No one wants to experience hair loss. It can be upsetting to watch your head of hair diminish. While not all hair loss can be cured, there are many treatments to help to restore some hair. A dermatologist would be able to help you determine your best course of treatment for the type of hair loss you have.
Identification
Hair is comprised of the follicle, shaft and root. The hair follicle is made up of epithelial and connective tissue and the root of the hair is contained with the follicle, according to the Dermatology Online Journal. The portion of the hair that is above the skin is the hair shaft. Hair is mostly protein, called keratin. Keratin is composed of polypeptide chains, which are made up of amino acids.
Function
Hair growth happens in three phases. The first phase, anagen, is the active growing cycle that can last from two to six years. Most of your hair is in this cycle. The second phase, catagen, is when the hair stops dividing and becomes keratin. This phase is referred to as the resting stage and has a short duration of a few months. The third phase, telogen, is when the hair falls out and the hair follicle re-enters the anagen phase. Normal hair loss for proper growth is about 50 to 100 hairs per day.
Hair Loss
Hair loss occurs when hair that enters the telogen phase does not re-enter the anagen phase, resulting in a loss of active hair follicles, according to the Surviving Hair Loss website. There are many forms of hair loss, the most common being androgenetic alopecia, which is hereditary and marked by a thinning or balding hair line. Alopecia areata is thought to be from an autoimmune condition, according to the American Academy of Dermatology website and is characterized by coin-size, round patches of hair loss. Telogen effluvium happens when too many hairs enter the telogen phase, usually caused by severe illness.
Types
Minoxodil is a popular topical lotion that is applied to the scalp twice a day to stimulate new hair growth. The Surviving Hair Loss website warns that shampoos alone cannot stop hair loss or grow hair. However, having a good shampoo to complement your hair and hair loss treatment can definitely help. Organic shampoos offer all natural ingredients that are gentle enough for your hair and contain herbs and oils that will help your hair to feel and look thicker. The harsh chemicals often found in regular shampoos can do more damage to your already vulnerable hair. Look for ingredients such as rosemary for stimulating hair follicles, chamomile for strength, thyme, lavender and jojoba for cleansing, pomegranate for antioxidants and aloe vera to help to protect you hair. Additional ingredients such as panthenol, wheat and soy protein help your existing hair to look thicker.
Considerations
There are different ways to treat hair loss. Hair restoration surgery can include hair transplants, scalp reduction or scalp extenders. Hair transplant surgery involves taking scalp with healthy hair follicles and transplanting them to the barren area. Scalp reduction is removing bald skin, pulling and sewing the sides together. A scalp extender is a device inserted under the scalp in order to stretch the hair-bearing areas.
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
- Surviving Hair Loss: A Pilot Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Topically Applied Niacin Derivatives for Treatment of Female Pattern Alopecia
- Short Hair Style: Hair and Scalp Problem?
- Surviving Hair Loss: Choosing a Suitable Shampoo for Hair Loss
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