Hair Loss Treatment, Causes and Symptoms
Hair loss has become one of the most common problems. And people are clueless about hair loss treatment. However, it is normal to lose up to 100 hair strands per day. It is an important step in the hair growth cycle.
While when this fall increases from 100 strands and new ones are not growing, hair thinning occurs. Hair loss is called as alopecia. In most severe cases baldness can also happen. Hair loss can affect adults, children, and elders of any gender.
Types of Hair Loss:
Hair loss is of various types. Some are popular while others are permanent. Some of the common hair loss types are:
- Androgenic alopecia: In this, hair loss occurs due to hereditary baldness. Moreover, it can affect any gender. It can cause male pattern baldness as well as hair loss in females.
- Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune disease that leads to hair loss in the whole body, head, and other parts of the body.
- Telogen effluvium: In this, hair loss is characterized by rapid shedding that happens in a very short period of time. The main causes behind telogen effluvium are physical or emotional stress or some sudden changes in hormones.
- Anagen effluvium: In this, hair loss is due to Chemotherapy.
What causes hair loss?
There are many factors that lead to hair loss, and some of the most common are mentioned below:
- Hereditary hair loss from genetics
- Fungal infections on the scalp.
- Hairstyles that pull the hair tightly
- Use of chemical-induced hair products.
- Hormonal changes (for example, pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause).
- Medical treatment (for example, chemotherapy and certain medications).
- Nutritional deficiencies (iron or protein).
- Stressful events
- Thyroid disease.
What are the Symptoms of Hair Loss?
Sometimes, people fail to recognize when the hair loss is too much. And everyone experiences hair loss in different ways. This depends on the hair type. Here are some of the common symptoms of hair loss:
- Receding hairline: This is a type of baldness pattern in males.
- Thinning hair all over the head: This type of hair loss affects females.
- Loss of patches of hair: This type of hair loss affects both genders.
- Loss of hair on the scalp and body: In this hair loss occurs in every hairy area of the body.
How is Hair Loss Diagnosed?
The most challenging part of hair loss treatment is diagnosing the reason for hair loss. In some cases such as chemotherapy, the diagnosis is very obvious. If you fail to recognize the problem, you should consult a doctor.
The medical assistant may make the diagnosis as follows:
- Take a look at your family history, including if any relatives experienced hair loss and at what age.
- Study your medical history.
- Suggest blood tests to measure thyroid function and iron levels.
- Assess your scalp for signs of infection.
- Check for skin disease by taking a scalp biopsy
Hair Loss Treatment: How to Stop Hair Loss?
Hair loss happens for several reasons, such as ageing, genetics, or other underlying factors. While there’s no sure-shot hair loss treatment, there are several measures and lifestyle changes that can help. Some of them are mentioned below:
Diet and Hair Loss
Food intake has a significant impact on hair health. Here are some dietary changes to consider:
- Eat more protein: Protein deficiency can contribute to hair loss.
- Start a Mediterranean diet: It is known to be rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. This reduces hair loss.
- Avoid crash diets: Extreme weight loss can lead to temporary hair loss.
Supplements and Medications
Certain supplements and medications may help prevent or reduce hair loss.
- Multivitamin supplements: Vitamins and minerals like selenium, vitamin B, zinc, vitamin D, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E can support hair health. This is the best hair loss treatment for females.
- Hair loss medication: Minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) are popular medications used to treat hair loss.
By making these changes to your lifestyle and seeking appropriate medical advice, you can take steps to manage hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.
Tips for Healthier Hair
Prevention is better than cure! And you should start taking care of your hair before it is too late. Here some tips that you must take into consideration for heathy hair:
- Massaging the scalp regularly
- Trying low-level laser light therapy
- Using coconut oil for damaged hair
- Using essential oils such as jojoba oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil
- Use caffeine-infused products
- Protect hair while sleeping
- Protect hair from sun radiation
The Bottom Line:
Hair is affecting millions of people across the globe, approximately 35 million men in the United States and Around 21 million women in the United States suffer from hair loss. There are many ways of hair loss treatments. However, you must take preventive measures like not using chemical products, and protecting hair from sun radiation.
Also read about: High Protein Vegetarian Meals Plan For Everyone
