What Causes Hair Loss in Women? | GETTIK

What Causes Hair Loss in Women? | GETTIK

by | May 28, 2020 | Hair, Hair Loss In Women, Health, LIfestyle

Why Is My Hair Falling Out? 5 Causes of Hair Loss in Women

While going through your morning routine and brushing your hair, it’s possible you may notice more hair left in your brush than you’re used to. Some hair loss is normal, but if you begin to notice signs of balding — including overall thinning at the top of your head, notable bald spots, or clumps of hair falling out — it can leave you feeling alarmed and distressed. These feelings can seriously impact your self-image and confidence.

Hair loss can often be thought of as a strictly male condition, but a large percentage of those who experience it are women. In fact, as noted in research published in Clinical Interventions in Aging, just under half of all women go through life with a full head of hair. Nevertheless, the perception that hair loss only affects males can leave women impacted by it in a difficult situation.

There are many different causes of hair loss in women, and addressing the situation requires identifying which apply to you. This article will discuss five of the most common causes of hair loss, then provide advice on mitigating them. Read on to learn how you can take control of this condition.

Certain Hairstyles

Anyone who has worn a ponytail for a long period of time knows about the annoyance of “ponytail headaches.” However, it’s important to understand that the constant pulling associated with a hairstyle like this may lead to hair loss. This is because certain hairstyles can cause traction alopecia — a form of hair loss caused by pulling of the scalp, which weakens the hair root and follicle.

There are many signs that your hairstyle is causing too much stress on your hair. These include:

  • Hair loss, sometimes resulting in a receding hairline;
  • Signs of thin or broken hair in areas where your hair is tied;
  • Small pimples or ulcers on your scalp, often at the base of where your hair is tied;
  • Itching or redness on your scalp;
  • Scarred skin on your scalp (these areas may look “shiny”).

Avoid These Hairstyles to Prevent Hair Loss

 To avoid this type of hair loss, consider changing up your hairstyle and avoid putting undue stress on your hair follicles. Tight ponytails, braids, or buns can lead to traction alopecia. The excessive use of hair extensions, wefts, or clip-ins can also cause hair loss over time.

The way you take care of your hair can also impact your hair health. Brush rollers, when applied too tightly, can cause alopecia. Even regular brushing can cause hair loss if done too vigorously.

Instead of regularly doing the above, try to find alternative ways to style your hair. Women with straight hair can simply wear it behind or over their shoulders, and loose braids are still not out of the question. Those with curly hair might try wearing their hair naturally. These are only a few examples of your options going forward.

If you’ve experienced notable hair loss, you might find that your styling options are limited. In this case, it can be wise to invest in hair growth shampoo or hair thickening fibers. These can improve the appearance of your hair and widen your hairstyling options.

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Dietary Issues

A poor diet can lead to malnutrition. This refers to deficiencies in your vitamin and mineral intake that can lead to major side effects like weak muscles and bones, a compromised immune system, and hair loss.

Are you starting to experience hair loss? It may be time to assess your diet for any gaps in your caloric, protein, vitamin, and mineral intake. Nutrients that are associated with hair health include:

  • Protein;
  • Calories;
  • Antioxidants;
  • Biotin;
  • Selenium;
  • Vitamin A (though too much can cause hair loss);
  • Vitamin C;
  • Vitamin D.

Get All the Vitamins and Minerals You Need for Hair Health

In order to address this cause of hair loss, it can help to ensure you’re getting a well-rounded diet, complete with the nutrition you need to mitigate the effects of hair loss. This means a diet rich in natural foods — primarily high-fiber carbs, fruits, veggies, and lean meats. Ensure that you are getting enough food each day and that you’re limiting junk foods.

Seek to include foods with nutrients that you’ve neglected. For instance, androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium, two conditions commonly associated with female pattern baldness, may be mitigated with increased intake of vitamin D, according to research. Foods high in this vitamin, like dairy products, fatty fish, or eggs, are useful additions to your diet to address this issue. Most multivitamins include this as well.

Of course, it’s always wise to discuss any dietary changes with your doctor. It may be beneficial to consult with your physician or nutritionist to discuss appropriate diet changes or supplements to address this issue. They may be able to help you assess your diet, identify gaps in your vitamin/mineral intake, and determine which foods or supplements may be able to help you maintain optimal hair health.

Extreme Stress

It’s not uncommon for women to experience some degree of hair loss after stressful events. This is evident in women who have undergone traumatic events such as giving birth (though hormonal changes are also to blame for this) or experiencing abuse.

To glean why this occurs, it’s important to understand how hair grows. Human hair follicles undergo several phases throughout their lifecycle. It starts in its anagen phase — the longest phase at up to seven years and also the time during which your hair grows in length. This is followed by a transition phase and a resting phase. Finally, it sheds during its exogen phase, which occurs to roughly 100 hairs each day for the average human.

Stress disrupts this cycle. According to an article published in The Atlantic titled “Why Stress Makes Your Hair Fall Out:

“Stress is thought to disrupt this process, prematurely kicking hairs out of the growth period. Rather than leaving anagen at their own pace, they all go through the resting phase at the same time and fall out together in bigger numbers — up to 10 times more than usual … “

Stress can, as a result of this disruption, cause several different types of hair loss, including telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and trichotillomania.

Follow These Stress-Management Tips

While some level of stress is inevitable in life, there are a few ways you can reduce stress during and after traumatic periods:

  • Exercise regularly: When we are stressed, our brains are telling our bodies that we need to act. This results in a prolonged fight-or-flight response with no method of release, which can dramatically worsen the symptoms of stress. Physical activity allows us to release this energy.
  • Practice gratitude: Feeling grateful can alleviate feelings of anxiety that accompany stress. Take some time each day to create a list of things you are grateful for, then reflect on it.
  • Improve your diet: In addition to handling any potential nutritional deficiencies — a potential cause of hair loss, as discussed above — a balanced diet can decrease feelings of nervousness and sadness.

These are just a few of the methods you can employ to manage stress and, hopefully, mitigate its potential impacts on your hair health.

Toxins or Medications

Certain toxins, medications, or medical procedures can also lead to hair loss. In certain circumstances, hair loss is an expected side effect, as is the case with many individuals who undergo chemotherapy.

There are many types of drugs that may cause hair loss, and WebMD has a comprehensive list of them. Among the items on this list, you’ll find:

There are many more examples, and each has been linked to hair loss in some instances, though further research is required to understand why this is the case.

Finding Alternative Medications

Hair loss can be an alarming symptom, but it is vital to discuss your symptoms with your physician before discontinuing the use of certain medications. Maintain an ongoing dialogue with your doctor about symptoms as they occur; keeping a log of your side effects is a useful practice for this purpose. Your doctor may also be able to help you determine whether your hair loss is indeed related to the medication in question. If it is, they should be able to work with you to discover an alternative medication that does not cause hair loss.

