Understanding Hair Loss: Causes and Types

Understanding Hair Loss: Causes and Types

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a prevalent condition with diverse causes and significant impacts on individuals. It involves a reduction in hair density due to factors such as a shortened anagen phase, decreased hair fiber production, and eventual miniaturisation of hair follicles (Jia et al., 2022; Agrawal et al., 2021). Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) are common types affecting both men and women, leading to progressive thinning of hair on the scalp (Saad et al., 2022; Sinclair et al., 2011).

 

The Psychological Toll of Hair Loss

The psychological effects of hair loss are profound, particularly for women, who may experience a diminished quality of life, social isolation, and heightened risk of psychiatric disorders (Alomaish et al., 2022; Turlier et al., 2021). Addressing the psychosocial impacts and exploring innovative treatment modalities are crucial for improving the well-being of those affected by alopecia (Rinaldi et al., 2019; Saraswat et al., 2019).

 

Factors Influencing Hair Loss

Various factors influence hair loss, including hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental exposures (Hasan et al., 2022; Guo & Katta, 2017). Oestrogens play a role in stimulating hair growth, while deficiencies in nutrients like vitamins and minerals can contribute to hair loss (Hasan et al., 2022; Almohanna et al., 2018).

 

Treatment Approaches for Hair Loss

Therapeutic approaches for hair loss range from topical solutions like minoxidil to advanced treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy (Jia et al., 2022; Rinaldi et al., 2019). Research on nanodrug delivery systems targeting signaling pathways associated with hair loss shows promise for future treatment strategies (Wu, 2023).

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, hair loss is a multifaceted condition with significant physical, emotional, and social implications. Understanding its causes and impacts, along with exploring innovative therapies, is essential for improving the quality of life for individuals affected by alopecia.

 

Contact CliniHair

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your hair loss, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at hello@clinihair.co.uk. Our dedicated trichologist is here to provide you with the support you need.

 

References:

 

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Almohanna, H., Ahmed, A., Tsatalis, J., & Tosti, A. (2018). The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: a review. Dermatology and Therapy, 9(1), 51-70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6

Alomaish, A., Gosadi, I., Dallak, F., Darraj, A., Jaafari, S., Alshamakhy, A., … & Mleeh, N. (2022). Quality of life and the presence of depression among adults with hair loss in the south of saudi arabia. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, Volume 15, 1989-1996. https://doi.org/10.2147/prbm.s375247

Davey, L., Clarke, V., & Jenkinson, E. (2019). Living with alopecia areata: an online qualitative survey study. British Journal of Dermatology, 180(6), 1377-1389. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.17463

Guo, E. and Katta, R. (2017). Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0701a01

Hasan, R., Juma, H., Eid, F., Alaswad, H., Ali, W., & Aladraj, F. (2022). Effects of hormones and endocrine disorders on hair growth. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.32726

Jana, S. (2018). Enhancement of hair growth through stimulation of dermal papilla cells in human follicular dermal. Open Access Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2(4). https://doi.org/10.23880/oajpr-16000166

Ji, J., Ho, B., Ge, Q., Xie, X., & Bigliardi, P. (2017). Aging in hair follicle stem cells and niche microenvironment. The Journal of Dermatology, 44(10), 1097-1104. https://doi.org/10.1111/1346-8138.13897

Jia, L., Xiong, J., Guo, R., Li, Y., & Jiang, H. (2022). Effects of microneedling with 5% minoxidil topical solution combination therapy in treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 21(11), 5665-5671. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15263

Rashad, M. and Najeeb, H. (2022). Oxidative dna damage level in relationship to zinc status in patients complaining hair fall, in duhok city, krg-iraq: a case-control study. International Journal of Health Sciences, 4427-4439. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v6ns7.12908

Rinaldi, F., Mora, B., Pinto, D., & Sorbellini, E. (2019). Randomized controlled trial on a prp-like cosmetic, biomimetic peptides based, for the treatment of alopecia areata. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 30(6), 588-593. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2018.1544405

Saad, S., Cavelier-Balloy, B., Smadja, J., Assouly, P., & Reygagne, P. (2022). Inflammatory complications after hair transplantation: report of 10 cases. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 21(11), 5938-5941. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15244

Saraswat, N., Chopra, A., Sood, A., Kamboj, P., & Kumar, S. (2019). A descriptive study to analyze chemotherapy-induced hair loss and its psychosocial impact in adults: our experience from a tertiary care hospital. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 10(4), 426. https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.idoj_471_18

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Sonthalia, S. (2016). Hair restoration in androgenetic alopecia: looking beyond minoxidil, finasteride and hair transplantation. Journal of Cosmetology & Trichology, 02(01). https://doi.org/10.4172/2471-9323.1000105

Turlier, V., Darde, M., Loustau, J., & Mengeaud, V. (2021). Assessment of the effects of a hair lotion in women with acute telogen effluvium: a randomized controlled study. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 35(S2), 12-20. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17245 Wu, X. (2023).

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