Hair Loss – All you need to know!!

Hair Loss – All you need to know!!

Hair is an important structure of the human body which imparts to one’s confidence and personality. Hair is made up of thick protein called keratin. Just like skin care your hair also needs to be pampered. The endless number of varied type of shampoos, conditioners, oils, spas, hair treatments in the market gives you a rough estimate of how important hair care has become.

 

What causes hair loss?

1. Genetic  / Hereditary causes: 

Both men and women get affected. Commonly termed as baldness, genes inherited causes the hair follicle to shrink and shrink and eventually the hair stops growing out. It can begin as early as your teens , but usually starts later in life. In men, recession of hair line or thinning at the vertex or crown spot is the first sign whereas in women over all thinning or a widening part is noted

1. Auto immune: Alopecia areata

It is a localized patch of hair loss affecting scalp/ eyebrows/eyelashes/  beard or even body hairs .It is an autoimmune condition where hair follicles gets destructed by the body’s immune system

c.Drug induced 

Many drugs like cancer chemotherapy ,systemic immunosuppressants can cause hair loss

d.Hormonal changes:

Hormone imbalance like PCOS/alterations in Thyroid hormone levels/ Male hormone levels .Hair loss may be the earliest sign of these alterations in hormone levels 

e.Vitamin Deficiencies:

Crash diets, weight loss diets, improper food habits have become commonest cause of hair loss these days. Lack of micronutrients like , protein,zinc,iron ,biotin may cause thinning of hair .

f.Systemic illness:

COVID, Typhoid,malaria, liver diseases, renal diseases,chronic infections can cause hair to fall owing to the systemic insult

g.Post partum /Post delivery hair loss

It is a normal physiological hair loss that happens due to alterations in hormones.Usually reverts back after 3-6 months .

h.Excessive hair treatments:

Frequent styling , blow dry, ironing , straightening causes the normal disulphide bonds of hair to get  broken. The hair strands gets thinner, easily prone for damage and breakage

 

Is your hair loss significant?

• If the number of hairs lost per day is more than 100 
• Recession of hairline
• Widening of part
• Thinning of pony tail
• Visible scalp in between  hairs
• Localised loss of hair 

Investigations :

• Hemoglobin
• Serum Ferritin
• Vitamin B12/ 25 (OH)VIT:D3
• Thyroid Function Test
• Hair analysis

Treatment:

Treatment is based on identifying the root cause of hair loss and planning of treatment is based on severity and degree of hair loss.

Medical Treatment:

• Vitamin supplements 
• Hair nourishing serums containing redensyl, capixyl, peptides
• Hormonal medications like finasteride,dutasteride
• Minoxidil spray
• Melatonin and caffeine based solutions

 

Procedural treatment:

• Micro needling 
• Low level Laser Therapy 
• Laser comb
• Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
• Hair Transplantation

What to understand?

Not every type of hair loss can be treated, but a dermatologist can definitely help you to prevent / delay further hair loss.

It can take months to see and appreciate results from treatment as far as hair loss is concerned

Every hair loss is different, so is the treatment planned

Multidisciplinary management involving endocrinologist, plastic surgeon may be needed in some cases

 

HAIR CARE TIPS :

1.Consult a dermatologist  to analyse the hair/ scalp to find out the products suited for you because the earlier the treatment ,the better the results 

2.Wash and deeply condition the hair 

3.Use a gentle shampoo followed by a conditioner 

4.Allow the hair to air dry. Avoid using hair dryers as far as possible

5.Limit the use of styling irons

6.Eat healthy with food rich in iron and protein 

7.Stay hydrated

 

Should I use hair gummies?

A blood test can determine if you are getting enough of nutrients.Its important to understand that the supplements available in the market advertised for hair growth are not regulated by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration. Too much of nutrients may cause more harm than good.