Heredity

If the cause of your hair loss is not associated with one of the above factors, it may be connected to your genetics. If your family has a history of hair loss, you may also be susceptible to it. This is a diagnosable condition, so it’s important to bring this up with your doctor.

One of the most common forms of hair loss is due to hereditary-pattern baldness. This is a natural condition caused by a combination of genetic, hormone, and age-related factors. This type of baldness starts with thinning hair, then progresses over time to complete hair loss. For women, the most common place for hair loss to occur on the top of the head, down the middle — it may appear that the part of your hair is widening.

How to Address Hair Loss Due to Your Genes

While this cause of hair loss if out of your control, you can still take action to mitigate its effects. Certain medications, such as minoxidil, can slow further hair loss. There are also many professional hair thickening products that can keep your hair looking and feeling healthy, even if your genetics are working against you.

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Hair Transplant Cost USA 2020 | The Best Clinics

Hair Transplant Cost USA 2020 | The Best Clinics

by | May 2, 2020 | Hair Loss in Men, Hair Loss In Women

Before you ask how much does hair transplant cost…

Is it right for you?

Around one in every three men experience hair loss or male-pattern baldness by the age of thirty. For a successful hair transplant procedure to be planned, clearly it is significant that the candidate must have enough hair left on their head to be transplanted. Many things are taken into account before deciding if a hair transplant surgery is right for you.

Some of these important factors include:

  • The desired results and the number of grafts that may be required to reach that desired level 
  • The overall density and health of the donor site, such as the back and the sides of the head. People who do not have enough donor hair on the donor sites may also not be a good candidate for a hair transplantation surgery
  • The texture of the hair and the thinness that the person opting for hair transplant surgery is already suffering from.
  • It may also be a suitable option for someone who has lost hair from a burn or scalp injury

To further evaluate if someone is a good candidate for hair transplant surgery, it is important to consult a specialist. Thorough planning with the surgeon is vital in deciding the plan of action for reaching the desired goal.

However, a hair transplant is not an effective method of restoration for someone who is experiencing hair loss as a side effect of a medication or an ongoing chemotherapy sessions, is no longer in the early stage of hair loss rather has widespread hair loss and thinning or has had multiple injuries in the scalp from the past, or has keloid formation from injuries or surgeries which has led to thickening of the scalp. Hair restoration surgery may also not work for women who have a widespread loss of hair throughout the scalp.

Is there any alternative that may cost less? 

 

Sometimes, hair transplant falls out of the equation for a sufferer so there are several hair alternatives to hair transplant that can be considered for hair regrowth. These are non-invasive methods that are safe as well as effective and reliable. Most of these work best for preserving and recovering thinning hair. Some of these non-surgical alternatives include: 

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1. Medical treatments

Minoxidil cost from ＄30 per month

Especially in those who have just begun to lose hair, minoxidil has proven to be effective. This over-the-counter medication is used as a topical treatment. Usage of this medication has only shown to slow down the process of hair loss in those who have just started to lose hair. This has been used for the treatment of male or female patterns of baldness, also called androgenic alopecia (95% of all hair loss type). This drug is considered as a vasodilator and it works by improving the circulation of blood around the follicles that have started to shrink. Hair regrowth via this method is rare but this has shown to be most effective in people who are under forty years of age.

minoxidil

It is not recommended to use this drug if one is under the age of eighteen, does not have a family history of hair loss, has a scalp that is itchy, infected or painful, or if the hair loss is the result of different hair grooming methods like cornrowing or chemicals. It is also not recommended to use minoxidil if one is experiencing hair loss because of another condition like thyroid disease or nutritional deficiencies.

Propecia (1mg Finasteride) cost from ＄60 per month

It has a wider range of functions and applications than minoxidil but it is, nonetheless, more expensive. A popular 1mg dosage form is available to be taken once per day. It works by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and therefore interrupts the process by which follicles begin to produce thinner hair and one experiences hair loss. This drug, however, is taken as a pill and is prescription-only. But it has several side effects such as the increased risk of prostate cancer, headache, impotence, loss of libido,  irregular heartbeat, and skin rash. Users of this drug must undergo regular monitoring by blood tests.

minoxidil

Although the time taken for medicinal treatment to show any improvement takes longer than the surgical procedures in showing results and only by continuous use signs of improvement appear, the use of medicines especially for early phases of hair loss means that cost is typically lower than any surgical procedure.

2. Laser therapy

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is another option for those suffering from hair loss. This merely improves the thickness of the hair shaft. It does not stop hair loss or does not promote the growth of new hair.

3. Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy

This latest technique generally works better when the patient has not completely lost their hair. This method is typically suitable for those who are in the early stages and do not require any surgical hair transplant procedure. This effectively works for hair thinning. This is a three-step process where a person’s blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp. 1. The patient’s own blood is taken out for this procedure, 2. and only the portion rich in plasma is processed out of the blood through the process of centrifugation. 3. This plasma-rich content is then injected in the scalp of the patient where the hair is thinning. This speeds up the process of tissue regeneration which is vital in the treatment of hair thinning. Because in this procedure, the patient’s own platelets are used, the side effects from this procedure and rate of rejection are very low. One downside is that the hair that grows and begins to appear as natural hair is extremely thin than what a surgical procedure of hair transplantation or restoration can provide.

Another reason why this non-surgical treatment alternative is not employed is that, although this procedure is cost-effective, the PRP therapy has to be maintained in the long-term in order to achieve desired results whereas, for hair transplant surgery on the other side can be carried out once for permanent effects, maintenance therapy is required every four to six months. Lastly, there has not been enough research done to prove that PRP is an effective hair restoration method and for which category of candidates can this procedure prove to be fruitful. Still a process involving injections always carries a risk of injuring a blood vessel or hitting a nerve, causing an infection and stimulating the buildup of scar tissue thickening the scalp skin at each round of therapy. Moreover, for someone who is suffering from cancer, is taking blood thinners regularly, is a heavy smoker or drinker, suffering from liver disease, has thyroid disease, or suffers from a genetic platelet dysfunction disorder, the Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy may be strongly not recommended.

prp plasma hair therapy

4. Synthetic hair wigs

Hair wigs are a common alternative for many men and women experiencing hair loss or baldness who are looking to hide patches of the scalp that are balding or balding patches. One needs to put on and take off the wig regularly and the styling options for putting on a wig are limited.

5. ATP transplant

ATP transplant or Advanced Trico Pigmentation is another minimally invasive technique used to cater to the ones suffering from baldness or hair loss. The procedure is explained as tattooing with a tiny needle and ink to create the illusion of small length hair or stubble. The ink is of a special type that lasts for about five to seven years.

Above mentioned are different and cost-effective alternatives to hair transplantation surgeries for a candidate that does not qualify for a surgery or is worried about other factors. For natural-looking hair and desired results with an affordable procedure, it is always recommended that one must consult a specialist.

