What causes hair loss and what can be done about it?
on 12/09/2023
Most people want beautiful, dense, healthy hair. Unfortunately, sometimes your hair follicles don't agree. That's because.., baldnessThe famous "calv" or "calvasse" affects mainly men (70% of men aged 70). It also affects women to a lesser extent.
Finding the causes of hair loss is very important.
For example, if hair loss is sudden, it may also be a sign of deeper health problems that should not be overlooked. To find the right treatment for hair loss, it's important to understand what alopecia really is.
Definition of alopecia
Alopecia is hair loss on the body. It can be temporary or permanent, and is often linked to hormonal disorders or underlying illnesses. If not treated in time, this problem can lead to hair loss. A person loses between 20 and 100 hairs a day. The amount varies according to the season and age. However, when hair loss becomes regular and more significant, it is possible that you are suffering from baldness. Whether congenital or acquired, chronic or acute, baldness affects men and women alike.
Difficult to treat, this problem is considered to be aesthetically traumatic.
The different causes of "external" hair loss
There are many causes of hair loss.
Nutritional deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies are one of the main causes of hair loss or baldness. Hair weakens when the body lacks nutrients such as vitamins B, D, zinc and iron. As a result, hair tends to become brittle and cannot grow properly. To limit hair loss, it's essential to eat a varied, balanced and healthy diet. See our article on the subject here
Psychological problems
Stress, anxiety and depression can lead to severe hair loss. By reducing blood circulation, these disorders disrupt the follicle cycle. Devastating for the hair, they cause an overproduction of androgen hormones.
Drug treatments
Chemotherapy is one of the causes of hair loss or baldness. After treatment, patients can gradually regain their hair. However, hair does not grow back as quickly. Taking contraceptive pills and certain anti-hypertensive, anti-epileptic or anti-cholesterol drugs also triggers hair loss.
Scalp infections
The best-known forms of infectious disease are :
- folliculitis
- la piedra
- ringworm
- seborrheic dermatitis
- impetigo
- flat lichen
- scalp psoriasis
- scleroderma
Whatever the type of infection, you should consult a dermatologist immediately. Once healed, it is perfectly possible to return to a normal hair life cycle.
The different causes of hair loss and types of baldness
There are several types of hair loss. These vary according to their cause.
There are several types of hair loss. These vary according to their cause.
Androgenetic or androgenic alopecia
Androgenic baldness is a genetic condition that causes permanent hair loss. It is thought to affect around 20 % men aged 20 to an average of 70 % men aged 70. For women, who are less affected, the figure is around 25 % of women aged between 35 and 45and 35 to 45 % of women aged 50 and over.
Often hereditary in men, this type of baldness results from the action of androgens, the male sex hormones. Hair follicles, particularly those at the top of the head, are sensitive to the action of dihydrotestosterone.
Excessive production tires the scalp, making hair thinner and thinner. Over time, this hair gives way to downy hair and then falls out for good. The stage of baldness can be measured by Norwood scale.
Female pattern baldness appears later in life. Usually after childbirth or the menopause, an event involving hormonal change. The cause of hair loss is often due to a thyroid disorder. The sudden drop in female hormones disrupts the hair growth cycle.
To find out what stage your female alopecia has reached, we refer to Ludwig scale.
Finally, the most optimal solution for androgenetic or androgenic alopecia is Dhi hair transplant or Sapphire FUE.
Alopecia
This form of baldness involves a sudden loss of hair. It occurs when round patches appear on your head. As a result, the follicles begin to whiten and stop growing. Doctors prescribe appropriate medication to treat this condition.
Telogen effluvium
This type of severe hair loss can have several causes:
- high fever
- surgery under general anaesthetic
- a psychological shock
- childbirth
- a serious infectious disease ...
- Certain allopathic treatments such as anticoagulants and antidepressants can cause hair loss.
Telogen effluvium is diffuse hair loss, visually thinning the overall hair volume. Unlike other causes of hair loss, hair loss is not localised. There are two types of effluvium: acute (sudden and rapid) and chronic (long-term).
If not treated promptly, patients can lose up to 80 % of their hair. However, most cases are reversible with appropriate treatment. However, if the cause is not identified, alopecia may become permanent. Whatever the case, if you have any doubts and notice an abnormal amount of hair on your brush, it's best to book a medical appointment to examine your scalp.
Trichomania
Trichomania is a psychological health problem manifested by compulsive or even systematic (toc) plucking of hair. This act of plucking temporarily relieves stress, impulses and anxiety in sufferers. Under these conditions, trichomania can lead to severe, even irreversible, hair loss if left untreated.
According to the latest research, it is more common in people with a genetic predisposition. In fact, if this mental disorder occurs or has occurred in a family member, you are more likely to be affected by the disease. Its prevalence remains fairly low (1/200 individuals). The solution to this problem lies in imperative consultation with a psychologist or psychiatristThis often involves behavioural therapy (CBT).
Traction baldness
Observed mainly in women and particularly in Afro hair, traction alopecia manifests itself as hair loss in specific areas. It involves a very pronounced receding hairline (up to 10 centimetres or more). It is the result of the application of unsuitable hair care products, in particular braiding or techniques that pull the hair too much over time (hair extensions, tight buns, etc.). It can also be caused by excessive use of chemical products (colouring, straightening, etc.) that weaken the hair when pulled.
As well as damaging the follicles, prolonged hair pulling causes female pattern baldness. Damage that can lead to irreversible alopecia over time.
Fortunately, solutions exist for this type of case, including hair transplants without shaving for women. It is important to know that grafting techniques are valid on all hair types including frizzy hair.
Treating baldness
To find an appropriate treatment, the hair specialist will first carry out a diagnosis. This enables the factors influencing baldness to be analysed. For people suffering from severe hair loss, the best solution, especially if you are suffering from androgenetic alopecia, is to turn to a hair transplant. There are two main methods of treating baldness: DHI hair transplants and FUE Saphir hair transplants. Shaving-free hair transplants are also possible, and are more often used for female hair transplants.
For hair loss caused by infection, psychological disorders, etc., it is important to follow drug treatments prescribed by a health professional.
What's more, there are natural remedies that can help limit hair loss. As well as adopting a healthy lifestyle, patients should incorporate gentle, specialised hair loss treatments into their hair routine. Favour silicone- and paraben-free shampoos and serums that contain active extracts to encourage follicle regrowth. For example, ranges such as Growth-factor, Md medicare or solutions containing argan oil, coconut oil or rosemary essential oil.
FUE Saphir hair transplants
This grafting technique involves transplanting hair by follicular unit. The surgeon works precisely to determine the density and depth of the channels receiving the implants, using sapphire blades, and then places the grafts in them.
Advantages of Sapphire FUE :
- ideal for advanced hair loss
- natural results
- no scars
DHI hair transplant
Direct Hair Implantation is performed using a CHOI pen and allows direct implantation of the grafts. In other words, without creating any channels beforehand. DHI hair transplants can be accompanied by a PRP treatment to ensure good regrowth.
Benefits of a DHI method :
- the fastest remission with natural results
- allows grafting without shaving
- no scars