Hair loss is the excess of the normal amount of hair strands lost on a daily basis. Hair is in a constant cycle of growth and rest. Normally, it is natural to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. But hair loss means an increase in this normal loss.
Hair loss is a problem arising from the roots in the scalp. Damage to hair follicles causes hair strands to fall out. Hair loss may be temporary or permanent. Permanent hair loss occurs when the hair follicles are completely damaged.
Hair loss can negatively affect a person's appearance and self-confidence. Therefore, it is important to have information about the causes of hair loss and treatment methods.
Causes of Hair Loss
There may be many reasons for hair loss. Among them:
1. Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and some diseases can cause hormonal changes, which can lead to hair loss.
2. Medication use: Some medications can cause hair loss. For example, medications used during cancer treatment can cause hair loss.
3. Stress: Intense stress can be a cause of hair loss. Stress can weaken the body's immune system, causing hair loss.
4. Nutritional deficiencies: Nutrient deficiencies such as iron, zinc, protein and biotin can lead to hair loss.
5. Diseases: Some diseases can cause hair loss. For example, thyroid disorders, anemia, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases can lead to hair loss.
6. Trauma: Mechanical damage to the hair, such as frequent blow drying, hair binding, chemical treatments, can cause hair loss.
7. Heredity: Some people are genetically predisposed to hair loss. This type of hereditary hair loss usually increases with age.
Any of these reasons can cause hair loss. To determine the cause of hair loss, it is important to consult a dermatologist.
Types of Hair Loss
Hair loss can occur in various types. These:
8. Androgenetic alopecia: It is the most common type of hair loss. In men, it is seen as receding hairline and hair loss in the crown area. In women, it manifests itself as hair loss, thinning of the hairline and messy appearance of the hair.
9. Telogen effluvium: It is temporary hair loss triggered by reasons such as stress, medications, diseases or childbirth.
10. Anagen effluvium: It is sudden and widespread hair loss that occurs as a result of treatments that directly affect the hair follicles, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
11. Alopecia areata: Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease, causes round or oval-shaped areas of hair loss on the scalp.
12. Traction alopecia: Tying the hair tightly for a long time, such as tight buns or braids, can lead to hair loss.
13. Frontal fibrosing alopecia: It is a disease that causes progressive hair loss at the hairline in women.
The type of hair loss varies depending on its cause. For a correct diagnosis, it is important to consult a dermatologist.
Treatment of Hair Loss
Treatment of hair loss varies depending on its cause. Some treatment methods are:
14. Medication: Medications such as minoxidil and finasteride are effective in reducing hair loss.
15. Hormone therapy: For those experiencing hair loss due to hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy can be applied.
16. Nutritional support: Using nutritional supplements such as iron, zinc, protein and biotin can support hair health.
17. Stem cell treatment: Hair follicles can be regenerated by using the person's own stem cells.
18. Laser therapy: Low-intensity laser light can be effective in reducing hair loss.
19. Surgical treatment: Hair transplantation may be a permanent solution to hair loss.
Treatment of hair loss varies depending on the cause. A specialist dermatologist will determine the appropriate treatment method.
Tips to Prevent Hair Loss
To prevent hair loss, some tips are:
• Reducing stress: Methods such as regular exercise, meditation and yoga can reduce stress levels.
• Balanced diet: Consuming foods containing protein, iron, zinc and biotin supports hair health.
• Avoiding procedures that damage the hair: It is important to avoid applications such as frequent blow drying, dyeing, and chemical treatments.
• Paying attention to hair care: Using soft hair brushes, washing hair less and using moisturizers protects hair health.
• Regular check-ups: If there is hair loss, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist and have regular check-ups.