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Alopecia is a blanket term for hair loss of any kind. There are many types and causes of hair loss (alopecia), most of which can be effectively treated. Hair loss may be genetically inherited, or it may be caused by a variety of other factors including protein or other dietary deficiency, hormonal imbalance, and stress. Hair loss can also be the first sign of an otherwise un-diagnosed or undetected underlying illness.
The main type of hair loss for which there is no effective treatment is genetically inherited hair loss (known as Male Pattern Baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia). It is important to note, however, that this condition can and does affect females too, particularly after menopause even though it is called Male Pattern Baldness, it is gene-linked, not sex-linked.
In women, it is likely to lead to diffuse hair loss; that’s a general thinning of the hair density rather than to obvious bald patches. Although there is no cure for this condition, hair loss can be limited or slowed down in some cases and treatments are likely to be more effective on women than on men. The important thing to understand is that the best that can be said of treatments for genetically inherited hair loss is that they can be effective to some degree on some people some of the time. Hair loss can cause great distress, and there are many misunderstandings about its causes and treatment. This is a problem that requires sympathetic handling, and a qualified Trichologist must understand the patient’s anxiety and help him or her come to terms with the loss of hair.
Alopecia Areata is the most common form of hair loss due to an autoimmune disorder. Causes patchy loss on any and all areas of the head. It may begin at any age, and often becomes progressively worse with age. This is an example of Alopecia Areata. Generally, outbreaks of loss occur when the immune system is lowered by illness, poor nutrition, anxiety, or stress.
Causes extreme hair loss of hair on scalp, face, and body. The exact origin of this condition is unknown. It may be brought on by a sensitivity, or allergy.
There are many other types of hair loss which can and do respond to treatment and advice without medical assistance. There are also some types of hair loss which can have a natural or spontaneous recovery. Excessive hair loss can often be a symptom of some other problem or a variation in the metabolism of the body and for this reason, co-operation between the patient’s doctor and the Trichologist is often necessary.
There is no actual cure for hair loss, but with recent technology and research into stem cell technology, a cure for baldness is closer than before.
This can occur after infectious scalp disorders or, more rarely, they are auto-immune conditions. (When the body attacks the hair follicle as it would invading bacteria)
These can range from dandruff to more inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema which are scalp problems that occupy much of a Trichologist time. As with the hair, these problems can be symptomatic of some other metabolic variations. Stress, poor diet, or even some allergies to certain foods, can be responsible for the build-up and shedding of dead skin cells.
The management of hair and scalp that are excessively oily is another area in which the advice of a qualified trichologist is often sought. Here, guidance on the right type of shampoo for any particular individual, and on its frequency of use, might be particularly relevant.
An inherited, itchy, inflammatory, scaling scalp condition which can cause much discomfort and embarrassment. The condition is treatable with much success but is not fully curable.
Anti-yeast cream or anti-dandruff shampoo has been proven to help the problem.
This is often stress-related. People become compulsive about pulling their hair out and it can be a very difficult habit to break. It is difficult to treat as people have to be taught how to break the habit. It can take a few months and treatment can work, if people set realistic goals and can stick to them.
Problems with hair texture can be caused by overexposure to heat or strong chemicals or by many of the other stresses and strains to which we subject our hair. With the advent of hair straighteners, more and more women are having problems with breakage and poor hair conditions.
Treatment can include cutting back on straighteners and other damaging hair products as well as using protective serum or even getting a good hair
Alopecia is a medical term which simply means “hair loss:’ Alopecia does not refer to one specific hair loss disease. The # 1 cause of hair loss is Androgenic alopecia clients may begin hair loss as early as their teenage years.
Certain Scalp Disorders may contribute to hair thinning, loss, and/or breakage.
• Psoriasis – Red skin with flaky, silver patches
• Seborrhea Dermatitis – Inflammatory condition causing oily scaly patches
• Fungal & Bacteria Infections – Tinea Capitis, Ring Worm
• Dandruff – Excess shedding caused by poor circulation
• Eczema – scaly itchy rash
• Parasites – Demodex Parasitic, Infection
This can occur after infectious scalp disorders or, more rarely, they are auto-immune conditions. (When the body attacks the hair follicle as it would invading bacteria)
This form of alopecia is caused by the constant pulling and tugging on your hair due to extensions, braids, weaves, tight pony tails, etc. With the increasing popularity of extensions this form of hair loss once mostly common with African American women is now common throughout all ethnicities. This type of alopecia is reversible. Extension services overtime can weaken, damage and cause breakage to the hair making it appear thinner, and eventually forcing the client to give up on extensions as a whole because of their hair loss.
This may occur through chemical treatments such as perms, color, bleaches, and relaxers or through heated services such as keratin treatments, blowouts and flat ironing. While these services can dramatically improve the look of your hair, over time they can also be harmful and lead to deterioration of the hair as well as breakage or thinning. Get out of Tight styles if possible.
This is described as hair loss due to a hormone imbalance or fluctuation. If hair loss occurs due to a hormone imbalance and there is also another genetic factor present, treat as Androgenic Alopecia.
Post-Partum,
Birth Control,
Bio-Identical,
Menopause, POS
• Anemia – Iron Deficiency
• Thyroid Disease – Hypothyroid or Hyperthyroid
• Diabetes – Poor Blood Circulation
• Kidney Disease –
• Many Illness or Diseases and the medicines can lead to hair thinning and hair loss.
If stress doesn’t make you pull your hair out, it certainly can make you lose it! Many struggles to cope with the daily demands of managing finances, work, marriage, running a home, raising children, caring for aging parents and so on. These daily demands are stressful enough on their own but are sometimes exacerbated by an event that can causes severe stress, such as a death in the family, or divorce.
Hair loss itself will cause stress for many people, both men and woman. It can become a daily stressor with a cycle of endless loss if treatment is not undergone.
Telegon Effluvium: Occurs when sudden or severe stress causes an increase in the shedding of hair, which is generally triggered by ongoing stressful events or chronic stress. The condition is generally temporary, and hair will typically grow back within 6 to 9 months.
• Exposure to toxic chemicals & Heavy Metals
• Exposure to Radiation / Chemotherapy
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