Hair fall is a very common problem these days and source of frustration and low self-esteem especially in you males and sometimes in young females as well. But the good news is that there are multiple treatments for the hair fall which is available with your hair specialist. If the treatment is started earlier than the hair fall can be stopped and to some extend hair growth can be restored.
What are the causes of hair loss?
- Dietary deficiencies:
It is an important cause of hair fall, and often ignored by some physicians and some patients themselves. But it is proven that the addition of iron, Zinc, Biotin, and proteins are important in the hair growth. Some physicians do advise some supplements to cater to these deficiencies.
- Mental and Physical Stress:
Stress both mental and physical does add towards hair loss. It’s normal to have increased hair loss before some exams, interviews and even when you start doing heavy weight lifting exercises. Sometimes it increases when you try to lose weight and start dieting without consulting any dietician or nutritionist. Diversions and indulging your self in some creative activities, massages and yoga can help reduce the stress and in turn have an effect on hair loss.
3. Hair Products and Hair Dyes:
Some hair dyes or some hair products may contain chemicals that can damage the skin or hairs and can increase the hair fall. Some of these chemicals damage the hair roots and can decrease the number of hairs. So, it is recommended that you must stick to your physician advised shampoos or hair dyes or natural dyes.
- Telogen effluvium:
It is again shedding of hairs due to the stress and as much as 70 % of the hairs can fall with this sue some illness, stress or medication. But the good thing is that it requires completely in six months time.
- Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia):
It can occur in both male and females. It’s due to male sex hormones. The front and crown area have special receptors for these hormones so only these hairs are affected. The fall usually in a specific pattern which is different in males and females. This can be stopped with treatments.
- Genetics:
The male pattern baldness is associated with the genes. It came from the parents. The expression is different in different people and may worsen when other factors are added too.
- Other Causes:
Other causes include:
- Medical conditions: like a thyroid problem
- Hormonal problems: Polycystic Ovaries
- Lifestyle habits: Smoking
- Medicines: Oral contraceptive Pills
What are different Treatments for Hair Fall/ Hair Loss?
- Antiandrogenic Treatment:
Minoxidil is used to reverse the effect of hormonal hair fall. It only stops the hair fall for the time period it is used. It cannot reverse the hair fall. Myth if you stop the hair fall will be worse which is not true. It only returns when you stop using this.
- Finasteride:
It is a pill or tablet which is used to stop the hair fall due to male hormones. It works better than Minoxidil, and it works for the time period while you are using it. It should not be used by pregnant females and newly married males.
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP):
It is the newer form of treatment which is natural and effective. Your own blood is taken and the platelet part is separated and injected in the scalp. It is done in sessions and can result in new hair growth.
4: Mesotherapy:
It is the injection of some medicines like PRP in the scalp. It also improves the hairs quality and can result in new hair growth.
5: Stem cell injections:
This is also injected in the scalp. It can be taken from the body fat or commercially available stem cells can be injected. It also improves hair fall and can grow new hairs.
- Hair Transplant:
It is a surgical process in which the hairs are taken from the back of the head or from the body and placed over the bald area to improve the quantity of hairs and looks. It is permanent hair replacement and is for life long and does not need maintenance and no side effect to hair transplant because it is a safe method.
- Artificial hairs or hairpiece:
They have used since ages and is a cheaper form of hair replacement but the disadvantages are that it is associated with skin problems and need lifelong maintenance.
Other treatment adjuncts:
- Quit smoking
- Avoid stress
- Use proper hair care products
- Proper hair shampoo and conditioners
- Balanced diet
- Multivitamins
- Handling your hairs gently
