10 HAIR LOSS CAUSES AND HOW TO REVERSE IT
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Androgenic alopecia hair loss
Hormonal changes: Hair loss can be caused by hormonal fluctuations throughout life. For example, women may experience hair loss after pregnancy, childbirth, during menopause, or due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Men may experience hair loss due to changes in testosterone levels.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles), scalp infections (like ringworm), and trichotillomania (a compulsive hair-pulling disorder) can cause hair loss.
Medications and supplements: Some medications and supplements can cause hair loss as a side effect. This includes chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, antidepressants, birth control pills, and high doses of vitamin A.
Stress: Severe emotional or physical stress can trigger a temporary form of hair loss called telogen effluvium. This type of hair loss typically causes diffuse hair thinning all over the scalp.
Diet: Crash diets or restrictive diets that lack essential nutrients, such as protein, iron, and vitamins D and B12, can contribute to hair loss.
Hairstyles and treatments: Tight hairstyles, such as braids or cornrows, that pull on the hair can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Chemical hair treatments, such as perms or relaxers, and heat styling tools can also damage and weaken hair, leading to breakage and hair loss.
Aging: As we age, hair growth naturally slows down and hair follicles shrink. This can lead to thinner, less voluminous hair.
Scalp infections: Fungal infections of the scalp, such as ringworm, can cause hair loss in patches. Bacterial folliculitis, which is an inflammation of the hair follicles, can also lead to hair loss.
Environmental factors: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage hair and contribute to hair loss. Pollution and other environmental toxins may also play a role in hair loss.
Reversing hair loss
While some causes of hair loss are permanent, there are treatments available to slow hair loss, promote hair growth, and improve hair health. The best course of treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your hair loss. Here are some options:
Minoxidil (Rogaine): This is a topical medication that is FDA-approved to treat hair loss in both men and women. It works by stimulating hair growth and increasing blood flow to the scalp.Opens in a new windowwww.costco.com
Minoxidil hair loss treatment
Finasteride (Propecia): This is a prescription medication that is only approved for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT.Opens in a new windowwww.hims.com
Finasteride hair loss treatment
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT): This is a non-surgical treatment that uses low-level lasers to stimulate hair growth. There is some evidence that LLLT may be effective for treating hair loss, but more research is needed.Opens in a new windowwww.amazon.com
Lowlevel laser therapy hair loss treatment
Hair transplant surgery: This is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting hair follicles from a donor area of the scalp to a bald or thinning area. Hair transplants can be a permanent solution for hair loss, but they are also expensive and can be quite invasive.Opens in a new windowprasadcosmeticsurgery.com
Hair transplant surgery hair loss treatment
Scalp micropigmentation: This is a cosmetic procedure that creates the appearance of thicker hair by tattooing tiny dots onto the scalp. Scalp micropigmentation is not a treatment for hair loss, but it can be a helpful way to camouflage baldness.Opens in a new windowwww.hdpermanentmakeup.ca
Scalp micropigmentation hair loss treatment
Important to consult a doctor
It is important to see a doctor or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss and discuss the best treatment options. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow hair loss and improve hair growth.
Disclaimer: Consulting a doctor or dermatologist is recommended for diagnosing hair loss and determining the best course of treatment.