Are you experiencing hair loss? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, more than 30 million men and 21 million women experience significant hair loss each year in the United States alone. Hair loss comes in many forms, and it can be caused by many factors, including genetics, lifestyle, aging, illnesses, and even trauma to the scalp. Learn about the different types of hair loss that can affect you or someone you love and how to prevent them from happening in the first place so that you don’t have to worry about looking and feeling your best when it matters most.
The 5 Stages of Hair Loss
There are five stages of hair loss, and each one has different symptoms. The first stage is called shedding, which is when you lose more hair than usual. The second stage is called miniaturization, which is when your hair follicles shrink. The third stage is called follicular dystrophy, which is when your hair follicles die. The fourth stage is called fibrosis, which is when your scalp tissue hardens. And the fifth stage is called alopecia, which is when you lose all of your hair.
What can cause hair loss?
Hair loss can have many causes, including genetics, diet, stress, and certain medical conditions. It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. But if you’re losing more than that or if your hair is thinning, it could be a sign of hair loss. There are two types of hair loss: scarring and nonscarring. Scarring alopecia is permanent and destroys the hair follicle, which prevents new hair from growing. Nonscarring alopecia is temporary and includes conditions like telogen effluvium, which is when hairs go into resting phase and fall out more easily, and traction alopecia, which is caused by tight hairstyles that pull on the hair over time.
The Reasons Why Men Shed Their Hair
While there are many potential causes of hair loss, the most common reason for men is genetics. If your father or grandfather was bald, you’re more likely to be bald as well. Other potential causes include:
* Hormonal changes
* Medical conditions (e.g., thyroid problems, alopecia areata)
* Medications (e.g., beta blockers, antidepressants)
How To Get Rid Of Bald Patches
Do you have bald patches on your head? Are you worried about hair loss? Here’s everything you need to know about hair loss and how to prevent it.
Treatment Options For Male Pattern Baldness
Although there is no cure for male pattern baldness, there are treatments that can help slow down or even stop the progression of hair loss. Minoxidil ( Rogaine) is a topical medication that is available over the counter and is applied to the scalp twice daily. It works by increasing blood flow and nutrients to the hair follicles, which can promote hair growth. Another option is finasteride ( Propecia), a prescription medication that is taken orally. Finasteride works by blocking the production of DHT, a hormone that causes hair loss. Side effects of finasteride include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and breast tenderness. In some cases, these side effects go away after stopping the medication.
Bald Spot on the Crown – Treatments, Causes, Risks
One of the most common causes of hair loss is a condition called androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. This occurs when the hair follicles are exposed to too much of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes the follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair. Treatments for this type of hair loss include medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes. In some cases, hair loss can also be caused by autoimmune conditions, nutritional deficiencies, or medications. Prevention strategies include managing stress levels, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding harsh chemicals and hairstyles that can damage the scalp.
Scalp Reduction Surgery – Procedure Cost, Risks, Recovery Time
Scalp reduction surgery is a treatment for baldness or severe hair thinning. The surgeon removes bald skin from the scalp. This can be done as a standalone procedure or in combination with other hair loss treatments, such as hair transplantation. Scalp reduction surgery is not suitable for everyone, and there are some risks associated with the procedure. The cost of scalp reduction surgery can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the location of the clinic. Recovery time from scalp reduction surgery is typically around two weeks.
