Alopecia is a form of hair fall that can occur anywhere in the human body, but the most common area of occurrence is on the head. Alopecia can affect both males and females, but there is a lot of false information about this condition that has led to a lot of confusion. Most of the information regarding the causes of hair fall are myths that need major debunking.
What is the root of Hair Loss?
This is a common condition that does not only occur on the scalp but also on other parts of the body. Alopecia is usually seen in adults, but there are chances of children being affected too. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, losing 50-100 hair in a day is normal as new hair replaces those fallen hair.
What are the Causes of Hair Loss?
There can be several reasons for hair loss, and it is necessary to determine the actual cause as it can help the doctor prescribe the right treatment. The common causes include the following –
- Heredity
- Hormones
- Medical conditions
- Excessive stress
- Extreme weight loss
- Hairstyles that tightly pull the roots
- Lack of nutrients
- Side effects of medicines
The Symptoms of Hair Loss
Even though hair loss is common it can affect individuals differently depending on the cause. The general symptoms of hair loss include the following –
- Gradually thinning hairline
- Scaling of the scalp skin
- Patchy bald spots
- Sudden loss of tresses
- Broken hair
The Treatments for Hair Loss
There are various ways to treat hair loss and yet it depends on the underlying cause and the symptoms that an individual experiences. The first course of treatment is through prescribed medication by a doctor. The medicines may include corticosteroids and oral medication. Doctors may prescribe medicated gels and creams that contain the magic ingredient called minoxidil. The second course of treatment comes when medications don’t work. Doctors may opt for surgical procedures like hair transplants, which are performed for treating extreme cases of hair loss.
How to Prevent Hair Loss
It is believed that hair loss is mostly caused by genetic disorders, and prevention of this condition is possible to some extent. However, here are a few steps that can help prevent hair loss –
- Avoid tight hairstyles
- Avoid medication that may have hair loss as a side effect
- Quit smoking
- Be gentle while washing, cleaning, or brushing
- Avoid extreme heat
- Avoid using chemical-laden styling products
Let’s Debunk Some Common Hair Loss Myths
Myth: Hair thinning comes from the maternal side of the family.
Fact: As per scientific studies, it has been proven that hair loss can be a genetic inheritance from either side of the family, and not just one-sided.
Myth: Cutting your hair frequently promotes healthy hair growth.
Fact: Cutting the hair regularly helps get rid of split ends and that can make hair look better. On the contrary, hair is a non-viable tissue growing at a steady rate and no way that can control the growth or non-growth of hair.
Myth: Stress leads to the cause of hair fall.
Fact: It requires excessive stress or trauma like a death in the family, an accident, crash dieting, and so on, as in an extreme level of this mental status for temporary hair loss.
Myth: Washing hair with cold water prevents your hair from falling.
Fact: Cold water does help in better blood circulation, frizz prevention, and cuticle tightening.
Myth: Ageing is a cause of hair loss.
Fact: Hair loss is common in adults, but it can be seen in children as young as 12 years of age, due to factors like lifestyle habits, heredity, hormonal conditions, etc.
Myth: Men are more prone to hair loss then woman.
Fact: Hair loss is equally common in both men and women. The difference is that for men, hair thinning starts at the crown area and the frontal hairline and for women, it is diffused over the entire scalp.
Myth: Wearing a hat or a cap will cause baldness.
Fact: To cause baldness, the cap would have to be tight enough to pull your hair from the roots, and only then it can cause hair loss.
Myth: Direct sunlight on the head causes hair loss.
Fact: Direct sunlight can be harmful to your skin, but it is not a cause of hair fall. Sunlight does not affect your hair follicles at all.
Myth: Massaging your scalp or rubbing your nails together, results in faster hair growth.
Fact: There is no physical effect of the scalp and your fingernails on your hair follicles that can lead to hair growth. In fact, rigorous massaging may actually cause more harm and frictional damage.
Myth: Certain haircare products can help prevent hair loss.
Fact: All you can do is address the causes of the hair loss condition, consult your doctor, and take the medication advised to you instead of experimenting with random haircare products.
Hair fall issues have numerous rumours surrounding them and the best thing that you can do is know the facts by seeking professional help from a dermatologist near you. Make sure that you do not consider any substitute and opt for proper medical advice and for that, you can get an immediate appointment at Premier dermatology.
