Did you know there are many different types of hair loss that can be attributed to a number of causes? In fact, hair loss can affect any part of the body, although the scalp is the most prevalent site.
Alopecia, which is the medical term for hair loss, is a condition that occurs when the body’s cycle of hair creation is disrupted. There is an average of 100,000 hairs on the scalp that are always going through a life cycle of growth, rest, shedding, and regeneration.
There are three stages to the hair growth cycle:
- The anagen phase, when hair grows rapidly and energetically. This stage might persist for years.
- The catagen phase, when the hair follicle, the structure beneath the skin that maintains the hair in place, splits from the hair. About ten days are spent in the catagen phase.
- The telogen phase, when the follicle rests for two or three months and then the hair comes out. During the growth of new hair, the anagen phase begins. This daily hair shedding is a normal part of life for the majority of individuals.
It is possible for the hair follicles to be injured or disturbed, resulting in thinning or receding hairlines, hair falling out in patches, or an overall loss of hair.
A person’s genes may play a role in hair loss, but other medical or behavioural disorders can also disrupt the growth cycle and lead to hair thinning.
Let’s explore the hair loss types and the possible solutions for hair loss.
Androgenetic Alopecia
More than 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States suffer from androgenetic alopecia, the most prevalent kind of hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is an inherited condition that can be treated clinically or surgically.
Male Pattern Hair Loss
Male hair loss can begin at any age after puberty and continue for years or decades after, and it affects a large percentage of the male population. There are seven stages of male hair loss; the hairline typically begins receding to form an ‘M’ shape. In the most advanced stages, there is a horseshoe pattern of hair that begins above the temples.
Female Pattern Hair Loss
This form of hair loss is common among women as they become older, although it can occur at any time after puberty. There will be a gradual thinning of hair throughout the women’s head; however, the hairline normally does not recede. Unlike male pattern baldness, female pattern hair loss seldom results in baldness.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a kind of hair loss that happens when a high number of hair follicles on the scalp reach the resting phase of the hair development cycle, known as telogen, but the following growth phase does not begin. Hair begins to come out in clumps all over the head, and there is no new hair growth to replace it.
Hair loss of 300 to 500 hairs per day is common in telogen effluvium, although the hair may seem sparse, especially at the crown and temples. This form of hair loss is usually brought on by a medical condition or event, such as a thyroid problem, childbirth, surgery, or a fever.
Some other possible causes of telogen effluvium include a lack of certain vitamins or minerals (an iron deficiency is a major reason for female pattern baldness), as well as the usage of certain drugs (such as acne treatment isotretinoin and the blood thinner warfarin). Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) may also cause this form of hair loss if you start or stop using them.
After six months, hair loss is called chronic telogen effluvium. Hair loss treatments in Perth can help you to tackle this problem.
Traction Alopecia
If you’ve ever tried to pull your hair into a tight ponytail or braid, you’ll know how damaging it can be. Traction alopecia is a type of hair hair loss caused by repeatedly pulling on your hair; it can lead to thinning hair or bald areas if the hairstyle is not adjusted. Most of the time, changing your hairstyle will lead to your hair growing back.
Anagen Effluvium
Chemotherapy-induced fast hair loss is called anagen effluvium. In addition to killing cancer cells, these strong and fast-acting drugs may also inhibit the growth of hair follicles in the scalp and other regions of the body. Hair normally regrows on its own once a course of chemotherapy is completed.
Alopecia Areata
This is an autoimmune disease where the immune system assaults healthy tissues such as hair follicles. When this happens, the follicles stop producing new hairs. Adults and children alike can be affected by this disorder, and hair loss can occur abruptly and without warning. Small clumps of hair fall out of the scalp in a non-painful manner.
Eyebrows and eyelashes, as well as other body hair, are susceptible to hair loss. Alopecia totalis, or total hair loss, can occur over time as a result of this condition.
Alopecia areata is treated by dermatologists using drugs that may promote hair regrowth. You can also get hair loss treatment in Sydney subject to your convenience.
Tinea Capitis
Tinea capitis, often known as scalp ringworm, is a frequent cause of hair loss in children and is caused by a fungal infection of the scalp. In this case, patches of hair fall out in a circular pattern, which can lead to bald spots that become larger over time.
Inflamed or scaly skin is common, as is an itchy or red scalp. Occasionally, pus-filled sores or blisters can form on the scalp as well. As the immune system battles the infection, children with this illness may develop swollen glands behind the neck or a low-grade fever.
Antifungal medications can be prescribed by dermatologists and taken orally to get rid of the fungus. When tinea capitis is caught and treated in its early stages, most children’s hair returns to normal.
Cicatricial Alopecia
One of the most unusual forms of hair loss, Cicatricial Alopecia, is characterised by inflammation that causes the follicles to be destroyed and scar tissue to grow in their stead. After the formation of scar tissue, hair does not come back.
Symptoms of hair loss can begin gradually or all at once, depending on the severity of the problem. Swelling and red or white sores on the scalp may also be present, as well as acute itching. At any age, both men and women can suffer from this form of hair loss.
