Hair
It is known that the hair of the head is the brilliant crown that every woman wears and never takes off.
There are many causes that lead to hair loss, therefore it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor at the very instance you notice hair loss or when there is any change in your natural hair style and shape. There are also several diseases that cause hair loss, in addition to the types of food and some medications. The genetic factor also greatly and directly affects hair loss, especially if it were to occur at an early age. In women, there are other factors that affect hair loss such as hormonal levels in the blood, menstruation, multiple deliveries and birth control pills.
The dermatologist carefully examines the patient’s hair and uses a trichoscope to notice any changes in the hair follicles, the presence of abnormalities or a decrease in hair density. Blood tests are also necessary in order to screen for the underlying cause. Complete blood count, iron levels, and its stores, in addition to zinc and vitamins B6, B12, and D3 are requested, as well as protein levels and liver function tests. Thyroid gland dysfunction can also lead to hair changes, which should also be screened for.
Hair growth cycle:
Hair follicles go through a three-stage life cycle during growth, which are:
- Anagen phase, which takes 3-5 years, since 90% of the hair is in a continuous growth
phase.
- Catagen phase, which usually takes 3-4 months.
- Telogen phase, which takes 3-5 months.
However, not all hair follicles, which reach almost 100-150 thousand follicles at puberty, pass these stages of growth, and only a small portion of them actually do. Therefore, it is normal for hair to fall out at a rate of 100-150 hairs per day with compensation that does not lead to empty patches in the scalp or a decrease in hair density. It is also estimated that hair on the scalp grows at a rate of 1 inch per month. This growth decreases with age or with chronic disease.
Other causes of hair loss we should pay attention to:
- Inappropriate hair care brought about by using chemical treatments, such as hair dyes, colors, bleaching materials, and chemical products used with the aim of softening and straightening the hair. All this leads to more hair loss.
- Pulling back hair, especially by salon specialists or any other methods can cause hair loss, especially if it is repeated. Applying pressure to hair, especially the front side, increases hair shedding and the formation of a gap in the frontal hairline.
- Using shampoo and conditioners frequently, as well as excessive hair combing and repeated blow-drying at high temperatures all cause hair loss. It is advised not to rub and scrub the hair if it is wet, and use a brush with soft teeth and soft tips.
- Genetics, which lead to hair loss, causing baldness starting especially from the front of the scalp. This can be seen if family members, especially females, are compared and the scalp is seen as either arc-shaped, m-shaped, or perched to the back. This, however, rarely reaches the center of the forehead.
- There are several other causes of hair loss, such as alopecia for example, which is a generalized immune disease.
Treatment:
- Avoid over-combing and over-styling the hair with heat.
- The use of shampoos that contain the least amount of chemicals possible.
- The use of Minoxidil in the form of a spray, which contains an element that helps to expand the capillaries that reach the hair follicles and thus help with hair growth. This treatment should be used only after consulting a specialist.
- Cortisone in the form of liquid or emulsion compounds, with a simple scalp massage.
- Treatment of any deficiency in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. If the thyroid glands are over-active, using the necessary treatment as prescribed by an endocrinologist helps restore hair growth.
- There are cases of temporary hair loss, such as with patients taking chemotherapy or birth control pills, but hair can grow after a period of stopping these treatments.
- Psychological conditions can also cause hair loss, such as depression and anxiety.
- Childbirth, that is in addition to hair loss after about 5 months of birth, after which hair returns to normal growth after 5 to 10 months naturally and without any treatment.
Latest treatments:
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are one of the best modern techniques to stop hair loss and strengthen hair follicles in both men and women.
- Microneedling technology is also useful for hair follicles to stimulate their own natural growth and treat hair loss.