 

Which type OF Hair transplant COST More: FUE or FUT?

 

Hair transplant or restoration surgeries are on the rise but many factors contribute to deciding what works best for an individual. An in-depth understanding of what are the benefits and risks are involved in each process and what are the alternatives are required to reach a desirable outcome.

For someone who’s considering a surgical method of hair transplantation, both FUE or FUT can be considered to achieve what the patient desires. The technology involved in both methods has advanced so much that both the males and the females can reverse the hair loss to such an extent that no one may even notice that one has been losing hair. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages of both hair restoration techniques that need to be put side-by-side and compared for a better and well-informed decision. Based on the individual’s need, lifestyle, and budget the decision has to be made by the patient to successfully reach their goal.

fue vs fut hair transplant

The main difference between FUE and FUT is the way that the graft is harvested from the scalp. Because of its intricate procedure, FUE is a more specialized technique of hair transplantation where precision is required to remove individual hair follicles and place it on the recipient site.

Concluding thoughts

The bottom line is that the success of whichever procedure chooses depends on the number of good hair follicles they have left, what is the size of the recipient area that one wants to cover, and eventually, the skill of the hair transplant surgeon carrying out the procedure.

 

Process FUE and Process FUT

 

Both these techniques produce aesthetically pleasing results for anyone experiencing hair loss. Although both these types of techniques work in a similar way, there are some major changes and modifications in the process as the technology improves. These processes have been discussed in detail below to fully understand what a patient goes through and what are the different outcomes based on the techniques involved.

FUE: merits and demerits

During the process of FUE, the scarring being uniformly spread across the donor site, usually the back of the head and the sides, it seems to be less scared.

✅ The scarring is almost negligible which is the most important advantage over other procedures for many clients. It is for this reason that the patients who have a shorter hair length are a good candidate for this technique since it does not require any stitching and there is no visible scarring.

✅ This technique results in rapid healing and minimal pain which leaves the patient with a more comfortable post-operative phase in comparison to FUT.

This technique is recommended for people with shorter hairstyles and for those who seek a lesser invasive procedure that is comfortable.

This option is also good for those candidates who have less hair on their donor site, which is usually the back of the head or have a very soft scalp. In such cases, the donor site for FUE is selected from arms, legs, chest, or back. With respect to the graft removed, the follicular removal using the FUE technique causes more trauma to the graft during the process in a way that most of the time the connective tissue is damaged and is usually not preserved because the direction of the hair under the skin can never be estimated. And since it is important to preserve the connective tissue attached with the hair follicle the yield from the extraction process in FUE, therefore, is always lower.

These lower quality hair follicles can not be used as donor’s hair because this damaged hair do not grow and are very susceptible to damage.

For this reason, FUE is never recommended in cases where more than a thousand or fifteen hundred grafts are required.

❌ And a major drawback of the FUE technique of hair transplantation is the cost of each graft being much higher than the FUT procedure since this procedure is more time and labor-intensive.

❌ Another downside of the FUE procedure is that since the procedure requires individual follicular units to be harvested, it may require multiple sessions to achieve desirable results.

FUT: merits and demerits

FUT is often considered the gold standard for hair transplantation, where a single strip of donor hair is removed.

✅ In this procedure not only there are a minimized number of treatments but this treatment is also cost effective.

This is only recommended for people who have about half an inch of hair or longer.

Therefore, it is recommended for people who like to keep a longer length of their hair and desire for a cost-effective method of achieving it. Patients with weaker follicles and lack of donor availability may also be recommended FUT.

✅ Also, in FUT up to four thousand follicular units can be harvested and transplanted at one time.

Unlike FUE, this technique gives a larger amount of hair follicles to use from the donor site to the recipient site. This improves the chances of the surgeon to preserve the follicles and the connective tissue since the grafts are very carefully dissected out from the donor strip.

⚠️ This even depends on the skills of the surgeon performing the extraction of the follicles from the strip and is determined by how skilled he is in dissecting the follicles under the microscope.

❌ Considering the drawbacks of this procedure, FUT hair transplantation technique requires suturing and stitched closure at the donor site, this may cause a feeling of tightness and soreness for the patient.

❌ The patient may also experience numbness and itching. There is always a greater risk of contracting an infection and causing inflammation at the site from where the strip has been harvested. Stitches from this surgery need to be removed after about 10 days of surgery which leaves the scalp with a fine linear scar at the donor site. This may be concealed by the surrounding hair but the patient is left with a scar in their scalp at the end of this hair transplantation procedure.

FUE procedure

One accepted method of hair transplantation is called Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE which is a multistep process starting from preparation of the client to preparation of the recipient site to implantation. This is the modern technique improved out of traditional hair transplant methods. In this hair transplant surgery, thorough planning is done to determine the donor site as well as the affected site and ways the most suitable hairline can be achieved. The donor site is then prepared by trimming down the hair for about two to three millimeters. Extensive shaving and trimming facilitate removal of the maximum number of grafts.

1. After administering local anesthesia to ensure the comfort of the patient undergoing a surgical procedure, a custom made patented punch-like instrument is used to isolate and then

2. remove each individual follicular unit under very high-powered magnification.

3. A follicular unit is a natural group of one to four hairs in which it grows where one follicular unit shares blood supply. This instrument usually does not exceed more than 1mm in diameter which leaves the extraction sites to be microscopic. This punch enables the doctor to carefully harvest viable grafts. Follicular Unit Extraction is also called the minimally invasive technique as this technique only affects the superficial layer of the skin. Once the hair follicles are removed, based on the predetermined planning, the donor grafts are placed in the incisions prepared at the receiving site using very fine forceps.

4. The recipient site is prepared by small incisions for which microblades are used for which even bandages are not necessary at the end. These blades range from 0.7mm to 1.3mm in width and are created for each patient based on their needs and desires. This procedure allows the doctor to transplant at densities of fifty grafts per square centimeter. And while the graft is being placed, these are preserved in saline under ideal conditions. This ends the procedure.

During the recovery phase, the healing is rapid in the FUE procedure.

FUT procedure

The FUT, or follicular unit transplantation, is also known as follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS). This is another commonly employed hair restoration technique that involves transplanting a patient’s natural hair into balding areas. It was the dominant process all over the world before FUE took over and offered a more modern alternative. In the process of FUT hair restoration surgery, insightful planning is done to determine the design hairline and of the scalp for the most aesthetically pleasing results at the hairline. The donor site is then prepared by trimming it. The hair on the back of the head and side are usually strong and healthiest and more resistant to hair loss caused by hormonal changes, therefore, the donor sites are usually selected from these places for transplanting into balding areas of the scalp.

1. After administering a local anesthesia a strip of skin is then excised and the edges of the incision are sutured together. For this reason, this procedure is also called “strip harvesting”. The strip may be as long as six to ten inches but can also stretch from ear to ear.

