Hair loss is a common problem that can affect both men and women. It can often be embarrassing or frustrating, regardless of your age.
While hair loss may be a common problem, it’s essential to understand the causes of this condition to treat hair loss and prevent further damage. The sooner you treat your hair loss, the better your hair thickness and volume will be in the future.
In this article, we will discuss the various types of hair loss and the 5 potential factors that could be causing your hair to thin. We’ll also discuss treatments available for those suffering from thinning hair or balding based on safety, effectiveness, and long-term considerations.
The 5 Types Of Hair Loss
While we typically think of hair loss as thinning or baldness, hair loss can take on many forms. It can be temporary or permanent. Scientifically, hair loss is defined as a decrease in the density and size of hair on the scalp. Different types of hair loss affect both men and women.
There are five types of hair loss. Some types of hair loss affect only men, some affect only women, and some affect both.
1. Androgenic Alopecia
This is the most common type of hair loss affecting both men and women. It usually appears as thinning hair on the top or sides of the scalp.
2. Alopecia Areata
This is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp. It happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles. It causes sudden bald spots on the scalp and can affect both men and women.
3. Telogen Effluvium
This condition causes diffuse thinning of hair all over the scalp. Both sexes experience it, but it is more common in women after pregnancy or taking certain medications or supplements. It is caused by a disruption in the hair growth cycle, where hairs are shed more quickly than they can be replaced.
4. Traction alopecia
It is sudden hair loss caused by physical strain on the hair, such as through tight braids or ponytails. It can affect both men and women but is more common in women who wear their hair regularly.
5. Male pattern and female pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men and occurs when testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes the follicles to shrink. Female pattern hair loss affects women as they age, with thinning at the crown and top of the head becoming more prominent.
5 Common Causes Of Hair Loss In Men & Women
1. Genetics
Genes often play a significant role in the development of hair loss. Studies suggest certain races, including Asians, Caucasians, and African Americans, are more likely to experience hair loss than others. People with a family history of hair loss are also more prone to hereditary hair loss.
2. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy, menopause, and other life events can cause temporary or permanent hair loss. Thyroid conditions can also cause hormonal imbalance and contribute to hair loss.
3. Stress
Stressful life events such as a death in the family, job loss, or divorce can trigger hair loss. The stress hormone cortisol can cause the hair follicles to shrink, leading to thinning and shedding of the hair.
4. Aging
Naturally, our hair follicles become weaker and more prone to breakage as we age. Hair grows in cycles, with a new cycle beginning every 3-5 years. The new cycle becomes shorter and weaker as time goes on, leading to less hair growth over time.
5. Diet & Nutrition
A diet low in protein or iron can cause hair loss due to nutrient deficiency. Additionally, crash diets or restrictive eating, which disrupt the body’s biochemistry, may cause hair loss.
These are not all the known causes of hair loss, though they are often the most commonly seen. For a more in-depth look at the factors that could cause your hair to thin or fall out, click the button below to download our free guide, 9 Surprising Causes Of Hair Loss.
Download 9 Surprising Causes Of Hair Loss
Hair Growth Treatments Designed To Improve Hair Thickness & Health
The good news is treatments are available to help prevent and even reverse hair loss. Treatments range from topical applications to lifestyle changes. Not all of these options are a good fit for every person. In fact, some can have dangerous side effects to watch out for.
Below, we’ll explore the most popular hair loss treatment options sorted into three groups: treatments considered safe for practically every patient, treatments that are likely safe if you are a good fit, and treatments you should avoid unless necessary.
The Safest Treatment Options
Low-Level Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a form of light therapy effective in treating hair loss. The treatment involves using a light source to stimulate the scalp and slow or reverse the process of hair loss.
LLLT is safe and effective in both men and women with pattern baldness. Unlike the prescriptions mentioned above, LLLT doesn’t cause side effects. It’s painless and typically takes 30 minutes or less. However, if your hair loss is ongoing rather than temporary, you will need to continue to receive laser hair therapy to maintain your results.
TransDermal Infusion Combined With The U.SK Under Skin Hair Saver
The Sensus TransDermal Infusion System is an FDA treatment that infuses healing macromolecules into the skin using gentle electrical pulses. The U.SK Under Skin Health Saver is a serum formulated with key ingredients that address the core problems related to hair loss. Combined, these two solutions can help nourish hair follicles and prevent further hair loss.
