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Hair Loss Questions & Answers:

Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about hair loss, by men and women.


What is the main cause of hair loss?

There are various types of hair loss causes and types. The most common hair loss type in both men and women is androgenic alopecia, which is also referred to as male, or female, pattern baldness. Androgenic alopecia is a genetic hair loss type, which becomes progressively more aggressive. Men usually experience recession at the frontal hairline, with thinning around the crown area. Some cases lead to eventual baldness.

Female pattern baldness is slightly different, with the majority of thinning being at the top, centre parting area of the scalp. Although not as common as male pattern baldness, women suffering from androgenic alopecia can still experience aggressive thinning that can also lead to eventual baldness.

Up to 80% of men, and 65% of women, will experience some form of hair loss in their lifetime.


What are some other main causes of hair loss?

There are many causes and types of hair loss in men and women - some are temporary, and others are longer term. Some other common hair loss types are; postpartum (post pregnancy) hair loss, menopausal thinning, stress-related alopecia, and seasonal shedding.

Postpartum hair loss is a perfectly normal process that occurs in many new mums. It usually starts within three to five months of giving birth, but slows down a few months after that. There is nothing you can do to stop the process completely, but you can minimise the thinning, to a certain extent.

Research suggests that hair thinning during menopause is the result of a hormonal imbalance. Menopausal Hair Loss is related to a lowered production of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help support hair growth. This type of hair loss can be minimised, with the right treatments. It's uusally temporary, but many women experience longer spells of hair loss as they age.

Stress-related hair loss is a type of telogen effluvium. Hair loss occurs when significant stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a rest phase. Within a short time, affected hairs may fall out, causing thinning, and patchiness across the scalp. Stress-related hair loss is temporary, and easily treated. providing the patient is able to destress.

Seasonal shedding is a common phenomenon. The cause of seasonal shedding is unclear, however, it is much more common than many people may think. Studies have shown that seasonal hair loss affects both men and women, and it often occurs during the autumn months, from September to November. It can also occur in spring season, from April to early June. Seasonal shedding is usually temporary, but sometimes it can be severe.



Can hair loss be treated?

Hair loss is a difficult condition to treat, but that's not to say it can't be treated. In most cases, hair loss can be minimised, and even halted, and in rare cases, patients can experience hair regrowth, but the effectiveness and scale all depends on a number of key factors.

In all cases, for best results, hair loss should be treated early. The earlier it is treated, the more chance one will have of maintaining hair for longer. It is also recommended to assemble a hair loss plan, whereby multiple products/treatments are used in conjunction with each other, for optimal results.


What are the best treatments for hair loss?

There is no cure hair loss, but, depending on the hair loss type, most cases of hair loss can be treated, to a certain extent. There are only two medically approved hair loss treatments, which are; finasteride and minoxidil.

Finasteride is a pill for treating male pattern baldness. It can be effective is slowing down the rate of hair loss, but, like with any drug, it can also come with negative side-effects. Minoxidil is a topical solution, and it can also help with hair loss, however, it is also a drug, therefore it can also come with negative side-effects. Although these are medically approved treatments for baldness, they are not necessarily the best options to take for treating hair loss.

For those looking to avoid using drugs to treat hair loss, there are safe alternatives, such as multivitamin supplements and hair serums. HR23+ is the leading hair supplement that can arrest hair loss, and support the function of healthy hair growth. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) can safely stump hair loss, and aid healthy hair growth. KGF is most effective when used in a topical serum.

Ketoconazole shampoo (Nizoral) is also a good option for treating hair loss. It is an antifungal drug, used to manage scalp conditions like dandruff, but it is also used as a hair loss treatment for androgenic alopecia, in both men and women.

Other common treatments for hair loss include; hair transplantation, low light laser therapy, and micro needling.

How to start treating hair loss?

Hair loss is a complex condition to treat, therefore it is crucial that you identify its exact cause. Once you've identified what is causing your hair to fall out, you'll then be in a better position to treat the issue. To diagnose your hair loss, you should consider seeing a doctor, trichologist, or hair loss specialist.


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