Overview
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rabeya Afroz Shomi
What is Hair Fall?
Hair loss, also referred to as alopecia or baldness, refers to a loss of hair from a part of the top or body. Typically a minimum of the top is involved. The severity of hair loss can vary from alittle area to the whole body. Typically inflammation or scarring isn't present. Hair fall in some people causes psychological distress. Everybody loses some hair a day . Research has shown that an individual can lose up to 100 hairs per day. But losing more hair can cause bald spots to seem on a man’s head. just in case of a lady , there's thinning of the hair on the highest of her head. Hair fall isn't a life-threatening condition. But it can become seriously jeopardize one’s self-confidence by drastically changing for the more severe how he/she looks. Men, women and even children can experience hair loss. This condition occurs generally as a results of hormonal changes, heredity, medical conditions or as a side-effect of some medications. Hair loss thanks to hereditary reasons is that the commonest explanation for hair fall.
What are the kinds of hair loss?
The hair rate of growth slows down as people age and is named alopecia. There are lot many hair loss types: Involutional Alopecia- it's the natural gradual thinning of hair with age. there's a rise within the number of hair follicles which enter the resting phase and therefore the other hairs become fewer and shorter. Androgenic Alopecia- Both women and men are often suffering from this genetic condition. Men who have this condition may start losing hair even in their teenage years. this is often referred to as male-pattern baldness. it's marked by gradual hair loss from the frontal scalp and therefore the refore the crown and the hairline receding. Women suffering from this have hair thinning after their forties. it's referred to as female-pattern baldness and maximum hair loss happens near the crown. Alopecia Areata- it always features a sudden onset and results in hair loss in patches in young adults and youngsters . it's going to cause total balding (alopecia totalis). In over 90% of individuals having this condition, the hair grows back within a couple of years. Trichotillomania- it's observed most ordinarily in children. an individual tears out their own hair due to this mental disorder . Telogen Effluvium- Hair growth cycle changes cause a short lived thinning of hair on the scalp. It happens thanks to tons of hair entering the resting phase which results in shedding of a hair and consequent thinning. Scarring Alopecia- It results in irreversible hair loss. Inflammatory conditions of the skin like folliculitis, acne and cellulitis, leads to scarring that destroys the hair’s ability to regenerate. Tightly woven hair and hot combs may end in irreversible hair loss also . What are the signs and symptoms of hair fall? Hair rupture in clumps or patches Thinning of hair Hair becoming brittle and breaking easily.
What are the causes of hair fall?
Hair fall is most ordinarily prevalent in people that have had a case history of hair loss, genetics play an enormous role during this . Some hormones also trigger hair loss which usually begins during puberty. Other factors like traumatic events, surgeries and major illnesses also can trigger acute hair fall. In such cases, hair starts growing back on its own after a while . Temporary hair loss are often caused thanks to menopause, sudden discontinuation of contraception pills, childbirth and hormonal changes thanks to pregnancy. Sometimes severe medical conditions also can cause hair loss like scalp infections (ringworm), alopecia (an autoimmune disease which damages the hair follicles) and thyroid disease. Disorders like lichen ruber planus and certain sorts of lupus also can cause lichens which end in hair fall. repeatedly hair fall also can be triggered by the utilization of medicines wont to treat heart problems, depression, arthritis, high vital sign and cancer. Emotional or physical shock also can trigger hair loss like high fever, extreme weight loss and death within the family. A hair-pulling disorder referred to as trichotillomania makes the affected person pull out his/her hair deliberately. it's an impulse control disorder which may be treated by therapy. The affected person can pull out hair from their eyelash, eyebrows and therefore the scalp. Tying our hair very tightly puts immense pressure on the hair leading to breakage. this is often referred to as traction hair loss. Consuming less iron and protein in your diet also can cause thin hair. There are few other causes through which hair loss occurs: Hormones- Abnormal androgen levels may cause hair to fall also . Genes – Genes from either parent can increase the likelihood of an individual having female or male pattern baldness. Drugs- Blood thinners, cancer treatment drugs, birth-control medication and beta blockers may cause hair fall also . Medical Predispositions- Diabetes, lupus, iron deficiency, thyroid disease, anaemia and eating disorders may cause hair fall. Usually, when the basis cause is treated, hair grows back again. Cosmetic- Procedures like perming, hair dyes, bleaching and over the utilization of shampoo can all cause thinning of hair, making it brittle and weak. Braiding hair tightly, using hot curlers or rollers also causes hair breakage and damage. These, however, don’t cause baldness.
What vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?
Vitamins play an important role within the growth of hair. Deficiency in vitamins may cause numerous problems associated with hair fall. Niacin or vitamin B3 and Biotin is another B-complex vitamin , which results in hair fall. there's some evidence shows that deficiency of vitamin D within the body affects the expansion of hair. Researches show that folks with hair fall have lower levels of vitamin D compared to people .
How hair loss is diagnosed?
After consulting the patient about symptoms and enquiring about the respective medical and case history , various tests are performed to diagnose the hair fall problem. Few of they're listed below: Physical hair pull test Blood test Scalp biopsy Light microscopy
How to treat hair fall?
