Hair loss - A fine point?

In my profession I am often approached by clients experiencing some sort of hair loss. It's incredibly common, and can be very distressing for the sufferer. I am not a trichologist or a health professional and should stress that major concerns regarding hair loss should be talked through with your GP as it could be linked with medication and/or underlying health conditions.
However, Ive seen a lot and read a lot in my 16 years in this industry and here's what I know.

Hair loss comes in many forms and can have a number of causes.

Alopecia Areata - Small bald patches on the scalp and/or beard. These can occur fairly quickly. It is thought that genes may play some part, and there is also strong evidence to suggest that the condition is linked to an auto immune disorder. It can last for a period of months, to a year. In rarer cases it may not grow back at all. It can also grow back, and then after months or years, fall out again. Unfortunately very little can be done to re-grow the hair. The sufferer can have injections of cortisone in to the affected area, or the GP may prescribe oral medication for extensive hair loss, but there are no guarantees to their effectiveness. The best cause of action is to find a good hairdresser to give you a style that will best disguise it. The worst thing you can do is worry about it! Easier said than done, I know, but honestly its amazing what a good cut will hide!

Traction Alopecia - This is where hair loss is caused by the hair literally being pulled from the follicle. Generally caused by wearing hair up in tights ponytails and such but can also be caused by the prolonged wearing of hair weaves, clip in in extensions and poorly applied extensions. I have also seen this type of alopecia caused by young girls getting in fights! They always go for the hair! There are tonics available on the market that can stimulate the follicle in to active growth which helps the sufferer to grow the hair back reasonably quick, and in my experience can actually be quite effective, but expensive! The best cure is prevention. No tight up do's all the time, no dodgy extensions - get them done by a well trained professional, and no fighting ( or at least wear you hair back to do this!)

Alopecia Totalis - Total loss of hair on the scalp. Its causes are not clear but again its thought to be linked with auto immune disorders. Stress is also thought to be a factor, but just because you're stressed doesn't mean you'll get it. If you lead a stress free life (though i have never met anyone this lucky!) It doesn't mean you wont get it either! Your GP may suggest cortisone injections and oral medication, though don't bank on their effectiveness. Its an extremely distressing condition, and self perpetuating with all the stress. I would suggest that you either do a Gail Porter and embrace it, or go to a wig maker who will custom make a wig for you. Make sure you go to a good one and be prepared to spend the money - its worth it for a good quality one. Try contacting Emma at www.aspire-hair.co.uk She will help you out :-) she knows her follicles!

Telogen Alopecia/ Telogen Effluvium - The most prominent of alopecia causes. Its actually really common, and alot of sufferers may not even know they are suffering from it, they may just notice that their hair is thinner than usual, or simply not growing. You may notice an unusual amount of shedding - clogging up the shower! It can occur all over the scalp, or just in certain places. Its caused by a number of things including poor diet, stress, hormonal changes, physical trauma and medication. Generally it only last for 6 - 12 months and then will recover spontaneously, but the sufferer should eliminate any of the above causes to ensure a quick recovery. Tonics are available on the market that stimulate the follicle on to active growth and are generally effective so its worth giving them a go if you're worried about it. Its not permanent and there is no evidence to suggest you may have repeated attacks. Its more common in women than in men ( we clearly have more stress in our lives )

Male Pattern Baldness/ Female Pattern Hair Loss - Thinning tends to begin at the temples and front hair line. Its causes tend to be hereditary. So if your dad went bald, you may well too. However, all is not lost! You may skip the cycle and have a full head of hair in your 80's! Tonics such as Minoxidil are probably the most effective form of treatment but again, there are no guarantees. Its important to understand that these tonics can only do so much. If you are already bald, they can not give you a full head of hair. They can work only for as long as you are using them, once stopped hair loss will resume. It's most effective to use them at the onset of thinning. Regrowth can take 8 - 12 months.
Pills are also available that contain Finasteride, and I have seen some great results but they are often very pricey and hair loss will again resume once you stop taking them. Consult your stylist to find a great cut and colour to help disguise this hair loss too. Don't be embarrassed to speak about it, we see it ALL the time.

Whatever you do, DON'T do a Donald Trump! He only gets away with it because he's a billionaire.......









If you are experiencing unusual thinning of your hair it is important to get it checked out by your GP. Some causes, such as Thyroid problems, hormonal problems, auto immune disorders and Iron deficiencies can cause thinning and need to be diagnosed accordingly to ensure the best treatment.