minimal side effects.
Topical Medications - There are several topical medications that can be used to treat hair loss, including minoxidil and finasteride. These medications work by promoting hair growth and slowing down hair loss. They are safe and effective, but they require consistent use over a period of months to see results.
Minoxidil is a medication that has been shown to be effective in promoting hair growth. Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which can help to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. According to a study published in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology," minoxidil is effective in promoting hair growth in up to 40% of people who use it.
Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Hair Loss. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hair Loss. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2021). Hair Loss. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/hair-loss
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Alopecia Areata. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/alopecia-areata
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Scalp Psoriasis. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/scalp-psoriasis
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Seborrheic Dermatitis. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/dry-sweaty-skin/seborrheic-dermatitis
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Tinea Capitis. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/tinea-capitis
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. (n.d.). Folliculitis. https://www.aocd.org/page/Folliculitis
Gupta AK, Charrette A. Topical Ketoconazole in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia. J Cutan Med Surg. 2013 Jul-Aug;17(4):245-50.
Piérard-Franchimont C, De Doncker P, Cauwenbergh G, Piérard GE. Ketoconazole shampoo: effect of long-term use in androgenic alopecia. Dermatology. 1998;196(4):474-7.
Fischer TW, Hipler UC, Elsner P. Effect of caffeine and testosterone on the proliferation of human hair follicles in vitro. Int J Dermatol. 2007 Jan;46(1):27-35.
Environmental Working Group. (2021). Parabens. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/paraben/
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Sulfates. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/sulfates
Healthline. (2020). The Benefits of Using Sulfate-Free Shampoo. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sulfate-free-shampoo-benefits