2. Individual follicular grafts are then removed, sometimes even by using a microscope, and prepared out of the excised strip. As many as two thousand of these grafts are prepared and some of these grafts may have only one hair.

3. These are then transplanted into tiny individual incisions from front to back in the balding area based on the predetermined planning. Starting at the front of the hairline, the doctor makes the smallest incisions, and as he proceeds towards the back of the head, he places the grafts in a larger size so as to achieve the fullness pattern present with the natural hair. The skilled surgeons also ensure that the cuts on the recipient site are angled in a way so as to produce natural direction of normal hair. The surgical site is then covered with bandages or gauze.

Usually, this procedure takes about three to six hours. After about 10-12 days the stitches are removed and the scabbing is usually healed but during this time the patient may feel moderate soreness.

During the recovery process, FUT is more discomforting and has more downtime than FUE which may even take longer to heal completely. The pain felt postoperatively can also be treated by prescription medicine.

However, since the surgeon removes the whole strip all at once and the work is cut down, FUT surgery costs a lot less than FUE.

Time taken for both the procedures varies according to the number of follicles one is having harvested but usually, the average time taken is about eight hours. After the surgery, the surgical site is usually swollen, this may be managed by the surgeon by injecting a steroid such as triamcinolone to keep the swelling down. And to further avoid complications such as infection, doctors may also prescribe antibiotics.

Some of the side effects common for any hair transplant procedure are as follows:

  1. Crust or pus drainage around the surgical site
  2. Inflammation of the follicular sites, also known as folliculitis
  3. Loss of sensation around the surgical site
  4. Bleeding
  5. Shock loss, or temporary loss of transplanted hair
  6. Unnatural looking hair that has been transplanted

 

Best hair transplant clinics in USA and their cost

 

Some of the best hair transplant clinics in the USA are Biltmore Surgical Hair Restoration and Bauman Medical where the patients have seen their demands and desires met after the hair transplant procedure. Patients at Bauman Medical have experienced hair restoration at the hands of leading surgeons, like Dr. Bauman himself to internationally accredited facilities ranging from hair transplantation, PRP therapies, and eyebrow and eyelashes restoration therapies. Another attractive feature is the extensive postoperative care plan. True and Dorin Medical Group is another hair restoration team that is made up of specialists with up to 2 decades of experience. They have their headquarters in Manhattan, NY where they have the reputation of delivering exceptional services using up-to-date and advanced procedures. Dr. True and Dr. Dorin themselves perform the surgeries and the assisting staff and team of physicians itself has members with decades of experience in successful grafting. Another popular hair restoration clinic is the Shapiro Medical Group that has been recognised on many international platforms. They charge per graft and for the first 2000 grafts they charge $5.50 which drops to $3.00 for graft over 2000 in the strip procedure. Certain money-saving deals and financial help is also available for patients who qualify and meet the criterion.

Map of USA hair transplant clinics and their prices of FUE method (per graft)

NOTE: Price we get from clinics are informative. Please contact clinic by clicking on the state to get exact price.

How much graft do you need? Try our graft calculator

References:

  1. Price VH. Double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of topical minoxidil in extensive alopecia areata. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1987 Mar 1;16(3):730-6.
  2. Lee GR, Sasaki GH. PRP for hair loss. MedEsthetics. 2014;10(6):28-32.
  3. Baser NT, Cigsar B, Akbuga UB, Terzioglu A, Aslan G. Follicular unit transplantation for male-pattern hair loss: Evaluation of 120 patients. Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery. 2006 Nov 1;59(11):1162-9.
  4. Boychenko O, Bernstein RM, Schweiger ES. Finasteride in the Treatment of Female Hair Loss. Cutis. 2012;90:73-6.
  5. Bernstein RM, Rassman WR. Laser hair transplantation: Is it really state of the art?. Lasers in surgery and medicine. 1996 Jan 1;19:233-5.
  6. Bicknell LM, Kash N, Kavouspour C, Rashid RM. Follicular unit extraction hair transplant harvest: a review of current recommendations and future considerations. Dermatology online journal. 2014;20(3).
  7. Avram MR, Rogers N, Watkins S. Side-effects from follicular unit extraction in hair transplantation. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery. 2014 Jul;7(3):177.

Mature Hairline vs Receding Hairline and Balding – facts and details

Mature Hairline vs Receding Hairline and Balding – facts and details

by | Mar 19, 2020 | Hair, Hair Loss in Men, Hair Loss In Women, Health, LIfestyle

Mature Hairline

Hairline in human males differs at different stages of life. Observing the hair go back and watching the forehead becoming wider is not always necessarily the outcome of a possible future baldness. It can also be a sign of maturation of the hairline.

Hairline in men seldom remains where it was when they were younger. As men age they notice their hairlines receding which might instigate an alarm. However, these can easily just be mature hairlines and not an indication of balding as it is very easy to confuse the two.

Men would usually observe their hairlines at different levels at the age of 17 than when they age to 27 or 37. These differences in the hairlines can confuse them or even make them fret over a possibility of baldness in the future as the hairline begins to recede after they hit puberty

Maturing hairline will appear to be receding for a while before it stops. It might be straight or there could be irregularities like those with men having widow’s peak. Widow’s peak is a central growth in the hairline in the middle of the forehead which gives an impression of balding temples.

Mature hairlines might resemble the receding ones but there are some very distinct features to both of them that set them apart.

Natural Shift In The Hairline

Normally, the hairline is even across the forehead and rounded at the corners. This hairline is called “Juvenile” hairline as it changes when the person grows up, particularly men. No matter how intently you take care or have the best sets of genes, this hairline is destined to change and recede to some degree in over 90% of the men.

As men age, their hairlines start to change. Between 18-28 years, the juvenile hairline starts to recede and rearrange into the mature hairline. This change is natural and not a sign of balding. The hairline goes through final maturation during these years.

Though these hairlines are not necessarily balding, many experts have observed that they can pave way for male patterned baldness. This particularly happens for those with the specific genetic affinity for male patterned baldness more likely than for a majority and sometimes it is related to stress.

Development Of Mature Hairline

Ageing is a process that occurs in almost every part of the human body. After puberty, the body goes through a number of quite noticeable changes. These changes are largely due to a surge in certain hormones and a particular balance being developed among them. (William R. Rassman, 2013)

Like everything else, hairlines are also dependent on the intricate balance of these hormones. One such hormone is androgen. It’s a steroid hormone and has a higher percentage in men post puberty. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), in particular, plays a huge role in miniaturization of the hair follicles after their release in the body at puberty. This hormone is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, like deeper voice, facial and body hair growth, ironically, its abundance leads to baldness.

Normal amounts of DHT is essential and produces normal mature hairlines in adults, but extra production often leads to baldness, particularly, male patterned baldness. This happens, because DHT is more potent than testosterone alone and attaches to the receptor sites for a longer period of time, causing an inflammatory response in the hair follicles.

