ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAIR LOSS AND ITS TREATMENT

Each day, we all lose some hair from our scalp – about 50 to 100 strands of hair which is a normal phenomenon. However, when your hair thins and falls off beyond at a faster rate and with a significant amount, then this calls for concerns as you may be experiencing hair loss. In the UK alone, 8 million men have male-pattern hair loss, also called male androgenetic alopecia (MAA). According to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), 85% of men experience balding at the age of 50. Hair loss is a common experience among women as well; more than 50% of them live with this condition.

Although alopecia occurs mainly in older adults, children and teenagers are not left out as well. Losing 50 to 100 hair strands daily is insignificant when compared to the number of hairs on our heads. When we lose some parts of our hair, new ones grow to replace them. However, many people encounter hair loss suddenly or overtime, which may be temporary for some and permanent for others. Interestingly, there are hair loss treatments for 95% of these hair loss cases.

Factors Responsible For Hair Loss

If you start experiencing signs of hair loss, see a doctor or dermatologist who will identify its underlying cause. In most cases, hair loss in both men and women is hereditary; it could be passed on from parents to children. Hair loss also stems from hormonal changes in which some experience the condition as early as puberty. Other factors may include life-changing events like surgeries, critical illness or traumas. However, hair loss from these events disappears after a while.

Women experience this condition pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and after terminating their intake of birth control pills. You may experience hair loss if you have medical conditions like alopecia areata, thyroid disease, and ringworm. But it gets permanent when the individual has scarring-causing diseases like lichen planus and Lupus. Medications used to treat depression, arthritis, high blood pressure, cancer, and heart problems can also cause this condition.

Hair Loss Symptoms

Men and women with androgenetic alopecia may experience the following symptoms:

• Receding hairline in men
• Hair thinning
• Widening hair part in women

Hair Loss Treatments

There are various treatment options for male and female baldness include the use of medications like Finasteride, Minoxidil, Spironolactone, and hormone therapy. The other options include laser therapy, hair transplant, protein-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and nutrition.

Hair Loss Prevention

Hair loss is preventable – with an exception to genetic baldness. Some ways to prevent this condition include:

1. Hair Scalp Massage

Massaging your hair scalp regularly promotes hair growth. However, avoid excess massage as it can damage the hair follicles.

2. Reduce Heat Application

Heat application has a tendency to cause hair root damage over time. Use hair gadgets like curling irons and straighteners less often. Patients who have undergone chemotherapy should use cooling caps to reduce hair loss.

3. Avoid Tight Hairstyles

Hair follicle damage may result from tight hairstyles like braids and ponytails; these hairstyles also contribute to receding hairline. Rock lose hairstyles more.

4. Maintain A Healthy Dietary Plan

Eat food rich in nutrients to promote hair growth, texture, and lustre. Avoid unhealthy diets and habits, including smoking. Also, if you experience baldness resulting from your medication, switch to a better alternative.