Facts for Men and Women Experiencing Hair Loss
Hair plays an important role in most people's overall
appearance. Hair, teeth, and nails are all admired and emulated
as a sign of beauty in our society. Unfortunately, when we see
signs of appearance slipping, we are devastated. As men and
women, we have to realize that sometimes these things are out of
our control. Hair loss does NOT imply that we're 'slipping' or
'aging poorly.' Instead, hair loss can be caused by a hereditary
trait, a hormonal imbalance, stress, a reaction to medication,
or a symptom of sickness.
If you're concerned about your hair loss, you should
contact your family physician. He/she may suggest a blood test
and/or refer you to a dermatologist. A doctor can diagnose the
cause of your condition through blood testing, history, and
categorization.
Get the facts. The most common types of hair loss include:
Alopecia Areata: this condition is characterized by the loss of
hair, which results in hairless, round patches on the scalp. In
extreme cases, this condition may cause the complete loss of
body hair. It is commonly found in people under the age of
thirty.
Androgenetic Alopecia: this condition has been coined "pattern
baldness." It's common is men and women over the age of
forty and affects both men and women differently. Men tend to
experience a receding/thinning front hairline. In women, this
condition may result in thinning to the top of the scalp.
Typically, the front hairline is preserved.
Telogen effluvium: Also known as "resting hair loss," can be a
little trickier to diagnose as it doesn't effect one particular
area of the scalp. Men and women who experience diffuse hair
loss quite commonly experience this condition. It occurs often
after childbirth, surgery, infection, and can accompany
autoimmune diseases.
Did you know that hair products can cause hair loss? It's true.
- Men and women who wear tight ponytails and braids on a regular
basis are prone to receding hairlines and thin hair. - Use of
heavy styling products, including sprays, hairs, and gels (which
contain alcohol) weather the hair and promote breakage. - Hair
perms and dyes dry the hair and cause breakage. - Hair Loss in
hair stylists is exceptionally high as they tend to use an
excessive amount of cosmetic hair products.
Today, there's a number of treatments available to men and women
experiencing balding and/or hair loss. You name it, it's
available. Topical creams, oral medications, injections of
cortisone, scalp reductions, and hair transplants are all
accessible to the man and women who wish to change their
appearance.
Nevertheless, what works for one person may not work for
another. Consult with your physician to see which option (if
any) would suit your condition.