Receding Hairline

Higher than normal levels of DHT slowly miniaturize the hair follicles with time and causes the loss of hair permanently. The receding hairline typically shows a horseshoe shaped pattern in men and a bald patch on crown for women. (Martinick, 1999)

This shape is also linked to the abnormally increased secretion and accumulation of DHT at the areas more prone to the hair loss, making a horseshoe pattern. This is linked with chronic scalp tension in people who develop this shape of hairline.

Chronic scalp tension is transmitted to and detected in galea appunurotica. From here a signal goes to the androgenic tissues which are prone to alopecia. These tissues then get inflamed and the hair loss begins. DHT is not directly responsible for the miniaturization of the hair follicles but risk factors like chronic scalp tension add to the inflammation and loss of hair follicles.

Increased amount of DHT however, does contribute to the thinning of hair and weaker hair follicles. This leads to an eventual hair loss by the process mentioned above.

Anabolic steroid drugs may also cause hair loss and baldness down the lane. These drugs are known to cause an increase in the levels of androgens in the body and therefore increased hair loss.

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Mature Hairline V/S Receding Hairline

Mature hairline:

  • Maturing hairlines can be quite similar to the receding hairlines if the person is not well aware in identifying the difference between the two. Maturation of the hairline continues to a certain time in life. It may start in teen years but it is a long process and ends in a decade, plus minus a year or two.
  • If the hair loss is persistent and does not curb, the hairline might have crossed over to receding from the mere process of maturation.
  • Mature hairline often does not exceed past the anterior borders of the ears on both sides. The hairline from the margins of juvenile hairlines does go back but it stops mostly at a distance of one finger from the first crease on the forehead.
  • The hair grown as the result of maturation are usually healthy and sustained. They are not easily lost or fall off immediately. The hair growth after the mature hairline develops should be as long and thick as the rest of the hair.
  • Moreover the pattern of hair loss in mature hairline is straight and relatively regular. The hair loss is not extreme in some places while not at all in others.

Receding hairline:

  • For receding hairlines, there is a high chance that the hair loss is irregular and fast. The hairline that remains might have a horseshoe pattern on the temples showing a higher rate of hair loss in those areas.
  • The hair that the follicles do manage to produce are thin and not durable at all. These hair fall off easily and at a higher rate than they grow, thereby producing bald spots.
  • For the detection of receding hairline, observe irregular bald spots along other areas of the head as well as the hairline. This confirms that the recession is not just due to maturation of the hairline.
  • When the hairline recedes, the changes that appear are sudden and observed within a few months. While the maturing hairline takes a long time, somewhere around 10 years or more depending on the physiology of the individual.

Mature Hairline And Balding

Maturing of the hairline is a natural phenomenon that happens to 96 % of the men as they hit puberty. It happens because of a normal shift in the concentrations of hormones in the body and is coupled with the development of secondary sex characteristics.

The hairline does go back a little when matured as compared to the juvenile hairline, but that does not necessarily signify that the individual is going to get bald in the near future.

For most men, maturation of hairline is so subtle that they don’t even notice as it happens. However if there is a possible baldness, it is easily noticeable as the loss of hair exceeds the new hair growth and there are evident bald spots. (Kavish Chouhan, 2019)

Hamilton-Norwood scale is one way to determine whether the pattern of hair loss lingers towards baldness or simple maturation. For the stages 1 and 2, the hairlines are most likely to be mere mature and not balding at all.

How To Detect Maturing Of The Hairline

For normal maturation of the hairline, it happens for a long period of time, years. So it might go undetected or the difference might hit at once if you observe it.

This maturation might also feel like the hair in front of your forehead are receding as the hairline would be further away as compared to the juvenile hairline. This could be a cause of concern.

However, there is a very simple way to measure the whether the hairline is maturing or receding.

  • Raise your eyebrows like when you are surprised
  • Hold a mirror to your face and observe
  • Put a finger between the top most line on your forehead and the hairline
  • If the distance between the two is greater than one finger, there is a chance that your hair is not just maturing, it might even be receding.

Thickness Of Hair

Hairline is an entirely different part of head than the bulk of hair. The two can’t compare as both have different qualities of hair to begin with. (Ogunmakin KO, 2011)

Hairline signifies as a mere silhouette of the hair that demarcates the border between hairless skin and the scalp. The bulk of hair on the scalp is always thicker and has more body and thickness than those at the hairline. Comparing the two is not right for that reason.

Reduction Of Hair Loss

Maturation of hairline can scare an individual if their hairline recedes at a higher pace with greater than normal hair loss. This can be managed with the use of Finasteride under prescription or minoxidil

Revivogen is a not a drug, and is advised to the people with receding hairlines as well.

There are other alternatives that can be used to reduce the hair loss and stop the recession of the hairlines after they mature. These alternatives are natural and don’t require the use of any chemicals.

  • Omega 3 fatty acids- including omega 3 fatty acids help in the reduction of scalp irritation and promote the healthy growth of hair.
  • Scalp massages-the blood circulation is the key to healthier scalp as the better the blood flow, the better nutrition your scalp get. This in turn will promote healthier growth of hair.
  • DHT levels- DHT is a naturally occurring hormone in the body at puberty. Keeping its levels in check with almonds, and zinc rich diets help keeping the hair follicles healthy.
  • Vitamins and minerals- vitamins like A, B, C, D, E is necessary for not only growth but the maintenance of hair. Consuming them helps in keeping the hair healthy and strong.

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Managing The Mature Hairline

As the hairline turns from juvenile to mature, there could be a need for changing the hairstyle. This change in hairstyle can be a daunting task as it could be drastically different from the one that you were used to.

Following are some manageable hairstyles:

  • Fringe cut- helps in concealing the hairline if it is too evident.
  • The quaff haircut- it is the more youthful and versatile looking haircut.
  • Faux hawk haircut- instead of concealing, this haircut will display the hairline out in the open.
  • Flow hairstyle- this one is a more mature look and will suite the maturing hairline
  • Ivy League haircut- this style helps in maintaining an extremely mature persona with the complimenting hairline.
  • Shape up cut- in this haircut the hairline will be chiseled to make a sharp rectangular form.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the hairline you see changing as you age could be merely because of your body changing. It could be a natural change and absolutely normal, the mature hairline.

However, if the signs of these changes are quickly noticeable, it could be a receding hairline which is an issue of its own. There are ways to know which one is it and ways to slow down the process, all it takes is timely detection of the source of recession and finding its remedy.

Maturing of the hairline is not something to be scared of and though, there are conflicting ideas on whether it produces baldness or not, you can always find a solution of it online!

Bibliography

Kavish Chouhan, G. R. (2019). Approach to hair transplantation in advanced grade baldness by follicular unit extraction: A retrospective analysis of 820 cases. The Complete Skin and Hair Solution, 215-222.

