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Hair Loss: Causes, Treatments and How to Regain Confidence

June 21, 2023

Is it normal to lose hair?

Yes. Lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day it's completely normal. But when hair loss becomes excessive, leaving unpopulated areas or visibly thinning hair density, it's time to pay attention. Alopecia (medical name for hair loss) can affect both men and women, and can have a variety of causes.

Common Types of Hair Loss

  1. Androgenic alopecia
    • Also known as common baldness.
    • Genetic and hormonal causes.
    • It typically affects men, but also women (with a different pattern).
  2. Telogen effluvium
    • Sudden and diffuse hair loss.
    • Caused by stress, high fever, postpartum, surgery, medications, or extreme diets.
  3. Alopecia areata
    • Autoimmune disorder.
    • The immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hairless areas.
  4. Trichotillomania
    • Psychological disorder that leads to compulsive hair pulling.
  5. Loss due to external damage
    • Excessive use of heat, harsh chemicals, or very tight hairstyles.

Common Causes

  • Genetics and Hormones
  • Physical or emotional stress
  • Nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, biotin)
  • Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, contraceptives)
  • Thyroid or autoimmune diseases
  • Medications (chemotherapy, antidepressants, blood thinners)

When to see a specialist?

If you notice:

  • Circular areas without hair
  • Progressive scalp lightening
  • Sudden loss in large quantities
  • Itchy, Burning, or Reddening of the Scalp
    It is important to go to a dermatologist Or Trichologist for a proper diagnosis.

Available treatments

Medical treatments

  • Topical minoxidil (men and women)
  • Oral finasteride (only in men)
  • Vitamin supplements
  • Injected corticosteroids (in alopecia areata)
  • Hormonal therapy (in specific cases)

Aesthetic options

  • Hair mesotherapy
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
  • Low intensity hair laser
  • Micrografts or hair transplant

Lifestyle and Care

  • Eat a balanced, protein-rich diet.
  • Avoid excessive heat and aggressive products.
  • Reduce stress through exercise, meditation, or therapy
  • Sleep well and maintain good hydration.

Tips for Coping with Hair Loss

  • Don't isolate yourself or be embarrassed: it's more common than it seems.
  • Talk to a professional: not everything can be solved with miracle products.
  • Explore aesthetic alternatives if you need it: wigs, hair fibers, suitable cuts.
  • Seek emotional or psychological support if it affects your self-esteem.

Conclusion

Hair loss can profoundly impact image and self-esteem, but Are there real solutions. The most important thing is to identify the cause in time and treat it properly. The key is to act with information, without fear or shame. Recovering your hair can also be the first step in regaining your safety.

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Dr. Heriberto Barreto
Chief Medical Officer of Dzeus