Hair Loss/Hair Thinning/Hair Fall – It Hurts!

Understanding Hair

Hair, as we know, has different texture and volume with each strand being unique. Oft hair plays the role of an underdog because it’s not taken care of as well as it should be. Hair is highly susceptible to damage (heat, sun, chemicals, dye) and adapts itself with constant change. The scalp invariably also plays an important role as it acts as the base of the crown jewels. It has a direct impact on how healthy the roots of the hair follicle are Hair density is the number of hair follicles present on the scalp, it is measured by scanning one cubic metre of the scalp and multiplying with the surface area. Hair density is oft confused for hair texture (diameter of an individual hair being either thick, thin or brittle). However, hair fall can lead to a loss in hair density and hair density loss can lead to hair loss. Hence hair density and hair loss are directly proportional. Hair just like any other cell in the human body has a life-span. Daily, 100 to 200 strands of hair fall are deemed to be normal. However, if there is more number of strands it is classified as hair fall and if new follicles fail to replace the old ones it is known as hair loss.

Hair Fall Reasons

Hair fall and hair loss can occur due to a multitude of reasons:

• Stress
• Nutritional imbalance
• Hormonal changes/ imbalance
• Pregnancy
• PCOS
• Thyroid
• Improper maintenance
• Environmental changes
• Excessive heat damage
• Chemical damage
• Alopecia areata
• Other underlying medical concerns

Fortunately, hair loss can be treated in multiple ways without having to go under the blade.

Haircare routine:

It is important to optimize and regulate a personalised hair care routine to keep your locks intact. Products that are used on the hair can make a drastic difference in the health of the hair from root to tip. When the right products are used, hair texture can change rapidly and make those locks luscious and frizz-free. The best hair care routine is always set by a dermatologist because they know what is best for your locks. This routine can include quite a few steps apart from the regular shampoo and conditioner. The physician may recommend serums, oils, lotions, gels and even exfoliants to take care of not just the hair but the scalp as well. Haircare routines must be changed at least twice a year because everyone’s hair adapts and changes to their environment.

Hair Loss/ Hair Fall Treatment

Oral supplements & medication

Oral supplements help strengthen and grow hair from within. They are usually comprised of a combination of different vitamins, antioxidants, algae (spirulina), calcium, biotin & protein. This ensures that the supplement covers all the bases of nutritional imbalance and boosts hair growth. Supplements are prescribed on a cyclic basis and it may take a full cycle to show visible effects. They also aid in improving hair texture, skin texture, reduce hair fall, strengthen hair and promote the growth of new hair follicles. Oral supplements result in thick, shiny, silky and healthy hair. This treatment is effective only if it is consistently followed as prescribed by the medical professional. Apart from hair supplements, oral medication is required to chemically eradicate other underlying conditions that cause hair fall. Oral medication can also be used to boost hair growth. Oral medication is prescribed according to hair concerns based on test results. They can comprise of steroids, immunosuppressants and other chemicals. Oral medication can be successful in eradicating fungal infections, promoting hair growth and reducing effects of other underlying conditions like alopecia areata, pattern-baldness, psoriasis etc.

Low-level laser therapy

Low-level laser therapy is a treatment that involves emitting red light or cold laser onto the scalp. The irradiated photons are absorbed by weaker hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. Low-level laser therapy also invigorates blood circulation into the scalp, aiding in hair density improvement. This treatment is more effective on early stages of hair density loss as opposed to later stages and may require multiple sittings to show effects. Low-level laser therapy reduces hair fall, strengthens hair and promotes the growth of new hair follicles. LLLT results in thick, shiny, silky and healthy hair. There may be mild discomfort during the procedure but there is no downtime.

PRP hair treatment

Platelet-rich plasma therapy new age cell-based treatment for hair density loss. The procedure involves taking a blood sample from the patient, centrifuging it to receive the platelets and injecting the extracted platelets using small needles into the scalp. Platelets are known for having growth factors and cytokines which helps boost the growth of hair in the injected area. The process is fairly painless and requires no down-time. PRP hair treatment reduces hair fall, strengthens hair and promotes the growth of new hair follicles. This therapy treatment results in thick, shiny, silky and healthy hair.  This treatment though performed on numerous patients, cannot be performed in patients containing a low platelet count as it requires a high concentration of platelets. Due to the delivery method, this treatment may cause redness, tenderness and bruising which disappear within a week. Though this permanent treatment works miraculously it isn’t a one time wonder since cells die, so do their effects. After a few months, the growth will slow down and depending on growth requirements other sessions may be necessary.