Martinick, J. H. (1999). Hairline Placement: Getting It Right. hair transplant forum international.

Ogunmakin KO, R. R. (2011). Alopecia: the case for medical necessity. skinmed, 79-84.

William R. Rassman, M. i. (2013). Phenotype of Normal Hairline Maturation. PlumX Metrics, 317–324.

Alopecia Definition | Main Types, Causes And Treatment Guide

Alopecia Definition | Main Types, Causes And Treatment Guide

by | May 13, 2015 | Alopecia Areata, Hair, Hair Loss in Men, Hair Loss In Women, Health, Science

Alopecia Definition | Main Types, Causes And Treatment Guide

Alopecia is the medical term for acute hair loss and baldness. Despite alopecia being a very common disease among individuals worldwide, the technical term is not well-known and can provide images of a life-threatening illness. The truth is alopecia is just another name for hair loss and balding. It can be caused by a variety of physical and psychological factors and is found in both adults and children. Although more common in men, this condition is also experienced by women.

Main Types Of Alopecia

 

Androgenetic Alopecia

Traction Alopecia

While many individuals will view hair loss and baldness as a singular ailment, there are in fact several forms of hair loss. The most common type among women is traction alopecia. This form of hair loss and baldness is caused by a pulling of the scalp, which leads to a weakening of the hair root and follicle. This is more evident in women as women are more likely to undergo damaging hair treatments with the aim of attaining the latest hairstyle trend. Baldness among women is not necessarily caused by scalp damage, but may have a genetic element.

Alopecia areata

A second form of this ailment is alopecia areata, which refers to a patchy loss of hair. This is generally prevalent among older males and the hair loss is visible on both the head and body. Alopecia areata monolocularis means that the balding is visible in only one area; whereas alopecia totalis refers to hair loss in various areas. The monolocularis type can often progress to the experience of alopecia totalis.

Alopecia universalis

A third type of hair loss is known as alopecia universalis. This refers to a severe form of patchy balding and may result in the individual experiencing permanent hair loss on both the head and body. This will include eyebrows, eyelashes and pubic hair.

As you might imagine, for anyone experiencing alopecia, it is a distressing situation. Sticking out in society attracts gawkers, often who are negative, and make ignorant commentaries. There are many other people all over the world experiencing the same thing, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to deal with it for the rest of your life.

For a normal adult, hair is shed regularly at a rate of 20 to 100 strands per day. This should not cause any concern since a healthy body can grow back the lost hair. In a person with excessive hair loss, hair does not grow back as quickly as they are being shed. Thus, hair thinning and bald spots can be observed.

Alopecia is attributed to various causes. One or a combination of which may be a factor in extreme hair loss.

Alopecia Causes

 

It is best to start out your journey by understanding what is alopecia and why you are losing your hair.

Genetic factor

The leading reason for hair loss is simple genetics. In other words, genetics is to blame for men just barely out of their teens losing the hair from their scalp. The reason they lose their hair is now more deeply understood, which means more effective treatments are being devised.

It turns out the hair follicles are reactive to overproduction of testosterone rubbing against them. It causes shrinkage of the follicle, which forces the hair to fall out. Stop the body’s overproduction prevents hair loss.

Your genes play a huge role when it comes to hair thinning. If your father and grandfathers have had bald spots, the likelihood of experiencing the same thing is higher. While we can’t do anything about genes, there are different ways that you can do to help fight this condition and treat this as well (more on this later).

Hormones

Hormonal fluctuations may lead to body irregularities, which include abnormal weight and metabolism. Damaged cells do not get replaced as quickly as in a healthy person. To determine if hormonal imbalance occurs, a doctor may request for tests to be done. He or she will then prescribe hormonal replacements to replenish hormones in the body.

Medical Conditions and Medications

A medical condition may lead to another since every organ in the body somehow affects the rest of the organs. Sometimes, it is not directly the medical condition that causes the hair loss, but the medications used to treat the condition.

Some medications to treat arthritis, cancer depression, high blood pressure, heart problems, and for birth control may cause hair loss too. Even an overabundance of Vitamin A intake can cause hair loss too.

For example, in cancer patients, chemotherapy medications kill not just attack the rapidly growing cancer cells in the body, but also other normal rapidly growing cells. These include the patient’s hair follicles.

Allergies and Infections

Microorganisms can cause a number of skin conditions and can affect the rate of hair growth. Also, these affect the health of the hair follicles leading to brittle hair strands. The infection has to be addressed first prior to treating hair loss. Some over-the-counter anti-fungal solutions may be used to get rid of the microorganisms on the scalp.

Even infections, like ringworm, can lead to dry patches and temporary hair loss. Permanent hair loss may occur from lupus, sarcoidosis, and lichen planus.

Causes in Women

The most common cause of hair loss among females is continual hair pulling or scalp rubbing. This is generally seen among female adults who choose to engage in continuous dying of the hair and persistent hair styling. The common cause of hair loss among females and males (children and adult) is an emotional trauma or stress. The amount of stress experienced will determine the amount of hair loss and whether or not the hair loss is permanent.

Causes in Men

The most well known is the androgenetic form or genetic hair loss. This is most frequently seen among males from the age of 50 upwards and can be described as male pattern baldness. The hormones within the body will begin to alter and this can cause progressive hair loss if there is an insufficient level of testosterone or androsterone. Research has indicated that Caucasian men are more likely to develop progressive balding than any other ethnicity.

Alopecia Treatments

 

It is often thought that hair loss and baldness is irreversible and untreatable; however, this is not true. Many cases of hair loss have been treated using pharmaceutical medication such as topical minoxidil (5% for men, 2% for women) and oral finasteride (propecia) only for men.

As soon as the signs of alopecia are noticed, it is necessary to consult a medical professional in order to immediately address the condition and defining alopecia. Alopecia isn’t something that you should be ashamed of – it is a problem that has a solution. Take your time in finding which product works for you, or seek a professional’s advice to make sure you’re going the right route. Hair loss is not an all-hope is gone situation. Sometimes it just indicates some issues that need to be addressed. As a result, hair may grow back.

Thinning Hair – How To Properly Deal With It

Thinning Hair – How To Properly Deal With It

by | May 11, 2015 | Hair, Hair Loss in Men, Hair Loss In Women, Health, LIfestyle

Amount of thinning hair and hair loss conditions increase over the past two decades among males and females. This can be due to various causes, both psychological and physical; however to better understand how and why hair loss is experienced one must have knowledge of the conditions. Furthermore, the attainment of the most appropriate treatment also depends on the amount of knowledge one has about hair loss and thin hair. This article will provide information on the causes and treatments for hair loss and thin hair among males and females.

