In the present era, people are suffering from hair loss, even in their late 20s. Although the cause of hair loss varies from person to person, the result is the same- continuous hair fall. And the worst thing is that if you do not pay attention to this condition, give your hair proper care or go for the desired treatment- you might end up with scarring of hair and even baldness. To clear all your doubts regarding hair loss, our director cum senior dermatologist, Dr Amrendra Kumar, MD (AIIMS) has shared a few useful FAQs, as you can see below:
- What am I losing hair? What are the possible reasons?
Ans: These two are typically the most common questions asked by people. The most common reason for hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, and it can be seen in both genders but mostly in males. Also known as pattern baldness, the cause can be genetic, but predictions are hard. Typically, androgenetic alopecia can lead hair thinning or losing hair in bald patches. It is possible to slow down the effects of androgenetic alopecia using medicines like Finasteride, Minoxidil.
Other reasons for hair loss include stress, damage to follicles, pulling hair and even scarring, steroids for bodybuilding. Hair loss can be attributed to many other external factors, as well, including reaction to medicines and treatments, exposure to harmful substances and chemicals and illness. In women, pregnancy can also trigger hair loss, which is generally temporary Telogen effluvium. It is best to talk to a hair expert to understand the reasons.
- Why are the possible causes of hair loss?
As mentioned, there can be more than a few reasons for hair loss, starting with genetic reasons to external issues. In males, Alopecia or male pattern baldness is the most common reason, which is genetic and cannot be prevented. However, the approach to the cause is very important, and there are varied ways to deal with alopecia, ranging from medications to laser treatment and hair transplantation.
A few environmental causes like pollution can also cause hair loss, while medications and lifestyle can also impact hair growth. Diseases like anemia, thyroid imbalance can lead to gradual loss of hair. Lifestyle aspects like stress, excessive smoking and drinking can also lead to the problem.
- Why do men lose hair? What are the common causes?
Hair loss can be temporary, but typically, men lose hair owing to androgenetic alopecia, which is genetic & testosterone mediated and often known as male pattern baldness. Testosterone converted in DHT(Dihydrotestosterone) & DHT in turn affects hair reducing its growth & gradual loss. Impact of DHT depends on genetic makeup of a person which determines how much and when a man gets bald. There can be other reasons including health issues, lifestyle factors, medications and smoking that can cause hair loss. However, most of these causes need better and in-depth understanding, which is why it is best to talk to a physician in detail before jumping to conclusions.
- How to stop hair loss? What are the solutions to pattern baldness and thinning hair?
Most people dealing with hair loss and thinning want to know the best available hair loss solutions. Thankfully, modern medicine and technology offer a number of options, but it is essential to understand that the treatment may vary from patient to patient, depending on many factors. Sometimes, it is possible to deal with hair loss with just lifestyle changes, sans any medicines and surgical procedures. In other cases, Finasteride and Minoxidil are drugs used to reduce hair loss, while some people may need transplant and restoration. An expert physician is the best person to discuss the problem.
- How to decide on regrowth treatments?
The choice of hair regrowth treatments depends on many aspects and considerations, but the underlying reason is the most important step for the right treatment. Sometimes, doctors and hair experts suggest on working on lifestyle changes to get the desired results, while other patients are advised treatment for medical conditions that may trigger hair loss. The third and best option is to administer FDA approved drugs like Finasteride and Minoxidil oral and PRP treatment. When all the options are not viable, an expert can suggest using laser treatment and other hair regrowth treatments.
- How to grow hair thicker? What are the best remedies for thinning hair?
There are many ways to address the issue of hair thinning, ranging from surgical treatments to home remedies. It is best to consult a physician or hair expert, as the remedies are dependent on the cause and underlying reason for hair loss. Below are the common options available.
- Determine whether you have diet issues or excessive stress
- Are you dealing with any kind of medical problem, especially related to iron deficiency or thyroid imbalance?
- If the other problems don’t hold ground, you can discuss drugs like Finasteride and Minoxidil with the doctor or often treatments like PRP treatment or LLLT.
- Finally, when all options fail, you can choose laser treatment or hair transplantation.
- How to find the right hair loss expert? What to expect from the initial appointments?
The best way to deal with hair loss is to talk to a specialist. A hair loss expert will determine the reasons for hair loss and discuss on the options available. However, the main concern is choosing the right hair loss expert. The most effective idea is to look for experts, who are certified, well known and are members of known professional bodies. This will ensure that you get all the right answers, including options for drugs and advanced surgeries like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Patients should consider talking to hair specialists in detail so that all possible aspects and concerns can be addressed.
- What are the charges for hair replacement surgeries and the hair transplant?
Please note that hair transplant and replacement can be done in a number of ways, and your physician or hair expert will offer you an idea of the choices. The cost of hair transplant is dependent on the procedure. Typically, strip harvesting is easy on the pocket, if you are looking for natural and more effective results, without a visible or apparent scar, Follicular Unit Extraction is the best choice. It is also wise to consider the long-term aspects and benefits of the procedure before taking a decision. Surgery offers permanent and more effective solutions, and hence most people opt for the same.
- How worthy is non-surgical hair replacements?
In many cases, non-surgical hair treatments can yield benefits. The patient may be asked to regulate his lifestyle, reduce stress and work on the diet. However, when it comes to male pattern baldness, these treatments and options might not yield the right results. Doctors may suggest medications, laser and other options, but the success depends on many factors, which will be explained to the patient.
- How do natural remedies work for hair loss?
If you are looking to deal with hair loss with natural remedies, the first step is to change the diet and include plenty of vitamin-enrich fruits and veggies. It is also good to check for any deficiency in the body, which can be addressed with additional supplements. However, natural remedies may not work with genetic hair loss, which is why surgical techniques and medications are often advised. It is best to avoid websites that promise magical treatments and cures because there is a scientific and medically established way to deal with hair loss.