Treatment for cicatricial alopecia relies on the type of alopecia that is causing your symptoms. Your alopecia may be treated by experts who have years of expertise in dealing with this condition. Cicatricial alopecia can be divided into three categories:
Lichen Planopilaris
If the scalp is affected by the common skin ailment lichen planus, a kind of alopecia called lichen planopilaris can develop on the hairline.
A dry, flaky rash may occur on the skin, causing the hair on the scalp to come out in clumps as a result of lichen planopilaris. Redness, irritation, and stinging or burning pimples may appear on the scalp.
A rare lichen infection, Lichen planopilaris is more commonly found in women than men. Hair loss medication can be prescribed by a doctor.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Lupus is an autoimmune illness that affects the skin, and discoid lupus erythematosus is one of its subtypes. Inflamed sores and scars can occur on the ears, cheeks, and scalp as a result of this condition.
One of the disease’s symptoms is thinning hair. For hair to grow in an area where scar tissue has formed, it must first be removed.
Folliculitis Decalvans
Pustules and redness on the scalp may accompany hair loss caused by the inflammatory condition known as folliculitis decalvans. Folliculitis decalvans is a disorder that destroys hair follicles.
Even though this form of hair loss is irreversible, doctors can prescribe medicine to reduce symptoms and, in some cases, halt the rate at which hair is lost.
Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp
The development of pustules or lumps on the scalp is caused by a disorder known as dissecting cellulitis of the scalp.
Scar tissue can form around the hair follicles as a result of this disorder, which can lead to hair loss. Drugs may be used to alleviate some of the symptoms.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
In addition to a receding hairline, eyebrows and underarms may be affected by frontal fibrosing alopecia. Postmenopausal women are most typically affected with frontal fibrosing alopecia. Symptoms can be controlled, and the disease can be managed with the use of certain treatments. The root of the problem remains a mystery.
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
It is possible that hair products or styling methods that harm hair follicles cause central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. Alopecia central centrifugal (ACC) can be caused by the use of hair relaxers, blow dryers, curling irons, hair extensions, and the process of perming your hair.
Hair products and styling procedures such as oils, gels, and pomades that are often used can also contribute to this condition, which can be reversed by discontinuing use.
Hypotrichosis
An extremely uncommon hereditary disorder known as hypotrichosis affects just a small percentage of people. When a baby is born with this disorder, his or her hair grows normally during the first few months, but it eventually falls out and is replaced with scant hair.
Hypotrichosis frequently results in baldness by the age of 25. However, certain drugs may help thicken or regenerate hair in those with this disease.
Hair Shaft Abnormalities
Numerous hair shaft defects can cause thinning hair. These diseases weaken and thin the hair strands, leaving them more susceptible to breakage and baldness.
The visible component of a hair strand, the hair shaft, is broken, causing the hair follicle to become inactive. Overall, hair loss and brittleness are possible side effects.
Some irregularities of the hair shaft can be reversed by making modest alterations to the way your hair is styled and treated. Other medical disorders may necessitate treatment. The following are cases of hair shaft abnormalities:
Loose Anagen Syndrome
The most prevalent symptom of loose anagen syndrome in children is hair that is frequently snipped from the follicle. Hair typically stops growing when it reaches a predetermined maximum length. Loss of hair growth is common in children with loose anagen syndrome. Girls with blonde or brown hair are more likely to suffer from the illness.
People with loose anagen syndrome tend to lose their hair, even as it grows. Friction from a pillow, for example, might cause hair loss to worsen overnight.
We don’t know what causes loose anagen syndrome. It might be linked to a hair development cycle problem that inhibits hair from sticking in the follicle for an extended period.
Puberty usually brings about a significant improvement in the issue, and certain drugs may help with hair growth.
Trichotillomania
Those who suffer from trichotillomania find it impossible to quit pulling their hair out. As a result of this, the scalp or other parts of the body may experience hair loss.
If the habit is halted, hair usually grows back, but if it persists for a long time, the hair loss might be permanent.
Talking to a counselor about the sources of stress and why you feel the impulse to pull your hair may be the best treatment for this issue.
Why is Scalp Micropigmentation the Best Solution for Hair Loss?
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is the non-surgical procedure of using a small needle to place pigment into the scalp. SMP can be used to cover up bald areas or it can be used to recreate a whole hairline.
Scalp Micropigmentation is a common solution for hair loss because of its flexibility and simplicity. A skilled Scalp Micropigmentation artist can match the precise pigment of your natural hair colour so that the completed results blend with and complement your hair and skin tone.
Scalp Micropigmentation is a non-invasive procedure that requires no recovery time and can usually be completed in two to four sessions. After a session, most patients can return to work. Most people may resume their normal activity and daily routines within seven to ten days of a treatment session if they follow suitable post-treatment care measures.
If you would like to learn more about Scalp Micropigmentation as a solution to hair loss or thinning, Foli Sim is renowned around Australia as a leading SMP provider. Visit their website to book a free initial consultation with one of their artists, where you can ask anything you like about the procedure and its benefits.
