Hair Fall Treatment in Pitampura, Delhi
Hair and hair style are an important part of everyone’s life and hairfall can turn out to be the biggest nightmare. One can expect to experience hair fall at any age and it can be really upsetting. On an average, scalp hair grows about half an inch every month and sheds 100 hair per day.
Over 80 million men and women in India experience hair loss (Hairfall), whether the cause is genetic, medical, or environmental. Hair loss or Hairfall can occur because of multiple reasons i.e. aging, heredity, medications or an underlying medical condition, and can affect men and women of all ages, each causing a slightly different pattern of loss and a different long-term outlook. While many people are forced to live with hair loss and allow it to improve naturally, there are a number of treatments that can help promote hair growth or hide hairfall. Medications, wigs, hairpieces, and hair transplants may be the best treatment options available for each patient, depending on the location and amount of hair loss.
The five phases of the Hair Cycle are as below
1. Anagen (Growing phase)
90-95% hair is present in this constantly growing stage which may last from 2-7 years.
2. Catagen
Less than 1% of the total hair population is in regressing phase which lasts for 2-3 weeks.
3. Telogen (Resting phase)
This usually occurs in the end where 5-10% of total hair follicles are in this stage at any given time. This phase lasts for 3 months.
4. Exogen (Shedding phase)
After the Telogen phase gets completed, hair follicles are bound to shed off.
5. Kenogen (Lag phase)
The duration between which the hair bulb lies empty or devoid of any hair shaft and the growth of new hair, the follicle lies in the lag phase.
Hair cycle is under influence of hormones, neural response and molecular control of the body.
Hormones influencing Hair Growth
Androgens, estrogens, prolactin all are said to increase the duration of anagen, and the size of the hair follicle, which in turn increases the thickness of the hair shaft. Insulin, IGF, cortisol, and catecholamines promote follicular growth.
Thyroid hormones- Hyper or hyposecretion may retard the rate of hair growth and prolong the retention of club hair.
Out of all these, Androgens are the most important hormone affecting hair growth.
Neural control of hair growth- Exposure to psychoemotional stress and release of mediators of the general stress response (CRH, b-endorphin, prolactin, catecholamines) can also influence the physiologic hair growth pattern.
Molecular control of hair growth- FGF-7, Shh, PTHrp, Wnh, BDNF, TGF-b, ACTH, NT-3, NT-4 are some of the molecules responsible for hair regeneration.
Normal Growth of Hair
- Scalp hair grows 0.45mm/day.
- Beard hair grows 0.35mm/day.
- Extremities hair grows 0.25mm/day.
- Vellous hair on the forehead grows 0.03mm/day.
Classification of Hair Loss
1. Non Scarring hair loss is when follicles are visible and normal skin markings are present- Alopecia Areata, Androgen Alopecia, Telogen Effluvium, Trcihotillomania, Tinea Capitis, Traction Alopecia.
2. Scarring hair loss is when follicles are not visible and smooth shiny atrophic skin may be seen -Chronic Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, Lichen Planus, Lichen Scelorosus, Morphea (localised scleroderma). Others include cancers/trauma/Infection.Hair loss (Hairfall) can be due to primary pathology at the level of hair follicles.
Hair loss due to primary pathology in hair shaft
- Pili torti.
- Monilethrix.
- Monilethrix.
- Trichorrhexis nodosa.
- Trichothiodystrophy Pili annulati.
- Woolly hair.
- Uncombable hair.
- Loose anagen hair.
- Trichostasis spinulosa.
- Pili multigemini.
- Weathering of the hair shaft.
What Causes Hair Loss?
There are many types of hair loss (Hairfall) but these are the most common cases seen at our clinic.
1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male-pattern and female-pattern hair loss)
This is the most common type of hair loss (Hairfall) affecting 58% of middle aged males in Indian population. Most of the men observe thinning of hair mainly on the temples and the crown whereas women observe thinning of hair mainly at the frontal area of the scalp. There are many types of hair loss, also called alopecia, but these are the most common that we see at our clinic.
2. Telogen Effluvium
An individual, on an average sheds 50-100 hair, daily. Many hair follicles enter the phase of the telogen at the very same time. When this happens, increased and sometimes dramatic hair shedding, known as telogen effluvium occurs, in which the hairfall starts, shedding, and becomes thin. The condition is typically frightening and can appear unexpectedly, creating significant thinning, although it does not result in complete baldness and often recovers entirely, especially once any underlying problem is corrected.
3. Hair shedding is often caused by factors such as
- Pregnancy and childbirth.
- Medication (such as Roaccutane which is taken for acne).
- Low iron level (this is common in vegetarians).
- Sudden weight loss.
- Significant illness (e.g. glandular fever).
- Stopping oral contraceptive pills.
- Thyroid problems.
4. Alopecia Areata
This is a condition which causes patchy loss of hair, leaving areas of complete baldness. It can affect only 1 in 50 people where the immune system attacks the hair follicles. There are possibilities that about 1 in 5 people will not recover and this is more likely a hair loss if total or near-total (alopecia totalis /universalis), or if the hairline at the front, sides or back gets affected.
5. Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
People who often use hot combing, braiding, chemical relaxants or tight extensions may observe hair loss at the top of the scalp, a condition dermatologists name as centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. It is also a condition which should get recognized early as it might become permanent and severe if not treated. Tying hair back tightly or using braids can also cause traction alopecia, a condition which is reversible but which can become permanent if the follicles are badly damaged.
6. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
Women who have experienced menopause are the one’s who develop a receding frontal hairline, different from female-pattern hair loss with permanent scarring of the follicles. This has been recently recognized and is called as frontal fibrosing alopecia. It can be treated using topical steroid lotions and tablets that switch off the inflammation in the skin that causes the problem. Early diagnosis is the key.
7. Post COVID hair loss
With COVID, comes this new problem of hair loss (Hairfall). It is a type of late telogen effluvium, where one notices excessive hair loss within weeks to months after fully being recovered from the infection. It occurs as a late reaction to a physical stress like infections or mental stress. It can go on till 3-4 months, but is reversible. Many patients bring complaints of their hair coming out in large clumps, thinning along the hairline and loss of hair volume or pronounced thinning. After infections such as COVID, malaria, dengue, typhoid etc., there is increased inflammation in the body, which leads to increase in cortisol levels. This cortisol hormone can cause normal hair to go into shedding phase. Fever, anxiety and stress can all lead to increased inflammation and diffuse hair fall. Prolonged infections can lead to deficiency of nutrients in the body which in turn can result in weak and brittle hair.
All these factors result in early shift of hair in the growing phase to the shedding phase. Though it is quite distressing for the patients, there is nothing that a timely intervention and consultation with a dermatologist won’t fix.
Hair Fall Diagnoses
The first step if you are losing your hair is getting a diagnosis done from a qualified dermatologist at the earliest. Finding out exactly what process is causing the hair to thin or fall out will also help in treating the problem. The dermatologist will discuss about the problem and ask pertinent questions regarding increased shedding, bald spots, or scalp irritation. The dermatologist will also inquire about any other disease, life events, previous or current medical history in detail. The dermatologist will then analyze the scalp and hair to determine the pattern of hairfall, as well as the health of your skin and hairfall, which may be seen at 20 times magnification with the help of a dermatoscope. Blood tests to evaluate iron stores, hormones, and antibody levels will also be conducted if necessary. A small sample of scalp skin may be examined under a microscope to count and evaluate follicles.
Apart from this, the doctor may choose and perform from a wide range of clinical and microscopic tests available if need be.
Hair Fall Treatments
![hairFall](https://rakshaaclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1655792835862.jpg)
After getting the diagnoses of the type of hair loss, the doctor will create a customized treatment plan from some of the following medications, products and treatments to help prevent future hair loss.
1. Minoxidil
This oral medication solution reverses hair thinning and results in new hair growth. It should be used every day for at least 6 months to observe if it really helps.
2. Vitamins
If an individual lacks essential vitamins necessary for hair growth then biotin, selenium, zinc, magnesium, copper, and/or vitamin D are suggested by the dermatologist.
3. Hair Growth Supplements
The dermatologist may also recommend marine protein-based supplements and collagen supplements which are known to be clinically proven to thicken and lengthen hair.
4. Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC)
GFC treatments make use of your own blood plasma, which includes vital proteins that help the hair grow naturally. Hair follicles that have been miniaturised get larger and healthier after being treated with GFC, boosting hair growth. New hair growth appears in two months after the treatment, however it is generally prominent between 5-8 months. Hair growth will improve for up to a year post-treatment. Growth factor concentrates (GFC) therapy is the latest therapy being offered.
5. Cosmetic Aids
Non-medical approaches can give cosmetic relief to both males as well as females with thinning hair if medical treatments are not effective or are not wanted by the patient. Tinted powders, lotions, and hair sprays can all provide a cosmetic covering on the area of the scalp where there is baldness. Wigs, hair pieces, and hair extensions are also used to cover up the scalp.
6. Surgical Methods
Hair transplantation by FUT or FUE method, scalp reduction surgery are some of the surgeries offered which are also offered at our clinic.
7. Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
It is a semi-permanent tattooing method where strokes of pigment matching your natural hair color are made at mid dermis level, over the affected area. This gives a clean shaven look to the scalp. Eyebrows can also be reconstructed or shaped using this micro-pigmentation device.
FAQ's
Everybody’s hair goes through a cycle. In fact, each hair follicle spends time producing a growing hair (the anagen phase) and then switches to the inactive phase when the hair is made ready for shedding (the telogen phase). If we observe an individual’s head at any one time, about 90% of the hair are growing and 10% are ready to shed. In case of life distressing situations like delivery and lactation, most of the hair land into the telogen phase which is bound to shed off after 3 months of duration.
Hair loss is likely to completely recover, although it may take up to a year for this to happen.
- Use volumizing shampoos, that contain protein.
- Avoid combined shampoo/ conditioners or intensive conditioners that make hair heavy.
- Use conditioners mainly on the ends of your hair and avoid application close to the scalp, as that will tend to weigh hair down.
- Exercising improves blood circulation and is a gateway to beautiful skin and healthy hair.
- Consume nutrient foods that are packed with vitamin B12, folic acid, Vitamin D3, iron and ferritin.
- No spa treatments, blow dry, straightening or coloring is recommended.
- Some products have a special hair-growth formula that works from the scalp outward, enhancing the volume and density of hair at the source and combats hair loss. Consult the dermatologist for recommendations.
Blood is taken just like having a routine blood test. The blood is spun in a centrifuge whereas the GFC is set apart from the red blood cells. Our clinic uses state of a art- GFC System, which is a quick, easy process that delivers consistent growth factor concentration. Once the plasma gets separated, it is then injected into the scalp where hair restoration is required. GFC is close to a physiologic pH, which means it is less likely to cause a burning sensation. There can be some discomfort but it will resolve soon. GFC is produced from the patient’s own blood, so there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection.