Hair loss can take many forms and have various causes. Alopecia is the name given to all types of hair loss, and there are many different types of alopecia. Examples are alopecia areata, post partum alopecia, traction alopecia, female and male pattern alopecia. The latter two are often called androgen dependent, or androgenetic alopecia – a hair loss influenced by the presence of androgens (male hormones) – in those with genetic or inherited tendency.
It may come as a surprise to know that there are as many women as men with hair loss, (or volume reduction). However, women do not reach the stage a man does in the amount of loss and rarely go bald.
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anagen and telogen effluvium
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traumatic or traction alopecia
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androgenetic alopecia
anagen and telogen effluvium
Increased hair shedding can be caused by high fever, chemotherapy, illness, low iron levels, nutrition deficiencies or excesses, stress or having a baby, to name just some of the possible causes. In the case of telogen effluvium the shedding of hair may not take place until 2-3 months after the event, and sometimes the original cause has been forgotten.
Post partum or post natal alopecia is an example of telogen effluvium, caused by hormonal changes during and after pregnancy resulting in an increase of hair shedding about 4-6 months after giving birth. This is usually self-correcting by 8-10 months.
Anagen effluvium is an almost immediate shedding response in the hair follicle to a ‘trigger’ – a good example is the hair loss following chemotherapy in cancer patients.
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traumatic or traction alopecia
Cosmetic, traumatic ‘traction’ alopecia can occur as a result of prolonged tension applied to the hair. The dictates of fashion, religion and custom have imposed a variety of self-induced stress on hair, and in many cases the loss of hair is permanent. In the past a common site of occurrence was above and directly in front of the ears caused by regularly sleeping in rollers. Today this alopecia is more likely to be caused by tight ponytails, hair braiding, extensions and weaves.
The adverse effects of ponytails can be greatly reduced by relieving the tension - gently pushing the hair towards the root with the palm of the hand. Securing the ponytail tightly with elastic bands will additionally cause breakage of the hair shaft. Thicker, fabric covered bands, scrunchies or ribbons are preferable. The damaging effects of braided styles, hair extensions and weaves can be seen as the width of the partings gradually enlarges.
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androgenetic alopecia
This condition is in fact hair thinning and affects both men and women. It is caused by the action of normal levels of circulating male hormones on the hair follicles. This type of alopecia will only affect those who are genetically predisposed to react in this way. The hair shedding rate is usually unchanged, and the pattern of the hair loss differs according to the sex. Women may suddenly notice the thinning because although the changes in volume have occurred over a long period, you need to lose a minimum of 15% of hair volume before you even begin to notice it. The length and diameter of many hairs is less, giving the perception of less hair from a volume or ‘body’ viewpoint. In females the thinning tends to start behind the front hairline and progress over the top of the scalp, and some women report thinning from the temples. In men the hairline recedes and the crown area thins, gradually progressing to involve the whole of the top of the scalp.
Even in bald men, the scalp is covered to some degree with fine down like hairs, as many hair follicles are still present, but have become much smaller, producing miniature hairs – this is the extreme in male or female pattern hair loss.
Both male and female androgenetic alopecia can be treated at Philip Kingsley clinics, using topical scalp applications which prevent hair follicle changes and promote hair growth. Women recover best, with most noticing substantial improvement to their hair density. Androgenetic alopecia in many young women is a symptom of a condition known as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and this may require further specialist advice.
Though hair loss is more difficult to treat in men, many men respond very well. Our holistic approach ensures that everyone seeking help gets the best all round advice and treatment for the management of their hair loss problem and ongoing hair care.
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