ABOUT HAIR LOSS

If losing hair becomes excessive, there may be a number of factors at play


Did You Know?

On average we lose up to one hundred hairs each day in the form of shedding. 

1.   Androgenic alopecia, otherwise known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common form of hair loss and is often associated with ones genetics. For example, if a close relative has had a family history of pattern baldness their descendants will be more exposed to pattern baldness due to the genetic marker; but not in every case. Androgenic alopecia is mostly age progressive and is quite normal,  however this form of hair loss could affect some individuals from a much younger age. 

2. By age 50, more than half of the male population will experience male pattern baldness, and is considered to be quite normal.

3.  40% of women will experience female pattern baldness during menopause, this is due to a change in female hormones.

4.  Mineral and vitamin deficiency, as well as hypothyroidism, could cause hair loss, nevertheless in both of these cases resulting in hair loss are treatable. 

5.  Protein rich foods; such as eggs, fish, and meat, could aid in the strengthening of hair over time - making your hair more healthier and shiny.

6.  Hair loss can occur when treating certain medical conditions such as cancer, depression, or high blood pressure; this is just one possible side effect of some prescribed medications. Always speak with your GP about potential side effects when taking medication.

7. Alopecia areata is a spot baldness which is caused by an autoimmune disease that affects both men and women.

  • Female Hair loss

    Stress

    Stress can lead to conditions such as telogen effluvium - where the hair folicle enters a resting phase;  or trichotillomania , an habitual behavioural condition where an individual begins pulling out hairs to release tension which results in hair loss. 

    Stress effecting the immune system can cause disturbance to the hair follicles leading to alopecia areata, where small patches appear on the scalp. Therefore, it is always beneficial to find alternative ways to  cope with stress . 


    Medication

    Some  prescribed medications may cause temporary, or permanent hair loss as a side effect. One of the most common medical treatments to cause hair loss is chemotherapy. People who undergo this cancer treatment may experience hair loss due to the way in which the chemo drug 'cytostatic'  destroys rapidly dividing cancer cells. Hair loss occurs because the cytostatic drug also destroys the healthy rapidly divided cells found in our hair follicles.  Always ask to see common side effects with prescribed medication.


    Hormones

    Hormonal imbalances c an lead to hair loss.  For example, telogen effluvium may effect 50% of women up to six to twelve months post pregnancy, causing excessive shedding due to hormonal changes that can shock the system. Severe, prolonged thyroid issues may also contribute to symptoms of hair loss.  See your GP to rule out these possible causes.


    Styling  

    Traction alopecia can occur in women who wear regularly tight pony tails; hair braids; weaves; extensions, and so on. Tight hair styles can lead to serious follicle damage and scarring, which makes hair loss permanent. Traction alopecia often starts around the hairline, or nape. Creating less tension in these areas when styling could help reduce follicle damage. 

  • Male Hair Loss

    More so than women, men are more likely to experience baldness. Commonly this is due to the acceleration of metabolism of the male sex hormone dihydrotestosteron (DHT); which can be found in bodily tissues such as skin, prostate, hair follicles, and so on. DHT blocks sufficient nutrients from reaching the hairs follicle, and in excess DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink and die.  Other non-genetic factors that can cause hair loss for men are stress,  sleep deprivation, certain prescribed medications, male enhancement supplements, and vitamin deficiencies. It's hard for men not to worry about losing their hair, but it's important to understand that hair loss is common and you are not alone; however, if you are worried about sudden excessive hair loss then you should speak with your GP. 


    Stages  of hair loss in men


    Stage 1 : Hair loss begins at the front of adult hair line, just above the upper brow crease and is quite mild. This stage is often considered normal. If there's  a genetic history of baldness then you should monitor any changes closely.


    Stage 2 : Hair loss becomes deeper in recession leaving a deeper symmetrical V shape at the temples; this is considered the beginning stages of hair loss which leads to baldness.


    Stage 3 :  Hair loss from the hair line, and temples continues to progress, with hair loss from the crown (the 'vertex') becomes thinner and more evident.


