Hair loss is a common problem that affects people all over the world and can affect both men and women. Hair loss can range from mild thinning to complete baldness and can be caused by a variety of factors.
In this article we will look at hair loss, its prevalence, underlying causes and treatment options that can help individuals achieve healthier hair and answer questions about how to get thick hair.
Understanding the prevalence of hair loss
As mentioned above, hair loss is a widespread problem affecting a significant portion of the world’s population. In fact, in Australia, approximately 50% of men may experience male pattern baldness, while approximately 30% of women may experience female pattern baldness in their lifetimes.
Male pattern baldness often starts with a receding hairline in the shape of an ‘M’, and the hair on the temples and crown of the head may gradually thin, leading to bald patches. Female pattern baldness, on the other hand, typically starts with diffuse thinning of the hair at the crown of the head.
Causes of hair loss
Hair loss can be a complex problem with a number of contributing factors. The main causes can be categorised as: hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, genetics, lifestyle choices, environmental factors and ageing.
Here is a more in-depth look at these different causes:
Hormonal imbalances
Male and female pattern baldness is a prime example of how hair loss can be influenced by hormones. These conditions, also known as androgenetic alopecia, occur when hair follicles are affected by hormones called androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can shrink hair follicles, resulting in thinner and shorter hair over time.
Similarly, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause excess androgens, leading to hair thinning and male-pattern baldness in women. Pregnancy and menopause can also cause an influx of hormones in women, leading to hair loss.
Medical conditions
A number of medical conditions can cause hair loss. Alopecia areata, for example, is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in small, round patches. Meanwhile, thyroid conditions such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect hair growth. And scalp infections, such as fungal infections, can cause hair loss if left untreated.
Alongside medical conditions, there are also some medications used to treat patients that can cause hair loss, including chemotherapy drugs and certain antidepressants.
Genetics
Genetics is an important factor in hair loss. The general trend is that if you have a family history of hair loss, you are more likely to experience it.
Lifestyle factors
Lifestyle choices can also contribute to hair loss. For example, chronic stress can lead to telogen effluvium, a condition in which hair enters the resting phase prematurely and then falls out. And a diet lacking in essential nutrients, particularly iron, zinc and protein, can also contribute to weak hair, leading to hair loss. Additionally, excessive pulling or tension on the hair caused by tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails or cornrows can lead to traction alopecia.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors can damage hair and contribute to hair loss. Such as the frequent use of harsh hair treatments, dyes or chemical relaxers which can damage the hair shaft and weaken the hair making it susceptible to falling out.
Aging
As we age, our hair undergoes natural changes. Hair naturally becomes thinner and more fragile with age, and hair follicles may become less active, leading to overall hair thinning and stunted hair growth.
Hair loss treatments
Hair loss treatment options can be characterised into two main methods, non-surgical hair loss treatments and hair transplants. How to choose the best hair transplant clinic in Australia depends on what type of treatment a patient is looking for.
Non-surgical hair loss treatments
For non-surgical hair loss treatments, there are three main procedures that patients often opt for. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) and External Growth Factors.
Here are more details about each procedure.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment
PRP treatment involves taking a small amount of the patient’s blood, centrifuging it to isolate platelet-rich plasma – which contains growth factors – and injecting it into the areas affected by hair loss. This process stimulates the follicles and promotes hair growth.
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) treatment
PRF treatments are known as advanced versions of PRP treatments as they use a similar method of blood processing. The difference is that PRF treatments use larger blood samples that are further processed to create a fibrin matrix infused with concentrated platelets and growth factors. PRF offers a shorter recovery time, but is more expensive than PRP treatments.
External growth factors
The latest in non-surgical treatments is the emerging use of external growth factors, which are applied topically to stimulate hair follicles and promote thicker hair growth. However, as this is a relatively new treatment for hair loss, only a few medical clinics have access to this US-patented innovation. Hair and Skin Science is one of the few medical cosmetic clinics in Australia with this access.
Hair transplant treatments
Hair transplants and non-surgical hair loss treatments differ as hair transplants involve relocating hair follicles from one part of the body or scalp to another. Whereas with non-surgical treatments the goal is to promote and stimulate hair growth within existing follicles.
Hair transplants are often more invasive than non-surgical treatments but the degree of invasiveness depends on what the patient is trying to achieve with the transplant.
Here are some examples of hair transplants.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplantation
FUE is a minimally invasive, non-surgical option that involves taking individual hair follicles from donor areas and transplanting them into thinning or bald areas.
FUE’s minimally invasive approach means there are no large incisions or stitches, resulting in less scarring and a faster recovery time compared to traditional methods.
Neograft Hair Transplant
Neograft is an automated system used in hair transplants, offering a faster recovery time compared to traditional transplants.This automation streamlines the procedure, reducing the time required for the transplant and minimising the risk of human error.
As a result, Neograft not only offers faster recovery times, but also improves the overall efficiency and accuracy of the hair transplant process compared to traditional surgical techniques.
Final thoughts
Non-surgical hair loss treatments such as PRP treatments, PRF treatments and External Growth Factors and hair transplants such as FUE and Neograft provide effective solutions for those wishing to restore their hair thickness.
Medical clinics such as Hair and Skin Science offer these treatments and it is easy to book a hair consultation through their website for more information.
If you’re curious about their specialised treatments, such as the Vampire Facial, you can view vampire facial before and after photos to explore the options that best suit your needs.
Don’t let hair loss stop you – the team at Hair and Skin Science can help you discover the possibilities for revitalising your hair.
