There are many myths surrounding hair loss—including poor diet, frequent hair washing or stress. In most cases, however, hair may simply thin as a result of predetermined genetic factors and the overall process of aging.
According to new NHS figures, 50 percent of men will experience some degree of male pattern baldness by the time they are 50. Some experience hair loss much sooner, battling the condition in their late teens. While female pattern baldness is less common, many women may notice mild hair thinning starting in their 50s—usually around the time they go through the menopause.
Biologically speaking, what exactly is the root of the problem? For men, testosterone is usually to blame. With aging testosterone morphs into a female hormone called dihydrotestosterone, which attacks the hair follicles and slowly kills the roots. On the other side, female pattern baldness is due to having fewer female hormones later in life.
There are many types of hair loss with different symptoms and causes. Other forms of hair loss include alopecia areata, which causes patches of baldness. In most cases hair will grow back in a few months. Use of chemotherapy, illness, emotional trauma, and hormonal changes (like those in pregnancy) may also cause hair loss—which is usually reversible.
See also: Top Tips to Prevent Hair Loss
Seeking treatment
When hair-loss is irreversible, there are treatments available. The NHS classifies hair-loss treatments as an optional, as it does not pose a direct risk on your health. However, hair loss can be the cause of emotional distress. A recent survey of treatments for female-pattern hair loss suggested that women feel ‘removed from what is considered a “normal” female appearance’ when dealing with hair loss. Many men also report that it has affected their self-esteem.
There are currently many treatments on the market, but don’t expect a miracle cure. Scientists have yet to come up with a foolproof way of preventing hair loss, and current treatments often affect patients differently. Consult your GP or a hair loss specialist before you make the move towards treatment, and be aware of side effects.
Finasteride
Used to treat male pattern baldness, Finasterdie comes as a tablet to be taken daily. It works by preventing the hormone testosterone being converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Expect it to take around three to six months before any effect is seen. Side effects for Finasteride are uncommon. Less than one in 100 men who take finasteride experience a loss of libido.
Minoxidil
Currently the only medicine available to treat female-pattern baldness, Minoxidil is available as a lotion you rub onto your scalp daily. Like Finasteride, Minoxidil usually needs to be used for several months before any effect is seen. It may cause dryness or itchiness in the area it’s applied, and results can vary greatly.
See also: What to do When you Lose More Hair than Usually?
Immunotherapy
A treatment for extensive or total hair loss, where a chemical solution called diphencyprone (DPCP) is applied to a small area of bald skin. The solution eventually causes an allergic reaction and the skin develops mild eczema. A possible side effect of immunotherapy is a severe skin reaction. Less common side effects include a rash and patchy-coloured skin.
Ultraviolet light treatment
Two to three sessions of UV light therapy are given every week in hospital. The rays are said to stimulate blood circulation and add nutrients to the hair follicles. The results of light therapy are often poor. It’s often not a recommended treatment because side effects can include: nausea, pigment changes to the skin and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Hair transplants
Surgical hair restoration includes various versions of hair transplantation, where you remove hair from the back of the head and put it near the front. Another approach includes scalp reduction, cutting away bald areas and stitching the rest together. Hair transplants are often costly and time-consuming, can leave scars and there is also a possible risk of infections.
See also: Preventing Hair Loss with Natur Vital
