Hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia to give it its correct name, is something that almost everyone will experience in some form or another. While women can also lose their hair, studies suggest that eight million women in the UK have this issue – the condition is more prevalent in men.
The commonly shared social belief is that hair loss is just ‘one of those things’ which happens due to genetics. However, there is a greater understanding of the causes of hair loss, leading to revolutionary treatments that can slow down or halt hair loss in both men and women.
Reasons To Prevent Hair Loss
For some, the idea of losing their hair is a cause of deep upset and anxiety. In society, hair is often seen as a sign of vitality and youthfulness. Furthermore, hair can be an iconic part of your personality and used as a form of self-expression.
To some, losing your hair can be a sobering reminder of ageing, and thus a depressing prospect. Additionally, hair loss can significantly impact your confidence and negatively affect your self-esteem. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that people want to protect the hair they have and prevent it from falling out.
The Hair Loss Cycle
Everyone goes through a hair loss cycle, which ends, as mentioned above, with the loss of some hair, approximately 100 strands per day.
Anagen Phase
The anagen phase is the growth phase, spanning the time between the start of hair growth and when the hair reaches its full length.
Catagen Phase
The catagen phase is a transitional phase that lasts approximately 10 days. It’s where the hair begins to get weaker.
Telogen Phase
The telogen phase is characterised by hair loss. The follicle left behind will not grow hair again for around three months, and after that, the cycle repeats.
Causes of Hair Loss
Human beings naturally lose up to 100 hairs every day, and it doesn’t leave a physical mark, although it can be mentally stressful. Causes of hair loss include:
- Genetics
- Illness
- Iron deficiency
- Lifestyle choices such as smoking
- Stress and anxiety
- Chemotherapy
- Medication (side effects)
- Rapid weight loss
If the hair loss you are experiencing is hereditary, some medications can be taken, such as Finasteride, which can help prevent further hair loss.
Stress
The stress hormone cortisol causes the hair that is already in the anagen phase of the cycle to transition into the telogen phase much more quickly. Some stress sufferers also develop the habit of playing with their hair, or even pulling it out completely, as a coping mechanism. This is called trichotillomania, and it can cause hair to be removed or weakened. Plus, stress can cause problems with appetite, and if you aren’t consuming enough vitamins and minerals, your hair will become weak and fall out more readily.
Reducing stress in your life may be easier said than done, but it is something worth exploring more thoroughly, with expert help, if this is an issue.
Smoking
Many people who smoke don’t notice any considerable hair loss at all, but it can cause issues and may exacerbate hair loss for some people, particularly if they are already suffering from stress, hormonal changes, or illness.
Smoking can cause issues with circulation. Your blood carries vitamins, nutrients and, most importantly, hormones around your body. So it’s understandable that poor circulation can affect the amount of nutrients delivered to your hair follicles and affect hair growth. This can mean that the scalp is unable to receive enough blood to form complete follicles and grow hair, and it can weaken the follicles that are already present.
Quitting smoking is an excellent idea for many reasons, and if you are particularly prone to hair loss, it may help you.
Hormonal Changes
The male sex hormone testosterone, which is present in both men and women, plays a vital role in maintaining hair. Testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone, which can cause hair follicles to become inactive – hair will no longer grow.
When women go through the menopause they will produce less oestrogen and more testosterone. In turn, testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone, which can affect the hair follicles and cause them to shrink.
It is wise to speak to your doctor if you feel that you are going through the menopause; there are drugs and therapies which can ease the symptoms, balance your hormones, and reduce the hair loss you may be suffering.
Hair Care
The causes of hair loss begin much deeper down than any hair care product can reach – it starts in the very roots and follicles. However, using the wrong shampoo and conditioner for your hair type can cause your hair to look thinner, even if it is not.
Always use the correct hair care products for your specific hair type. If you are unsure, consult your hairdresser for professional advice.
A hot shower can also be detrimental to the hair, causing it to become brittle and dehydrated. When washing your hair, turn the temperature down slightly so that you use warm water instead of hot. Interestingly, not washing your hair enough can cause hair loss. The buildup of grease and dirt can cause follicles to become weak and even inactive.
Using hot tools on your hair, such as straightening irons and hair dryers, can dry out the strands and contribute to hair loss. Don’t use these tools every day, but instead use them two or three times a week. This will help your hair become stronger.
While hairstyles can be expressive of your personality, they can pose a threat to your hair. Over time, mechanical stress on hair strands can damage hair follicles. Hair styles such as buns, ponytails, and cornrows, as well as other styles that pull your hair back, can cause stress on your hair follicles.
Treating Hair Loss
Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the stage of your hair loss, several treatments are available for hair loss.
Wigs, toupees and hair extensions are the simplest treatment for both men and women. Synthetic wigs can be relatively inexpensive, though they may need to be replaced regularly. While there are wigs made from real human hair, they are much more expensive and require a high level of maintenance.
Hair transplants are another option, although they are only available from private clinics and can cost upwards of £20,000, depending on the severity of the hair loss. Moreover, they are only suitable for individuals with hereditary baldness, not for those with patches of balding (alopecia areata).
Finally, there are medicines which can be taken to treat hair loss.
For men, there’s Finasteride (Propecia) – a prescription medication taken daily to slow down the hair loss cycle. This treatment is statistically proven to slow down the rate of hair loss and has been shown to regrow hair in some cases. Finasteride is only suitable for men and should not be taken by women.
Alternatively, there’s Minoxidil. Unlike Finasteride, Minoxidil is available over-the-counter and is often sold under the brand name Regaine, available as a foam or topical solution that is directly applied to the hair. Minoxidil is suitable for both men and women.
Before seeking treatment for hair loss, it is crucial to consult your doctor for medical advice. Your doctor will not only be able to provide information on hair loss treatments to ascertain which treatment is most suitable for you, but can also offer practical advice for managing stress and anxiety, which may be attributed to your hair loss.
