What Causes Hair Loss? – Treatments, Product Recommendation

By Mikayla Cherneski RN

Shedding hair every day is expected; we shed about 50-100 scalp hairs daily. Hair loss, or alopecia, is a condition in which hair is lost at an increased rate from the scalp or entire body. Hair loss can affect men, women, and children due to genetics, medications, medical conditions, or hormonal changes.

In many cases, hair loss is reversible. Finding and eliminating the causative agent paired with the appropriate course of treatment should promote the regrowth of the hair. However, if what causes the hair loss is of scarring nature or very advanced, it is unlikely to see complete regrowth.

Read our blog about PRP hair treatment and facial.

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Inherited hair loss is called Androgenic Alopecia, also called male pattern hair loss (common baldness) and female pattern hair loss. Androgenic Alopecia is the most common cause of thinning hair and is caused by genetics and hormonal factors. It can be inherited by either parent and occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood. According to the Norwood-Hamilton Classification of Male Androgenetic Alopecia, there are 11 patterns the hair loss can present in. In the Ludwig Classification of Female Androgenic Alopecia, there are 3 types of hair loss, numbered according to severity, with type one starting with a mild decrease in hair density at just the crown.

Physiological or extreme psychological stress can also cause hair loss. Telogen Effluvium is the term for hair loss caused by a health, emotional, or nutritional status change. It is the most common type of hair loss linked to medications, illness, post-surgery, and severe stress. The hair shedding typically begins 3 months after the stressful event and can take up to 3-8 months to grow back. The hair loss occurs diffusely over the entire scalp, though complete regrowth is expected. Telogen Effluvium occurs both in men and women; however, women are more likely to go through it due to drastic hormonal changes during the postpartum period.

Another type of hair loss we commonly see is called Alopecia Areata – it is a non-scarring, rapid loss of hair in round/oval patches and usually involves the scalp, eyebrows, beard, and eyelashes. It affects men and women equally, and 50% of cases occur before age 20. Unfortunately, it is a chronic, relapsing condition. The cause of this hair loss is unknown, but it is thought to be a hair-specific autoimmune disorder. Often, itching will accompany the hair loss. When the hair does grow back, a loss of pigment or gray/white hair can be present – but the hair does eventually re-pigment over time.

Hair loss treatment depends on what type of hair loss you are experiencing and whether there are other contributing factors to the condition. Thankfully, we have several treatment options available to address hair loss:

PRP Scalp treatment
Laser Hair Rejuvenation
Topical, oral, and injectable medications

At SKIN Clinics, we also carry supplements and hair products to support hair growth:

Hair loss depends on many factors that may be out of your control. Still, there are several ways to help decrease further hair loss right at home if you find yourself to be shedding at a faster-than-usual rate. These include the following:

Limiting the frequency of brushing the hair as much as possible
Using a conditioner after shampooing
Being gentle with your hair by not rubbing with a towel or aggressively brushing it (especially while wet)
Using wide-tooth combs with smooth ends
Avoiding high heat and chemicals (dyes, perms, relaxers)
Avoiding tight hairstyles that put stress on the follicles

For any hair loss concerns, it is best to be assessed by a healthcare provider first to determine the cause before the appropriate treatment can be determined. Patients require a physician referral to see our dermatologist regarding hair loss. However, we would love to answer questions and discuss your options during a complimentary consultation with one of our nurses. We understand that experiencing hair loss can significantly impact your self-esteem and overall well-being. At SKIN Clinics, we are always here to help and guide you through your hair loss journey and recovery.

Product Recommendations

Viviscal PRO Thickening Shampoo