Hair loss affects men and women around the world. There are different variations; some types of hair loss are permanent and some are temporary. Hair loss can be treated by various means, and may sometimes be prevented. Over-the-counter remedies, as well as vitamins or herbal treatments, may help to regrow hair and stop its loss. In extreme situations, surgery may be employed.
Identification
Hair is made up mostly of a protein called keratin. According to the Salon Web website, keratin is composed of polypeptide chains, which are proteins broken down. Polypeptide chains are made up of amino acids. It is keratin that gives hair its strength. The hair protruding above the scalp is the hair shaft, according to the Dermatology Online Journal. The root of the hair is in the hair follicle, which is made up of epithelial and connective tissue sheaths.
Function
Hair goes through a three-phase cycle, according to the Dermatology Online Journal. The first phase, referred to as the anagen phase, is the active growing cycle, which can last from 2 to 6 years. Once this phase is complete, hair enters the catagen phase. Catagen is a short phase where cells gradually stop dividing and the hair becomes keratin. The last phase, called telogen, is when the hair falls out and a new cycle begins. According to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, hair loss occurs when hair follicles that enter the telogen phase do not reenter the anagen phase. The end result is a slow loss of active hair follicles.
Types
There are many types of hair loss. The most common form is androgenetic alopecia, or hereditary thinning or balding. Hair can also become damaged and fall out due to improper chemical treatments, such as dyes, tints and bleaches, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. There is another type of alopecia, known as areata, thought to be an autoimmune condition that results in patches of hair loss. The Mayo Clinic states that hair loss may also occur due to medical conditions or the use of medications.
Prevention
The Mayo Clinic offers suggestions to keep your hair and scalp healthy and to minimize the appearance of hair loss. Eating a nutritionally balanced diet and avoiding tight hairstyles, such as braids, buns and ponytails, can help to prevent hair loss. Allow your hair to dry naturally and avoid rubbing it vigorously with a towel. Handle your hair gently, avoiding twisting, rubbing and pulling. Do not comb or brush your hair when it's wet and check with a hair care expert about the proper use of hairpieces and accessories.
Treatments
Though hair loss cannot be cured, it can be treated with successful results. However, the more extensive the hair loss, the less effective the treatment. One of the most effective treatments, minoxidil, is sold in a liquid or foam format that is meant to be rubbed into the scalp to promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss. It is used for androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Finasteride is a pill used for male-pattern baldness that slows hair loss, and occasionally offers new hair growth. Injections of cortisone into the scalp are often prescribed for as a treatment for alopecia areata to stimulate new hair growth. Surgery for hair restoration, transplants and scalp reduction are options as well for hair loss but carry risks like all surgical procedures.
References
- Salon Web: The Structure of Your Hair
- Dermatology Online Journal: The Control of Hair Growth
- American Academy of Dermatology: Hair Loss and Hair Restoration
- MayoClinic.com: Hair Loss - Prevention
- "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology"; A Pilot Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Topically Applied Niacin Derivatives for Treatment of Female Pattern Alopecia; Zoe Diana Draelos et al.; 2005
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