Hairfall: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Hairfall Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Hairfall, or hair loss, is a common concern that affects both men and women. Hair is an integral part of our appearance, and excessive loss can lead to emotional distress and a decline in self-confidence. While it’s normal to lose some hair each day, excessive shedding or balding can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires attention. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential to managing hairfall effectively.

Causes of Hairfall

• Genetic Factors (Androgenetic Alopecia): The most common cause of hairfall is genetic. This condition is referred to as androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness. It results from genetic sensitivity to a byproduct of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair follicles to shrink over time and eventually stop producing hair. This type of hair loss tends to follow a recognizable pattern, with men experiencing thinning at the temples and crown, while women may notice thinning across the top of the scalp.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances can trigger hairfall in both men and women. Conditions such as thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, and menopause can disrupt hormone levels and affect hair growth. For instance, many women experience postpartum hair loss due to the hormonal fluctuations after childbirth.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients can also lead to hairfall. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin can impact hair health. Malnutrition or an unbalanced diet may deprive hair follicles of the nutrients they need to function properly, resulting in weak, brittle hair and increased shedding.
• Stress: Both physical and emotional stress can contribute to hair loss. Conditions like telogen effluvium occur when stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into the resting phase, causing sudden and diffuse shedding. Chronic stress can also exacerbate genetic hair loss, particularly in those already predisposed to androgenetic alopecia.
• Medical Conditions: Several medical conditions are linked to hairfall. Autoimmune conditions, such as alopecia areata, cause the immune system to mistakenly target hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss and sometimes complete baldness in affected areas. Other conditions, such as scalp infections, seborrheic dermatitis, and certain types of cancer, can also affect the hair’s health and growth cycle.
• Medications: Certain medications may lead to hair loss as a side effect, affecting the hair growth cycle and potentially causing temporary or permanent thinning. Drugs used for treating cancer (chemotherapy), high blood pressure, arthritis, depression, and heart problems can contribute to hairfall. These types of hair loss are often reversible once the medication is stopped or adjusted.
• Hair Care Practices: Excessive styling, heat treatments, chemical processing, and tight hairstyles like ponytails and braids can lead to hair damage and traction alopecia, a form of hair loss caused by pulling on the hair. Over time, these practices weaken the hair shaft, causing breakage and loss.

Symptoms of Hairfall

Hairfall Symptoms can manifest in different ways depending on the underlying cause. Some of the common Hairfall Symptoms include:

• Thinning Hair: A gradual reduction in hair volume, especially on the top of the head, is a typical sign of androgenetic alopecia in both men and women.
• Receding Hairline: Men with male pattern baldness often notice a receding hairline, particularly around the temples and forehead, progressing over time.
• Patchy Hair Loss: Conditions like alopecia areata can cause round, patchy bald spots on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows.
• Sudden Hair Shedding: Telogen effluvium can result in handfuls of hair falling out suddenly, often triggered by stress, illness, or surgery.
• Broken or Damaged Hair: Hair weakened by over-styling or chemical treatments may break off easily, resulting in uneven hair length and a straw-like texture.

Treatments for Hairfall

There are a variety of treatment options available for hairfall, ranging from medical treatments to natural remedies and lifestyle changes.

• Medications:
  • Minoxidil: An FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss that stimulates hair follicles and promotes regrowth. It is commonly used for androgenetic alopecia and is available in both over-the-counter and prescription strengths.
  • Finasteride: A prescription oral medication used to treat male pattern baldness by inhibiting the production of DHT. It is effective for slowing down hair loss and promoting regrowth in men, but it is not recommended for women due to potential side effects.
• Hair Transplant Surgery: In cases of significant hair loss, surgical options like hair transplants may be considered. This involves moving hair follicles from one part of the scalp to the balding areas. This procedure is typically used for androgenetic alopecia and provides permanent results.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: it involves extracting a small sample of the patient’s blood, separating and concentrating the platelets, and injecting the platelet-rich plasma directly into the scalp to promote hair growth and improve hair follicle health. The growth factors in the plasma can help stimulate hair growth and improve hair density.
• Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses red light to stimulate hair follicles and promote regrowth. It is often used in conjunction with other treatments like minoxidil or PRP for better results.
• Natural Remedies:
  • Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera can help improve scalp health and reduce dandruff, which may contribute to hairfall.
  • Onion Juice: Onion juice is rich in sulfur, which is believed to promote hair growth by boosting collagen production in the scalp.
  • Essential Oils: Oils like rosemary, lavender, and peppermint can improve circulation to the scalp and stimulate hair growth when massaged into the scalp regularly.
  • Balanced Diet: Ensuring a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those that promote hair health like biotin, iron, and vitamin D, can support hair regrowth and prevent further loss.
• Lifestyle Changes:
  • Reduce Stress: Managing stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, and regular exercise can help reduce stress-induced hairfall.
  • Gentle Hair Care: Avoid harsh treatments and opt for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos. Limit the use of heat styling tools and avoid tight hairstyles that put excessive tension on the hair, as these can lead to damage and hair breakage.
  • Healthy Sleep Patterns: Adequate rest helps the body heal and rejuvenate, supporting healthy hair growth.

Homeopathic Treatment for Hairfall

Homeopathic treatment for hairfall focuses on addressing the underlying causes rather than just treating the symptoms. It uses natural remedies tailored to individual health conditions, stress levels, and lifestyle factors. Common remedies include:

1. Thuja – for hairfall due to dandruff and oily scalp.
2. Phosphorus – for hair loss from illness or stress.
3. Natrum Muriaticum – for hormonal hairfall, particularly in women.
4. Lycopodium – for premature balding and thinning hair.
5. Silicea – for brittle hair and improving scalp health.

These treatments aim to restore balance and promote healthy hair growth. Book your appointment for Hairfall Treatment with PDM Homeopathy Hospital.

Prevention of Hairfall

While it’s not always possible to prevent hair loss, especially when it’s due to genetics or underlying health conditions, adopting healthy hair practices can help minimize unnecessary damage and promote stronger hair. Maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding stress, and being mindful of how you treat your hair are essential steps in preventing hairfall. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help diagnose and treat any underlying conditions that may be contributing to hair loss.

Conclusion

Hairfall can be a distressing experience, but with the right treatment and care, it can be managed. Whether the cause is genetic, hormonal, or related to lifestyle, there are numerous solutions available to slow down or even reverse hair loss. From medical treatments like minoxidil and PRP therapy to natural remedies and lifestyle changes, addressing hairfall requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the individual’s unique circumstances and health needs.