Learn the root causes of hair loss and how to regain it!
Having a full head of hair is important to many people. It is often associated with male virility and feminine beauty. It is also part of your visual identity. So it's not uncommon for people to panic when they first notice signs of hair loss. But are your fears justified? Clinicial Associate Professor Derrick Aw, Senior Consultant and Dermatologist, Department of General Medicine, Sengkang General Hospital, sheds light on hair loss and ways to arrest it.
The average person loses some 50 to 100 strands of hair daily. This is natural so don't lose your cool when you see hair strands on the bathroom floor. It is a totally different matter when you find clumps of hair on your pillow or when you can see parts of your scalp. If that happens, it is time to get to the root of the problem.
Let's start with chemotherapy. Chemo works by destroying cells that are rapidly growing, such as cancer cells. Hair-producing cells are also rapidly growing and are killed as well. However, hair will regrow after chemotherapy.
Then, there is hair loss due to the use of headgear that puts pressure on the scalp. Anything that is mechanically – or physically – affecting the growth of hair can result in hair loss. This is referred to as pressure alopecia. Another example of this mechanical influence is called traction. Some people like to bundle up their hair and pull it tight at the back as in a ponytail. This places constant pressure on the hair roots and causes hair loss.
Another reason can be a fungal infection of the scalp which is common among children. Then, there are bald spots that appear overnight anywhere on the body. Referred to as alopecia areata, hair falls out in small circular patches. For some unknown reason, a lot of your white cells congregate at a specific spot and stop hair follicles from growing. A dermatologist can recommend suitable treatments.
There is also the psychiatric condition of trichotillomania – the habit of twirling or pulling one's hair. No one really knows why people do this – it may be pleasurable or could be a coping mechanism. It usually affects younger adults.
Temporary hair loss may happen, usually after immense stress or a traumatic event. For example, giving birth is a major shock to the mother's body. Or you could fall seriously ill, such as getting COVID-19. It could even be due to major weight loss like losing 20kg within a month. Other shocks include major surgery and psychological stress brought about by divorce or the death of a parent. The experience must be major. The good news is that the hair loss is likely to be temporary.
A body deficient in iron can result in difficulty growing luscious hair. Women are mostly affected as they lose iron during menses. It could also be due to vitamin D deficiency arising from a lack of sunshine. Zinc deficiency is another reason but is not common since zinc is present in beans, lentils, oatmeal, oysters and red meat. Medical problems such as certain thyroid problems or acute lupus can also cause hair loss. If you think it would be any of these, do consult a doctor.
Genetically determined hair loss or androgenetic alopecia affects more than 50% of men and women who are 50 years old. It is a condition that gets progressively worse as they age. For men, it is referred to as male pattern baldness and for women, it is female pattern baldness. There is a pattern but each is distinct.
For men, male pattern baldness often starts at the top corners of the forehead and then recedes to merge with the growing bald patch on the crown of the head. Usually, hair will continue to grow at the sides near the ears. It is a cosmetic concern for men who value a full head of hair. Not everyone loses sleep over it, but do seek help if it worries you.
Among females, the general pattern of hair loss starts from the top at the central parting and then becoming increasingly obvious as more and more scalp shows.
There are proven remedies readily available at pharmacies. You could go with minoxidi or other anti-androgen medications as well as hair-thickening shampoos, conditioners and products containing "hair activators". There are also vitamin and iron supplements, especially if your hair loss is connected to a nutritional deficiency or heavy menstrual cycles. Low-level light therapy is a non-invasive therapy you may also consider. Or you could get a wig or hair extensions.
Some people also believe in traditional natural remedies like coconut oil. While many oils have mild anti-inflammatory qualities, coconut oil does not, but it could serve a purpose by making hair look fuller. Also, contrary to common perceptions, dyeing your hair does not lead to hair loss as the dye does not affect the roots.
Whatever the case, for those worried about losing their crowning glory, it is wise to get professional advice early.
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