 Thinning Hair

 

Thin hair is something that can affect men and women of all ages. Thin hair is something that can be caused by genetics, or as a natural side-effect of aging, but it can also be a sign of other issues, including nutrient deficiencies.

Your hair is a natural window to the healing of your body as a whole, and if your hair starts to fall out or thin then this is usually a sign that you have some form of allergy, hormone issue or nutrition problem.

Thinning Hair Men

 

Thinning hair and hair loss is most commonly associated with, and seen in, males. Approximately 50% of all males under the age of 35 will experience hair thinning at some point in their lives, which can lead to hair loss later in life. Hair loss among males generally begins as a receding hair line, which will progress to bald spots across the scalp. Research has shown that the most common cause of hair loss is biological and has a genetic factor. Among men, this biological trigger relates to a lack of testosterone in the body.

 

Thinning Hair Women

 

Despite being considered a problem among males, the issue of hair loss and hair thinning can also be seen in a large amount of females across the globe. It is generally seen that females between the age of 25 and 40 are more likely to experience thinning hair than children or older adults. There are various causes for hair thinning and hair loss among women, including a genetic influence. Due to the variety of causes, it is important for a female to consult a medical practitioner once the symptoms begin. The most common trigger of hair thinning and hair loss in females is pregnancy. This is due to the fact that one’s hormones are being altered and a change in hormones can cause alopecia.

 

The Available Treatments For Hair Thinning

 

Due to the growth in cases of hair loss, there has been an increase in the type of treatments available. Many of these treatments will both treat the hair loss or hair thinning and will assist in prevention of re-occurrence. One of the most well-known and used treatment for thinning hair is the application of an ingredient known as minoxidil. This ingredient, when mixed with corticosteroids, acts as a hair stimulant and will increase growth among hair follicles. Of course, the effectiveness of this solution is dependent on the individual’s hair type and the severity of the condition.

Unfortunately, there is no instantaneous treatment for hair thinning or hair loss and one must continue using the solution for several months before any results are noted. During this time one can opt to disguise the thinning hair. There are various products and techniques available that will make the existing hair follicles seem thicker and healthier. It is also possible style one’s remaining hair follicles to imitate healthy and strong hair.

 

Thin hair and Self Treatment

 

You can often manage thinning hair with home treatments. Change your shampoo and conditioner to a milder product, and if you use hair colours stop them for a while or use them less often. In many cases thinning hair is a sign of damage to your scalp and something that is easily remedied.

Another thing to consider is nutrition. If you have been following a calorie restricted diet then you may not be getting enough essential nutrients. Even if you are not practising calorie restriction, if you are not getting enough protein and healthy fats, or your diet is low in iron, zinc or certain vitamins, then the quality of your hair could suffer.

Taking a multivitamin and supplementing your protein intake or simply eating more whole foods could help to improve the thickness and health of your hair. You may also benefit from using coconut oil or aloe vera on your hair as an overnight treatment. The oils will soak into your follicles and nourisdh them, soothing any damage that was done and also helping to stimulate the production of new healthy hair growth.

If you experience sudden, unexpected hair loss or thinning that does not get better after a short period of self treatment, it is important that you see a doctor as soon as possible to rulke out any underlying serious health conditions.

Tips – How To Deal With Thinning Hair

 

You probably don’t think about it much until you start to lose it. That’s usually the way it is with thinning hair. You may take having hair for granted, until you see it all inside of your drain. Apply these tips to help keep the hair exactly where it ought to be.

TIP! Make sure that your diet includes plenty of foods that are rich in protein to prevent your hair from falling out. Your hair is made up of protein.

Vitamin C plays a significant role in preventing thinning hair. Collagen plays a vital role in keeping hair alive and healthy. Vitamin C can aid in proper production of collagen. There are a number of foods that contain vitamin C, including citrus fruits like oranges. Supplements are also available.

TIP! The role that Vitamin C plays in hair loss prevention cannot be ignored. It helps your body produce collagen, which in turn keeps your hair healthy and strong.

Blading can be caused by certain hair styles. Avoid pulling hair too tight, and do not keep it tied in rubber bands or other holders for long amounts of time. Hair products have greatly evolved, but many can still result in damaged hair. Tight ponytails can cause damage to the hair shaft, eventually damaging the hair follicles.

TIP! It is important for you to maintain your health if you have an illness. If you don’t take care of it by doing or taking what you were advised, your body may go into “overdrive” trying to stay alive and repair itself.

You can reduce the rate at which you’re losing your hair by eating a lot of protein-rich foods. Many foods, such as legumes, meats and eggs are high in protein. Although there is no cure for baldness, a high protein diet can slow it down by providing the hair with keratin. When you have plenty of keratin in your body, the hair will be strong and healthy.

TIP! There are some hair products that are not healthy for your hair. If you choose wisely, and are aware of what products cause damage, you will be okay.

You may not believe it, but one way to combat the loss of your hair is to move to an area that has low air pollution. If you live in a highly polluted area, you may lose your hair. Exposure to pollutants can cause hair to fall out.

TIP! Despite the temptation, avoiding hair styling gels and other related products is a sound way to prevent your hair from falling out. Hairspray, gel, or mousse can damage your hair.

It can be depressing to watch your hair flow down the drain. Finding a way to help it grow back or preventing any more hair from leaving the head, can be invaluable. Be sure to apply what you have read via the tips above, and you can begin today. Hopefully, you will see a difference on that scalp in the immediate future.

TIP! Do not brush and style wet hair. Wet hair can be very easy to damage.

Female Pattern Baldness | Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment And Prevention

Female Pattern Baldness | Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment And Prevention

by | May 9, 2015 | Hair Loss In Women

What Is Female Pattern Baldness?

One of the most common types of hair loss among women is female pattern baldness. It is also referred to as female pattern alopecia or female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Millions of women across the globe are affected by this condition.

More than 40% of women who are aged 50 years and above show signs of baldness, and more than 50% do not reach the age of 80 with full hair. A medical condition called the telogen effluvium is often mistaken for FPHL as it manifests the same symptoms.

Female pattern hair loss differs to male pattern baldness. For women, the thinning of the hair occurs evenly on all areas of the scalp, while for men, balding begins on the frontal hairline which may later lead to balding of the top of the head.

What Are The Factors That Increase The Chance Of Developing Female Pattern Hair Loss?

 

1. Heredity

A person is likely to develop this condition if one or both of his parents have it. It can occur if the other members of the family or your close relatives particularly on the side of your mother, have recently developed hair loss.

2. Aging

FPHL can affect women of all ages, but it often occurs after menopause, and without prompt treatment, it can progress in severity on the next years of your life.

3. Androgen level changes

Androgen is a male hormone that is also released in a womanís body. It affects the different characteristics of the body like enhancing the strength of the muscles and bones, development of the sexual organs and controlling the growth of hair. Androgen may act on a certain stage of hair development. An increased level of androgen in the body can lead to hair loss.

