Hair Loss - Thinning
Hair loss can effect different people in very different ways. Some take the attitude to simply go with it and style their hair in keeping with their receding hair line, or many men in line with the latest fashions simply shave their head, however many find it a very distressing condition and want to see what can be done to alleviate or even cure the condition. Here are some of the more common conditions.
Telogen Effluvium
Some hair loss conditions go by the name “effluvium,” which means an outflow. Effluviums characteristically affect different phases of the hair growth cycle.
Hair follicles on the scalp do not continuously produce hair. They cycle through a growth stage that can last two or more years, then regress to a resting stage for up to two months before starting to grow a new hair fiber again. At any time on a healthy human scalp, about 80% to 90% of the hair follicles are growing hair. These active follicles are in what is called the anagen phase.
Alopecia Areata
Although all Alopecia areata cases are extremely unpredictable they can be very broadly placed into short and long-term types. It can also be diffuse, sometimes leading to Totalis (lack of all scalp hair), or Universalis, (lack of all scalp and body hair). If it starts before puberty then the prognosis is not good, particularly if in the Ophiasic or marginal pattern.
Signs: The first signs of short term Alopecia areata are one to four circular, completely bald patches. The hair follicles are clearly visible and the earliest patch will often be regrowing vellus, often unpigmented hair from the centre of the patch, while the latest patches show extension by having short broken hairs called exclamation hairs, narrowing towards the scalp, at the margins. Short-term areata can last from between 6 months to a year. Sometimes it never returns but occasional relapses are possible.
A Clean & Healthy Scalp
You want longer, healthier hair? Perhaps you should look into how well you're treating your scalp. Here are a few thoughts to take into account.
- Taking supplements can help hair growth. Adding a supplement with the right balance of vitamins can help you achieve maximum lengths. Look for a formula made for hair, skin, and nails that has biotin, silica, vitamins B, C, and E, iron, and omega-3.
Hair and nails grow at a faster rate during the warmer months. - Birth control could stop your hair from thinning. High levels of testosterone in women can actually lead to excess shedding; contraceptives regulate the hormones to help with hair loss. If you notice your hair is thinning but you don't see shedding, it's time to make a trichologist appointment as this could be a sign of female-pattern thinning. It's also wise to get a thyroid check.
- Your hair is affected by what you eat. If you suffer from a dry scalp, try incorporating more omega-3 and fish oils into your diet. Vegans should also make sure to supplement their diet with protein and iron for maximum hair health.
- Postpone certain hair treatments when you're premenstrual. Schedule your perms, relaxers, and color services during non-PMS weeks. When you do head to the salon deep conditioning your hair 24 hours prior to keep the pH in check.
- Getting your hair colored shouldn't tingle. A lot of people who have scalp problems don't even know it. If a women feels a tingling during the course of having a colour or some other process applied there is a possibility that your scalp is very dry, and it will only worsen over time which can lead to dandruff, inflammation, unhealthy hair follicles, and, potentially, hair loss. Tell your stylist if you feel tingling.
- Your scalp needs exfoliation. Just like you exfoliate the skin on your face, your scalp can also benefit from a good scrub. Adding a few spoonfuls of sugar to your shampoo to help get rid of dead skin cells, using the pads of your fingers to work the mixture in. Always avoid using your fingernails when washing your hair.
- And it could use some conditioner too. Many women don't use conditioner on their scalp because they're afraid to clog pores or weigh down fine hair. Your scalp benefits from hydration. Try and ensure your conditioner is non-comedogenic, (oil free) so that you can use it healthily from roots to ends.
DHT is happy to advise our clients on healthy scalp and hair habits and the products they use, just ask.