Hair fall solution are often addressed in multiple ways and before choosing any treatment do ask your doctor to work out the character of your condition. Some medications and medicines boost androgen levels to enhance hair growth. For more severe cases you'll choose a wig but in today’s fashion world that might seem out of place. you'll choose hair weaving or hair bonding treatments where the synthetic hair strands or real hair strands are artificially glued to your scalp. Sometimes these can appear as a takeaway latex skin, and you'll use it and comb it like how you employ your natural hair. However, these can have their limitations. For more permanent results, choose hair transplantation. The treatment involves individually picking out your hair follicles from the denser region of your head and implanting them within the area where you experience hair fall. The hair follicles are taken individually or in some cases taken as a whole strip and surgically sewn into the bald spots. These surgical procedures are the foremost advanced sorts of treatments available currently and are more permanent. The hair follicles once taken root can act like your own hair and counting on your maintenance can grow into stronger stands.
Who would wish anti-hair loss therapy?
Taking pills for your hair growth isn't safe during pregnancy and childbirth. Avoiding these medications during those periods would be safe. Also, heart patients and other people with high vital sign might not be an appropriate candidate for hair fall treatment. Before choosing any treatment, consult your physician without fail.
Who isn't eligible for the treatment?
There are often some side effects felt if you're undertaking the hair regrowth pills as these specialise in increasing the androgen levels of your body. In some cases, they're not safe for your reproductive organs, and you'll choose alternate medicines. As far as hair transplantation goes, the skin can appear itchy and reddish after the procedure. the world where the procedure has been done can go numb, and these symptoms gradually dissolve over a period. Always do take these hair fall treatments in reputed centres as they will have high safety standards.
What are the side effects of hair fall treatment?
After the hair fall treatment, you would possibly be asked to require rest for a few of days. you would possibly be required to wear a surgical hair cap over your head to stop infections. Usually, the recovery period is extremely minimal, and you'll revisit to your normal activities within a couple of days. within the case of hair weaving, you would possibly need to visit the centres occasionally to require care of the bonding or to vary the design . What are the post-treatment guidelines? After the hair transplantation, you would possibly be asked to require rest for a few of days. you would possibly be required to wear a surgical hair cap over your head to stop infections. Usually, the recovery period is extremely minimal, and you'll revisit to your normal activities within a couple of days. within the case of hair weaving, you would possibly need to visit the centres occasionally to require care of the bonding or to vary the design .
How long does it fancy get over hair loss treatment?
The recovery period is extremely minimal regarding hair loss treatment. you'll revisit to your routine duties within a brief period. you would possibly be asked to go to a month for a checkup, and your hair regrowth can start after a period of six months. just in case you're taking pills and tablets, there's no recovery time, and you'll adhere to your regular work routine.
Are the results of the hair loss treatment permanent?
The alternatives to such hair loss treatments are often natural hair oils and ayurvedic products. These are often safe on your hair as they are doing not use any chemical based medications and doesn't involve surgery. you'll also make some lifestyle changes and stick with strict diets that are high in proteins and nutrients needed for your hair.
How to prevent hair loss?
Studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet is one among the simplest ways for hair loss prevention. Mediterranean diet reduces the danger of hair loss or slowdowns its onset. Proteins like keratin help rebuilding of hair follicles. Including amino acids within the diet helps hair growth as they work as building blocks.
What vitamins are good to stop hair loss?
Nutritional deficiency results in hair loss and vitamin intake is that the best thanks to prevent it. the simplest vitamins are: Vitamin A: it's the elemental unit for each cell present within the body. As hair is that the fastest growing tissue vitamin A plays a big role in its growth. vitamin A is found in animal products like milk, eggs, and cod liver oil. Vitamin B: one among the chief vitamins in hair growth is B-complex vitamin also called Biotins. It helps within the creation of RBC and carries oxygen, nutrients to the scalp. B-complex vitamin is found in whole grains, almonds, meat, seafood, green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C: it's a strong antioxidant which prevents against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. A protein called collagen which is vital for hair growth. This vitamin helps absorbing necessary minerals for hair. Citrus fruits like Oranges, Strawberries, peppers, etc are good for hair growth. Vitamin D: it's a serious factor for hair growth which helps to make new follicles. vitamin D plays an important role in hair production. Fatty fish, cod liver oil, some mushrooms, and fortified foods are an honest source of vitamin D .
What are the house remedies for hair fall?
Egg whites: These are deposits of proteins, minerals and B-complex which are important for hair. they supply nutrients for hair growth and also strengthens hair. Egg whites are recommended for greasy hair because it reduces boring . It are often mixed with oil for fast hair growth. Aloe Vera: it's massive deposits of amino acids and proteolytic enzymes which are good for hair growth. It are often mixed with purgative and fenugreek powder for better results. Amla: it's a high concentration of antioxidants which increases the regeneration of skin cells. It conditions your scalp, minimizes grey hair and boosts hair volume. Amla even reduces dandruff hence thickens the hair. vegetable oil, henna powder, egg, water and can be mixed with Amla for better results. Onion: It contains dietary sulphur commonest mineral required for enzymes and proteins production. Antimicrobial properties of onion juice help scalp to fight against infections. The antioxidant property, on the opposite hand, cancels free radicals which reduce damage to hair follicles.