No matter what stage of hair loss or thinning you are experiencing, you may be wondering how to know which hair loss solution is right for you. The answer is it depends on why you are experiencing hair loss in the first place. This is your guide to the most common causes and why seeking treatment from hair specialists is the most effective way to treat hair loss or thinning.
Where Do You Start?
The first step to effectively treating hair loss is to determine the underlying cause. Blindly grabbing over-the-counter treatments off the shelf in an attempt to find a quick fix will not only be ineffective but could possibly do more harm than good. Our certified hair specialists at LH Hair will first conduct a thorough scalp and hair analysis before advising any treatment plans for men and women.
Causes of Hair Loss
There are several causes of hair loss. The type of hair loss you are experiencing will determine the most effective course of treatment for your specific situation. These are the most common causes.
Hereditary
Hair loss due to genetics affects both men and women. It is the most common reason for hair loss around the world. The medical term is androgenic alopecia but is more commonly known as male pattern baldness in men and female pattern hair loss in women. Hereditary hair loss simply means that you carry genes that predispose you to experience shrinking hair follicles that over time are unable to grow new strands.
Age
As you age, your rate of hair growth begins to slow as well as lose its color. Eventually, hair follicles stop producing new strands of hair altogether and you begin to notice hair thinning and balding.
Conditions of the Scalp
Alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, and scalp psoriasis are just a few examples of conditions that affect the health of the scalp and the hair follicles. Conditions of the scalp attack hair follicles and/or cause an unhealthy scalp environment, which prevents new strands of healthy hair from being able to grow. This can cause hair loss to take place on your head, eyebrows, eyelashes, inside your knows, and even in your ears.
Thyroid Disease
Individuals who experience thyroid disease may also experience temporary hair loss or thinning. Many notice that hair comes out in clumps in their brushes, the shower, or even on pillows.
Chemotherapy and Radiation
Those undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation, especially around the head and neck area, commonly experience temporary hair loss within a few weeks of beginning treatment. Fortunately, normal hair growth tends to resume within months of completing treatment.
Extreme Stress
Experiencing extremely stressful situations such as childbirth, severe illness, divorce, traumatic event, or other stressors can cause your body to shed hair at a faster rate than it grows back. Once the stress in your life has been reduced, normal hair growth tends to resume.
What Can You Do?
Once your hair specialist has determined the cause of your hair loss, you will be presented with appropriate hair loss solutions. For instance, if you are experiencing a condition of the scalp, our hair specialists will first use trichological treatments to restore your scalp's health. Topical treatments are a viable option for those who are looking to promote natural hair growth while hair replacement systems are perfect for those who are experiencing partial or complete balding.
Seeking treatment as soon as possible increases the chances of slowing and/or preventing further hair loss and promoting natural hair regrowth.
LH Hair understands that every individual is different and is dedicated to finding a solution that matches your situation, goals, and budget. Contact us today to schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation!
