If you notice that you’re losing more hair than usual, you should discuss the problem with a doctor to determine the underlying causes.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that 80 million men and women in America have hereditary hair loss (alopecia).
It can affect just the hair on your scalp or your entire body. Although alopecia is more prevalent in older adults, excessive hair loss can occur in children as well.
It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. With about 100,000 hairs on your head, that small loss isn’t noticeable.
New hair normally replaces the lost hair, but this doesn’t always happen. Hair loss can develop gradually over years or happen abruptly. Hair loss can be permanent or temporary.
It’s impossible to count the amount of hair lost on a given day. You may be losing more hair than is normal if you notice a large amount of hair in the drain after washing your hair or clumps of hair in your brush. You might also notice thinning patches of hair or baldness.
If you notice that you’re losing more hair than usual, you should discuss the problem with a doctor.
They can determine the underlying cause of your hair loss and suggest appropriate treatment plans.
What causes hair loss?
First, a doctor or dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin problems) will try to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss. The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary male- or female-pattern baldness.
If you have a family history of baldness, you may have this type of hair loss. Certain sex hormones can trigger hereditary hair loss. It may begin as early as puberty.
In some cases, hair loss may occur with a simple halt in the cycle of hair growth. Major illnesses, surgeries, or traumatic events can trigger hair loss. However, your hair will usually start growing back without treatment.
Hormonal changes can cause temporary hair loss. Examples include:
- pregnancy;
- childbirth;
- discontinuing the use of birth control pills;
- menopause.
Medical conditions that can cause hair loss include:
- thyroid disease;
- alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles);
- scalp infections like ringworm.
Diseases that cause scarrings, such as lichen planus and some types of lupus, can result in permanent hair loss because of the scarring.
Hair loss can also be due to medications used to treat:
- cancer;
- high blood pressure;
- arthritis;
- depression;
- heart problems.
A physical or emotional shock may trigger noticeable hair loss. Examples of this type of shock include:
- a death in the family;
- extreme weight loss;
- a high fever.
People with trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) have a need to pull out their hair, usually from their head, eyebrows, or eyelashes.
Traction hair loss can be due to hairstyles that put pressure on the follicles by pulling the hair back very tightly.
A diet lacking in protein, iron, and other nutrients can also lead to thinning hair.
How is hair loss diagnosed?
Persistent hair loss often indicates an underlying health issue.
A doctor or dermatologist can determine the cause of your hair loss based on a physical examination and your health history. In some cases, simple dietary changes can help. A doctor may also change your prescription medications.
If your dermatologist suspects an autoimmune or skin disease, they might take a biopsy of the skin on your scalp.
This will involve carefully removing a small section of skin for laboratory testing. It’s important to keep in mind that hair growth is a complex process. It may take time to determine the exact cause of your hair loss.
What are the treatment options for hair loss?
Medication
Medications will likely be the first course of treatment for hair loss. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications generally consist of topical creams and gels that you apply directly to the scalp.
Doctors may also prescribe corticosteroids like prednisone. Individuals with alopecia areata can use this to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Corticosteroids mimic the hormones made by your adrenal glands.
A high amount of corticosteroid in the body reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.
Medical Procedures
Sometimes, medications aren’t enough to stop hair loss. There are surgical procedures to treat baldness.
Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplant surgery involves moving small plugs of skin, each with a few hairs, to bald parts of your scalp.
Scalp Reduction
In a scalp reduction, a surgeon removes part of your scalp that lacks hair. The surgeon then closes the area with a piece of your scalp that has hair. Another option is a flap, in which your surgeon folds the scalp that has hair over a bald patch.
PRP
Our clinic offers a cutting-edge hair loss treatment based on platelet-rich plasma derived from your own blood.
Please get in touch with us to learn the details and ask any questions concerning the procedure.
How can I prevent hair loss?
There are things you can do to prevent further hair loss. Don’t wear tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or buns that put too much pressure on your hair. Over time, those styles permanently damage your hair follicles.
Try not to pull, twist, or rub your hair. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of iron and protein.
Certain beauty regimens can worsen or cause hair loss.
If you’re currently losing hair, use gentle baby shampoo to wash your hair. Unless you have extremely oily hair, consider washing your hair only every other day. Always pat the hair dry and avoid rubbing your hair.
Styling products and tools are also common culprits in hair loss. Examples of products or tools that can affect hair loss include:
- blow dryers;
- heated combs;
- hair straighteners;
- coloring products;
- bleaching agents;
- perms;
- relaxers.
If you decide to style your hair with heated tools, only do so when your hair is dry. Also, use the lowest settings possible.