Specialists can use the TransDermal Infusion System to apply the U.SK Under Skin Hair Saver to the scalp—supercharging the solution’s delivery, enhancing hair growth results, and increasing the value you get from the treatments.
Biotin Supplements
Biotin is a B vitamin that can help promote healthy hair growth. Taking biotin supplements or eating foods rich in biotin (such as eggs, nuts, leafy greens, and whole grains) can help improve hair growth.
While there isn’t much research to prove that biotin helps treat existing hair loss, it has been shown to prevent future hair loss. It doesn’t have as many side effects as some alternative medications, so it’s an easy option for most patients.
Essential Oils
Essential oils, including rosemary oil and lavender oil, may be used to improve hair growth. The oils contain compounds suspected to stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth. Massaging essential oil into the scalp can help improve circulation and stimulate hair follicles for better growth.
Most people tolerate essential oils well when diluted in carrier oil, like coconut or grapeseed oil. However, some people may experience allergic reactions, including itching, swelling, and irritation. It’s best to do a skin patch test before putting a new oil on your scalp to ensure you aren’t allergic to it.
It’s important to consult with your doctor before starting any hair loss treatment. By understanding the cause of your hair loss, your doctor can help determine the best treatment for you. Additionally, some treatments may not be suitable for certain medical conditions or medications you take.
Treatments That Are Generally Safe If You Are A Good Fit
Hair Transplants
Hair transplants are surgical procedure that replaces bald patches with healthy follicles from other areas of the scalp. During a hair transplant, healthy follicles are removed from a site of dense growth and transplanted to areas with thinning or balding.
The procedure can be done using two methods: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). After surgery, it takes about three to six months for the transplanted hair to grow.
Watch the video below to learn about the differences between FUT and FUE transplants.
(Embed video: Hair Loss Causes, Effects, and Treatments | The Dr. Kris Podcast | Ep. 8, April 11th)
Finasteride
Finasteride is a prescription medication that can help slow or reverse the progression of hair loss. It blocks the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can cause male and female pattern baldness.
The drug is FDA-approved and not recommended for females who are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant due to potential risks to the fetus. That said, it is known to cause loss of libido in women and erectile dysfunction in men. It can also cause weight gain and swelling.
Treatments You Should Use With Caution
Minoxidil
Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, is an FDA-approved topical solution proven to regrow hair where it is applied. It is typically used twice daily on the scalp and will take some time (about 16 weeks) before results are visible. To get desired results, you need to apply the solution regularly and continuously.
While it is effective, it may cause scalp irritation due to the frequency of application it requires for effectiveness. Additionally, if you use Rogaine for temporary hair loss, you will likely need to continue to use it indefinitely to keep your hair growing. This can make it a poor choice for individuals experiencing hormonal imbalances, low protein levels, or traction hair loss.
While Rogaine is considered safe, it should be used with caution. The active ingredient minoxidil is also an orally active vasodilator used to treat severe hypertension. As a result, it can cause you to develop a faster heart rate, augmented heart function, high sodium levels, and increased risk of stroke.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and treat hair loss caused by alopecia areata, lichen planopilaris, and lupus. The most common type is topical corticosteroid cream, which can be applied directly to the scalp. Corticosteroids can also be injected directly into the scalp to treat patches of hair loss.
This cream can reduce inflammation and promote hair growth. In one study, 47% of patients with extensive alopecia areata saw a more than 25% improvement in hair growth with a controlled 6-week trial of prednisone. However, patients who don’t have alopecia areata or the other conditions above might have the opposite results taking corticosteroids, as thinning of the scalp and hair loss are also known side effects of the medication.
Other potential side effects include weight gain, metabolic abnormalities, acne, and menstrual problems. It’s also important to remember that its positive effects are often only temporary.
Prevent Further Hair Loss & Keep Your Hair Looking Its Best With The Resurge Clinic
Hair loss can be a difficult issue to deal with, but many treatments and preventive measures can help. If you’re struggling with thinning strands, bald spots, or a patchy scalp, it’s crucial to take action. The sooner you stop hair loss, the better your hair will be in the long run.
At The Resurge Clinic, we offer proven hair growth treatments to help you obtain the thick, healthy hair you deserve. Our most popular options include:
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Low-laser hair therapy
- The Sensus TransDermal Infusion System + The U.SK Under Skin Health Saver
- FUE hair transplants
- Hair growth creams, shampoos, and topical supplements
Don’t let hair loss bring you down. Schedule your consultation today to take control and get your hair back!
