Hair Restoration

Hair loss (alopecia) is a common occurrence. While it’s more prevalent in older adults, anyone can experience it, including children.

It’s typical to lose between 50 to 100 hairs a day. With about 100,000 hairs on your head, that small loss isn’t noticeable. New hair normally replaces the lost hair, but this doesn’t always happen.

Hair loss can develop gradually over years or happen abruptly. Depending on the underlying cause, it may be temporary or permanent.

 The primary symptom of alopecia is an increased loss of hair, which can be subtle and hard to detect. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Widening Part: If you notice your hair parting is getting wider, it could indicate thinning hair.
• Receding Hairline: A higher hairline than usual may be a sign of hair thinning.
• Loose Hair: An increase in hair collected in your brush or comb can be a sign of hair loss.
• Bald Patches: These can vary in size and may expand over time.
• Clogged Drains: Finding more hair in your sink or shower drain can be a sign of hair loss.
• Pain or Itching: If an underlying skin condition is causing your hair loss, you might experience pain or itching on your scalp. 

Hair loss, or alopecia, can occur for various reasons, ranging from common to rare. The underlying causes can be genetic, internal, or external. Here are some types of hair loss and their causes:

Androgenic Alopecia

Androgenic alopecia, also known as pattern alopecia, is hereditary hair loss that affects both males and females. It's the most common cause of hair loss, impacting up to 50% of people. This type of hair loss happens gradually and can start as early as puberty or later in life.

• Female Pattern Baldness: Thinning occurs all over the scalp, often noticeable as widening or thinning around the part. It typically begins after age 65 but can start earlier.
• Male Pattern Baldness: Hair loss progresses above the temples and at the crown, forming an "M" shape.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to bald patches that can vary in size. In severe cases, it can cause total hair loss, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair.

Anagen Effluvium

Anagen effluvium involves rapid hair loss due to treatments like radiation or chemotherapy. Hair usually regrows after the treatment ends.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is sudden hair loss triggered by emotional or physical shock, such as a traumatic event, extreme stress, or serious illness. Hormonal changes, such as those during childbirth, postpartum, menopause, or due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), can also cause this type of hair loss. Other causes include:

• Malnutrition or vitamin/mineral deficiencies
• Endocrine disorders
• Starting or stopping hormonal birth control
• Post-surgery effects
• Acute illnesses or severe infections like COVID-19

Certain medications, including anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, oral retinoids, beta-blockers, and thyroid medications, can also lead to telogen effluvium. This type of hair loss typically resolves once the underlying cause is addressed.

Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection affecting the scalp and hair shaft. It causes small, scaly, itchy bald patches that can grow and fill with pus if untreated. Symptoms include brittle hair, scalp tenderness, and scaly patches of skin. It is treatable with antifungal medication.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia results from excessive pressure and tension on the hair, often due to tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or buns

During your appointment, we will likely use a combination of your health history—including any recent illnesses, surgeries, life stressors, and family history—and a physical exam to help identify the cause.

Blood tests may also be advised to check for nutrient deficiencies or signs of an underlying condition.

Hair loss is a complex issue, and the role of nutrition in preventing or treating it can be somewhat controversial. While nutrition and specific nutrients are essential for the hair growth process, increasing your intake of these nutrients may not be effective for certain types of hair loss, such as scarring alopecia or cicatricial alopecia.

However, incorporating the following vitamins into your nutrition plan may promote hair growth:

• B Vitamins: Specifically riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12
• Iron
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D

 There are several steps you can take to minimise hair loss:

• Keep Hairstyles Loose: If you often style your hair in braids, buns, or ponytails, try to keep them loose to avoid putting too much pressure on your hair.
• Avoid Touching Your Hair: Minimise pulling, twisting, or rubbing your hair as much as possible.
• Pat Hair Dry: After washing, gently pat your hair dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing or twisting your hair within the towel.
• Maintain a Nutrient-Rich Diet: Incorporate plenty of iron and protein into your meals and snacks.

Styling Products and Tools

Certain styling products and tools can contribute to hair loss. These include:

• Blow dryers
• Heated combs
• Hair straighteners
• Colouring products
• Bleaching agents
• Perms
• Relaxers

If you use heated styling tools, only do so when your hair is dry and use the lowest heat settings possible. If you're currently experiencing hair loss, consider using a gentle baby shampoo and washing your hair every other day or less, unless you have very oily hair.