Conditions
Hair loss is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can affect individuals of any age, gender, or ethnicity, leading to significant psychological and emotional distress. Hair loss can manifest in various patterns and severities, ranging from thinning hair to complete baldness. While it is often perceived as a cosmetic issue, hair loss can also be a symptom of underlying health conditions.
Hair grows in cycles, including growth (anagen), rest (telogen), and shedding (catagen) phases. A disruption in this cycle can lead to excessive hair loss. Understanding the nature of hair loss and its underlying causes is crucial for effective treatment and management. There are different types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness), alopecia areata (autoimmune-related hair loss), and telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss due to stress or illness), each with distinct characteristics and treatment approaches.
One of the most common causes of hair loss is genetics. Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is hereditary and affects a significant portion of the population. In men, it typically presents as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, while women often experience diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp. This type of hair loss is progressive and is influenced by genetic sensitivity to androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shortens the hair growth cycle and leads to follicle miniaturisation.
Hormonal imbalances can significantly impact hair growth and lead to hair loss. In women, conditions such as pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause hormonal fluctuations that trigger hair loss. For men, imbalances in testosterone levels can also contribute to hair loss. Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to diffuse hair loss.
Various medical conditions can lead to hair loss. Autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata cause the immune system to attack hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss. Scalp infections, such as ringworm, can damage hair follicles and cause hair loss. Chronic illnesses, including diabetes and lupus, can also affect hair health. Additionally, certain medications, including those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, and heart problems, can have side effects that include hair loss.
Adequate nutrition is essential for maintaining healthy hair growth. Deficiencies in vital nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin D, and protein can lead to hair loss. Iron deficiency anaemia, for instance, can cause the hair to shed excessively. Similarly, insufficient intake of proteins, which are the building blocks of hair, can weaken hair shafts and lead to hair loss. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals is crucial for preventing nutrient-related hair loss.
Physical and emotional stress can lead to a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium. This condition occurs when a significant stressor pushes a large number of hair follicles into the resting phase, causing hair to shed excessively a few months after the event. Common triggers include major surgery, severe illness, significant weight loss, and psychological stress. While telogen effluvium is usually temporary, chronic stress can prolong hair loss and require intervention to restore normal hair growth.
Certain hair care practices and styling techniques can contribute to hair loss. Excessive use of heat styling tools, harsh chemical treatments (such as dyes and relaxers), and tight hairstyles (like ponytails and braids) can damage hair and lead to a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Repeated tension on the hair follicles weakens them over time, causing hair to break or fall out. Adopting gentle hair care practices and avoiding styles that put excessive strain on the hair can help prevent this type of hair loss.
One of the most common clinic questions is how to tighten skin. We offer various rejuvenating treatments for loose skin that can help stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and lift skin on both the face and body.
RF Gold Microneedling is a treatment procedure that combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy. This technique involves the use of fine gold-plated needles to create micro-injuries in the scalp, stimulating the natural healing process and promoting hair growth. The RF energy delivered through the needles enhances the production of collagen and elastin, improving the overall health of hair follicles and encouraging the growth of stronger, thicker hair. This treatment is minimally invasive, with minimal downtime, and is suitable for various types of hair loss.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a common non-invasive hair growth laser treatment that uses red light wavelengths to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. The laser light penetrates the scalp, increasing blood flow and delivering essential nutrients to the hair follicles. This process helps to extend the growth phase of the hair cycle, resulting in thicker and healthier hair. LLLT is often used as part of a comprehensive hair loss treatment plan and can be performed at home with FDA-approved laser devices or in a clinical setting.
Several medications are available to treat hair loss, with the most common being minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil is a topical treatment that stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair regrowth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. It is available over-the-counter and is used for both men and women. Finasteride, on the other hand, is an oral medication that inhibits the production of DHT, a hormone that contributes to androgenetic alopecia. It is typically prescribed for men and has been shown to be effective in reducing hair loss and promoting regrowth. Both medications require ongoing use to maintain their benefits.
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