    Stage 4 : The hair line, temples, and crown areas show more obvious signs of hair loss. Dense hair, between the crown and front hair line, bridges the gap between complete baldness.


    Stage 5 : The dense hair between the crown, temple which bridge the balding gap becomes less and less until it is non-existent. This stage is considered advanced hair loss.  


    Stage 6 :  A widening gap between the crown and hair line persists, and hair is reduced further from the sides of the head leaving only a narrow strip of hair on the sides and back of the head. 


    Stage 7 :  Complete baldness. Only a horseshoe band of hair is left remaining. See below for possible hair loss solutions.

What Next?

Three Most Common Hair Loss Solutions:

  • Trial & Error.

    Over the counter hair loss products may offer you the perfect solution to hair loss. With a plethora of products available today it is hard to know which is best - whether it be a shampoo formula, or the 2 for 1 offer on DHT supplement blockers. With so much choice many may simply opt for the 'trial and error' approach - which comes with its benefits as well as its risks (depending on how you respond to the product). Therefore, as a side note, always consult your GP when trying new over the counter hair loss products that you may be unsure of - and always follow the manufacturers instructions. Nevertheless, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved Minoxidil, and Retin-A, as a topical agent for hair loss; with some reports suggesting that some individuals may experience further shedding as a potential side effect and that positive results only last with continuous use.  Other oral treatments, such as Finesteride, may show positive results in men six months post treatment - and so, like most over the counter hair loss products, will require from you a great deal of perseverance, and much patience. 

  • The Point of No Return.

    Plastic surgery procedures have risen substantially since the early 90s, with more and more people choosing to go under the knife. In most successful cases an individual may leave the surgery table looking and feeling at their best, but unfortunately this is not always the case - especially if expectations are higher than the actual outcome.  Always be aware of surgical risks prior to undergoing any hair transplant procedure; because once a surgical procedure has been performed there is no going back and undoing what has been done. Here we have listed three important things to consider: 


    1) Due to individual differences, not every candidate will be successful in receiving hair transplant surgery. For example, your medical history, genetics, and past surgeries will play a major role during your initial consultation. If successful, you may also find that those with advance hair loss may not have enough hair density to donate to the baldness area, and so should not undergo the surgical procedure.   


    2) Finding the right surgeon may be quite challenging, because years of practice and experience is required for this sort of intricate procedure; and the last thing you want is to become a practice dummy. Determining the credibility, surgical history, and clinical honesty is a must  prior to undergoing transplant surgery; so finding out all you can about your chosen surgeon should be done at your own discretion, and is your own responsibility. Understanding language terms and certified methods should put you in good stead prior to walking into your initial consultation. 


    3) Results will not be immediate and could take up to a year before seeing results; with post-operative care being crucial to the success, and recovery, of the surgical procedure. 

  • Easy Does it.

    Attitudes towards hair pieces have become less taboo today then in the 19th century; with sales of hair pieces for men rising to its peek throughout the 20th century. In today's 21st century, more and more women are opting for this non-surgical solution as a means towards maintaining their hairs fullness; with men, for the most part, deciding to embrace their natural baldness as they age. However, due to the devastation that hair loss at a young age can cause, this hair loss solution is still a necessary requirement, which means the hair system industry will still be around for centuries to come; due to its ever-developing quality, durability, and natural realistic nature. 


    With a good design, the right team, and prestigious aftercare, no one need know you’re wearing a hair piece, leaving you to feel as you did prior to the hair loss. Hair pieces today have also become quite fashionable among certain female celebrities, who choose to change up their look for the red carpet in the form of wigs, and extensions. Still, the discretion we promote with hair systems means that your hair will look realistic and natural, leaving you to feel more confident as your self-esteem restores. The non-surgical solution is the only treatment which offers immediate results; without breaking the bank or jeopardising your health. For the best results you can view our aftercare tips , so that you can reap the full benefits from this smart and effective investment.

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