 

What Is The Normal Life Cycle Of Hair?

 

The following are the four stages in the life cycle of hair:

1. Anagen

During this time, the length of the hair is determined. This can last up to six years.

2. Catagen

During this stage, the hair follicles detach themselves from the dermal papilla. It lasts for about 10 days.

3. Telogen

This is when the hair takes a rest and allows new hair to begin growing. This may take up to three months.

4. Exogen

This is the last stage of the cycle. The old hair falls off and allows the new hair to continue its growth. There are 50 to 100 hairs that fall out from your scalp daily.

 

What Are The Symptoms Of Female Pattern Baldness?

 

If you think you have the risk of developing female pattern alopecia, you have to look out for the different symptoms that may include the following:

1. Hair thinning that starts at the top or crown of the scalp and widens to the other areas of the scalp.

2. Unaffected front hairline

3. Progressive hair loss

When the symptoms mentioned above are experienced, you should see a doctor to ask for the appropriate treatment for your condition.

 

How Does Female Pattern Hair Loss Affect An Individual?

 

Hair loss among women is not just a cosmetic issue; it can also affect a person psychologically. Affected women have the tendency to develop a negative view on their body image and may withdraw themselves from other people. This will affect their activities on a daily basis. Hair loss can affect a personís self-esteem, and it can result to depression and introversion especially on an environment where youthful appearance and attractiveness are greatly valued.

If you are experiencing psychological distress from hair loss, you should remind yourself that this condition is not life-threatening and that it should not affect your daily life. Your family and friends will continue to like you even though you are losing your hair. You can also ask help from a psychologist for a talk therapy and prescription of antidepressant medications.

Instead of letting the condition put you down, focus on the positive aspects of your life and try reducing the emotional burdens as it may also help in reducing hair loss.

Who Should You Contact To Seek Help When You Notice The Symptoms?

 

When you notice the symptoms of hair loss, you should first contact your general practitioner. The GP will assess your condition and identify the symptoms which may confirm that you are experiencing female pattern hair loss. He will be the one to refer you to a dermatologist for further treatment. Some doctors perform a scalp biopsy for the confirmation of the diagnosis.

It is important to ask for the help of a specialist because they know the right kind of treatment for you. Do not rely on the expensive products that promise to treat your hair loss; they may cause more serious problems to your scalp and may worsen the condition.

How Do Health Care Providers Diagnose Female Pattern Baldness?

 

There are many ways of diagnosing female pattern alopecia. They include the following:

1. Physical assessment

During your visit, the health care provider will assess the appearance as well as the pattern of your hair loss. The degree of hair loss will be determined using the Ludwig Scale or the Savin Scale. The two methods are almost identical in nature; the only difference is that the latter measures both the overall thinning and the density.

 

ludwig scale female pattern baldness

LUDWIG SCALE

 

2. Medical interview

Upon interview, your doctor will ask if any of your family members or close relatives have developed hair loss recently. He will ask if you are experiencing the different signs of excessive androgen like abnormal growth of hair in the pubic area, belly button and face, sudden changes in the menstrual cycle, enlargement of the sexual organ and growth of acne.

3. Hair pull test

The doctor will need to pull a small amount of hair from the scalp to check if there is an excessive hair loss. If one to three hairs come out for each pull, this is considered as normal.

4. Laboratory procedures

Different procedures may be recommended by the health care provider to confirm the female pattern hair loss. They may include:

a. Scalp biopsy

This is a short procedure which is performed under local anesthesia. During a scalp biopsy, a small section of the scalp will be scraped and tested under the microscope to know the real cause of the hair loss. This is an expensive procedure and may cause scarring on the patientís scalp.

b. Blood tests

Complete blood count and other types of blood tests will be recommended to rule out skin diseases that may cause alopecia.

c. Hormonal tests

There are different tests that can help determine the levels of hormones in the body. The levels of DHEA, testosterone, prolactin, leutinizing hormone, follicular stimulating hormone and thyroid hormones should be determined as they may contribute to hair loss.

d. Densitometry

With this procedure, a handheld device known as densitometer will be used to magnify a hair shaft to be able to check its structure.

How Can Female Pattern Hair Loss Be Cured?

 

Some patients are only experiencing mild hair loss that intervention isnít that necessary. However, in most cases, patients may feel uncomfortable with their appearance so they would like to ask their doctor for some medications they may use to enhance their hair growth.

Unfortunately, female pattern alopecia is difficult to cure. There are affordable treatments though, but they cannot completely cure the condition. Some of these treatments include:

1. Minoxidil

This is the only medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States to be used for female pattern hair loss in (2% Minoxidil is for women). It is applied topically and can help in enhancing hair growth and stopping the hair loss. This medicine should be used on a long term basis, as stopping can cause the hair loss to start again.

Patients who are using Minoxidil may experience side effects including excessive hair growth in the different areas of the body like the cheeks and forehead.

2. Hormonal treatments

Oral medications like Flutamide, Spironolactone and Cyproterone may be prescribed to block the effects of testosterone in a womanís body. Hormonal treatments are usually done for at least six months before the benefits can be achieved. Once you have started with such treatments, you have to continue taking the medications.

3. Iron supplements

Some women are experiencing iron deficiency and this may be the root cause of their hair loss. Clinicians may test the levels of iron in the body and if anemia is confirmed, iron supplements will be recommended to reduce hair loss.

The only permanent treatment recommended by doctors is hair transplant. During the procedure, the doctor will remove tiny plugs of hair from areas of the body with thicker hair. The hair will be divided into hundreds of tiny grafts and will be placed in some areas that are balding. Within two to three weeks, the transplanted hair will start to shed and new hair will start to grow after three months. This procedure requires many sessions, and can be very expensive. However, it produces excellent results.

What Are The Other Solutions For Hair Loss?

 

If you really feel uncomfortable with your appearance, you can try the following techniques to hide your hair loss.

1. Change your hairstyle for thin hair

You can ask a hair stylist to provide you with a creative cut that will help make your thinning hair appear fuller.

2. Use a hairpiece or wig

Wigs have the ability to cover the whole scalp and the thinning hair. You can choose from the different styles and colors available in the market, but you should choose one which is similar to your natural hair. Hats and head scarfs may also help.

Can Hair Loss Be Prevented?

 

Female pattern alopecia is difficult to prevent, but there are some studies which suggest that psychological stress and disturbances can increase the levels of the hormones in the body, therefore leading to hair loss among women. Try doing stress-reducing activities like listening to relaxing music, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep each night.

Hair loss can affect women the same way it affects men. This condition can affect people of all ages, but older people are more prone to this condition than the younger ones. As hair loss can be devastating, patients must realize that this condition should not affect their everyday functioning. There are many solutions to help improve the appearance of a person suffering from female pattern hair loss. Several treatments out there can help minimize hair loss and hair transplant serves as a permanent solution to this problem.

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