The way your hair looks is a form of self-expression. As an actual extension of your body, customizing hair length, color and style can help you achieve your desired look, boosting your confidence. Leaving the salon with highlights or cut you don’t love can be a low enough blow to your self-esteem, but what about when your hair starts falling out unexpectedly? In this blog article, we’ll explore hair loss causes, treatment options and when to seek professional help. 

Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors. Common causes include genetics (male or female pattern baldness medically known as androgenetic alopecia), hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, treatments, nutritional deficiencies, physical or emotional stress, hairstyling practices and age. Not-so-typical influences for hair loss include scalp infections, autoimmune diseases, sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, chemical exposure, severe weight loss, radiation therapy, poisoning, birth control pills, anabolic steroids and psychological disorders such as trichotillomania where individuals have a compulsive urge to pull out their hair. 

The potential for hair to regrow after loss depends on several factors such as the underlying cause of hair loss, the type and extent of hair loss, and the treatment applied. Stress, illness or nutritional deficiencies (telogen effluvium) that cause hair loss are usually temporary and hair typically regrows once that cause is addressed. For autoimmune conditions (alopecia areata), hair can regrow spontaneously, but treatments like corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and laser therapy can help stimulate regrowth. Tight hairstyles that pull on the hair (traction alopecia) may be corrected if the practice is stopped early on before permanent damage sets in. Conditions like ringworm and other scalp infections can cause hair loss but once the infection is treated, hair is likely to regrow again. Genetic conditions that cause balding (androgenetic alopecia) are progressive and while treatments like minoxidil and finasteride can slow hair loss and promote some regrowth, complete restoration is challenging. Hair transplants are effective for androgenetic alopecia and other permanent types of hair loss, transplanting hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another. Hair loss that is addressed early is more likely to be reversible. Long-term hair loss can lead to scarring or permanent follicle damage. Mild to moderate hair loss has a better chance of regrowth compared to severe hair loss, where follicles may be significantly damaged.

General tips for managing hair loss include: getting a proper diagnosis from a dermatologist or healthcare professional to determine the cause of hair loss and appropriate treatment, discontinuing use of certain medications that have caused hair loss since use of prescription, maintaining a balanced diet (increasing protein, antioxidants and collagen in your diet is the easiest step in addressing hair loss), reducing stress, getting regular exercise, using mild shampoos and avoiding excessive heat styling and chemical treatments, and keeping track of hair loss patterns and changes to adjust treatments as necessary. 
A holistic approach is paramount for authentic hair health and wellness. If you notice patches of hair loss or significant shedding, contact your dermatologist at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology to schedule an appointment. Call 602-867-7546 or visit WEBSITE.