Hair Loss Treatment

Hair Loss – Male

This is the most common form of hair loss seen in men. It has a strong genetic predisposition and is usually a hereditary disorder. The hair loss is dependent on the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This is responsible for causing miniaturization of the hair follicles which leads to thinning and loss of hair in a patterned form.

The hair loss is usually bitemporal with frontal thinning and loss from the vertex which appears as a receding hairline. This pattern is unique to men with androgenetic alopecia.

The severity has grades from 1 to 7 according to the Hamilton – Norwood scale. Proper medical intervention in the early stages can help prevent the progression of this condition and help restore healthy hair on the scalp.

Hair Loss – Female

In women, the pattern of hair loss is different, as compared to men. Hereditary factors do play an important role, as does hormonal imbalance which may usually occur post-pregnancy or during menopause. The hair usually starts thinning and the hair loss is most noticeable with the widening of the middle parting. The hair density is usually reduced over the frontal and crown area.

The severity in women has 5 grades according to the Ludwig classification. A detailed investigation by the dermatologist and a proper treatment designed according to your needs and deficiencies will help reduce hair fall and reverse the condition.

Hair Loss – Patchy

This condition presents as patchy hair loss over the scalp and may also be seen over the beard and other body parts. It may be associated with itching, tingling and increased sensitivity. This is usually immune-mediated and seen commonly in people with a history of allergies. This condition is reversible, and, with the right treatment and timely intervention, the hair growth is revived.

Dandruff

Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. While a dry scalp is the most common cause, excessive sebum production (oily scalp), skin microorganisms, sensitivity to hair care products and sometimes other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can also lead to dandruff.

The main cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that turns the skin oily, red, and scaly. The white or yellow scales flake off, creating dandruff.

Oily, Itchy & Sensitive Scalp

Everyone’s scalp can get a little oily sometimes. But an abnormally oily scalp can feel like a problem if it makes your hair feel greasy or dirty all the time.

This can also sometimes happen along with other symptoms such as itching and sensitivity that may be signs of a skin disorder. Symptoms of sensitivity can include burning, tingling, pain itching and redness.

Your scalp may also simply feel tight and itchy. If your symptoms are severe you may have a hyperreactive or hypersensitive scalp.

These may be caused by an imbalanced diet or by using the wrong shampoo. Likewise, exposure to certain climatic conditions, pollution or stress can cause you to experience sensitivity in the scalp area.

Damaged Hair

Hair essentially is made up of two units, the hair shaft and the follicle. The hair shaft has three layers: medulla (the innermost part), cortex (the second layer), and cuticle (the outer layer). The follicle is responsible for the generation of hair and undergoes the growth cycle. In healthy hair, the outermost layer of cuticles are flat, sealing moisture and protecting the inner layers to keep the hair shiny and smooth.

Hair damage is caused due to factors such as friction, excessive heat, harsh products, exposure to UV rays, pollution, underlying disease, nutritional deficiency etc. Excessive use of chemical and color treatments attack the cuticle, leaving cracks in its exterior and affecting the hair’s structural integrity. Once cracked, the cuticle lifts or opens up, causing your hair to look dull, dry, frizzy, or brittle, while also making it more prone to damage and breakage.

Hair Thinning

Hair thinning is always worrying. There are several factors that can lead to it, such as:

Hormonal Imbalances
Thyroid Disorders
Age
Under Nutrition Due to Crash Diets
Iron Deficiency
Decreased Protein Intake
Autoimmune Diseases
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Fever
Acute or Chronic Illness
Surgery

Aside from these factors, drugs like herbal supplements, antacids, antidepressants, antibiotics, antimalarials, hormonal drugs can also cause thinning of hair.

Dry or oily scalp and skin micro-organisms lead to dandruff. Scalp inflammation in conditions like psoriasis and dandruff also results in hair thinning.
Thinning of hair leads to loss of lustre of the hair follicle, makes the hair limp, dull, dry and leads to easy breakability. Unhealthy hair can be worrying and lead to stress and low self-esteem. Timely intervention can reverse the situation.